Before the 2024 Salt Bowl, the communities of Benton and Bryant come together to cheer on their teams at pep rallies

Saline County, Arkansas – This Friday, the Panthers and Hornets will renew their 50-year rivalry on the War Memorial Stadium field when they compete for the 2024 Salt Bowl Championship.

The Bryant Hornets were at Everett Buick GMC, and the Benton Panthers were at Everett Infiniti. Despite being separated by an interstate, they shared the same exit, and as you can imagine, each pep rally tried to be the loudest and most patriotic for their respective teams.

Parents, community members, school bands, cheerleaders, players, and cheerleaders are showing up to support and wish their lads luck at the game on Friday.

Elias Payne, senior wide receiver for Benton, stated, “It’s definitely something to remember, definitely thankful to be playing in this game right now.”

Payne talked about how thrilled he was to be playing another Salt Bowl game at War Memorial Stadium.

Jordan Walker, the senior quarterback for Bryant, stated, “It’s been fun, especially growing up as a Bryant kid, you know, being able to watch the Salt Bowl as a kid and now getting to play in it.”
Watching their boys play, especially in the 50th anniversary Gold Standard Way game, excites parents as well.

Panther mother Regina Regland remarked, “Just watching my kid honestly, and if they win, I know they can, that would be even better.”

Then, some other parents are eager to see their children compete in the Salt Bowl Championship for the first time.

“Well, we are really excited about that, love seven wins in a row, and looking forward to eight,” Hornet parent Jim Minor stated. “We are totally thrilled to be a part of the Bryant community.”
On Friday, August 30, at 7:30 p.m., the game will begin.