Arkansas Razorbacks commit Braylen Russell not playing Friday
Benton coach Brad Harris confirmed that four-star senior running back Braylen Russell will not play in the Panthers’ 6A-East conference opener at Sylvan Hills on Friday.
Russell, a University of Arkansas commit, suffered a high ankle sprain in a 35-6 loss to Bryant in the Salt Bowl rivalry game two weeks ago. Benton had a bye in Week 1 and Harris revealed Russell hasn’t practiced in two weeks. The coach said his star started off on a knee scooter and has spent the past week in a walking boot. Russell was seen at the Razorbacks’ game at War Memorial Stadium wearing the boot.
Harris said that Russell is planning to practice Monday with the intent to play in a big 6A-East home showdown next week against Little Rock Catholic.
“We are keeping [Russell] out tonight to get him ready for Catholic,” Harris said. “He is not ready to play tonight. He could play but he is not full speed, and we don’t want to do that to him. He can’t cut and move like he needs to, so we can wait another week. We feel like we can handle it this week, if we can just get him back next week.”
Russell ran for close to 80 yards and caught a passing touchdown in the loss to the rival Hornets as the Panthers trailed only 7-6 at halftime. The pain of the injury he sustained right before halftime prevented him from playing in the second half.
Russell’s backup, Chris Barnard, also endured a high ankle sprain playing in relief of Russell in that game. Barnard, a star safety, is also out for Friday's game. Harris said Barnard tried to practice Wednesday but wasn’t able to.
The coach is hopeful, he will play against Little Rock Catholic, too.
No. 3 running back Quentin Godley (5-9, 180), a junior, will start at running back Friday night. Senior Kyron Wells (5-8, 200) will also play. Harris said Godley was one of the standouts of his grade before sustaining a knee injury as a ninth-grader.
“Both of those guys are capable, they just have Braylen Russell and Chris Barnard in front of them,” Harris said.
Harris added that senior Cline Hooten will start under center for the Panthers. He and sophomore Drew Davis split time in the Salt Bowl.
“Cline will start, but Drew will play,” Harris said. “We feel good about both of them."
Sylvan Hills is 0-1 after dropping a 20-0 decision to Maumelle in Week 0.
