The Benton Tigers fell to the Evangel Christian Academy Eagles 59-0 in a District 1-5A game Thursday night at Benton.
Benton, which had won two in a row, dropped to 2-5 overall and 0-5 in district. Evangel, which has won six straight, improved to 6-1 and 6-0.
The Eagles led 42-0 in the first half. The second half was played with a running clock.
Evangel had nine possessions in the game. The first eight resulted in touchdowns. The final one resulted in a field goal.
LSU commit Peyton Houston threw four touchdown passes and set up others with completions.
Benton was unable to get its running game going against a strong defensive line. The Eagles put heavy pressure on Benton quarterback Malachi Zeigler, who was often forced to throw on the run.
The Tigers had a couple of scoring opportunities in the first half.
Zeigler completed a 41-yard pass to Case Austin to the Evangel 22 and a penalty moved the ball to the 11.
The Tigers were penalized back to the 25, but Zeigler completed a 21-yard pass to Owen Patterson. On fourth-and-3 from the 4 the Eagles’ strong rush resulted in a 10-yard loss.
In the second quarter, Zeigler completed a 52-yard pass to Kam Smith to the Evangel 28. But more heavy pressure by the Eagles on fourth-and-10 ended the threat.
Evangel had to go only 4 and 30 yards for touchdowns after forcing a fumble and interception in the first half. They only had to go 5 after a punt return in the fourth
The Tigers put up a good stand after the fumble and appeared to keep the Eagles out of the end zone after an incomplete pass on fourth down from the 1. But a penalty gave Evangel another chance and the Eagles took advantage.
Benton was able to pressure on Houston at times but he was mostly able to avoid it.
Benton plays Byrd next Friday at Lee Hedges Stadium. The Yellow Jackets (1-5, 1-3) play Natchitoches Central Friday night.