Get ready for one of the most highly anticipated and celebrated rivalries in Arkansas high school football as the Benton Panthers host the Bryant Hornets in the 2025 Salt Bowl. This legendary matchup is set for Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7 p.m. CT at the Benton Panthers’ home stadium in Benton, Arkansas. The Salt Bowl is more than just a game; it’s a community-wide event that draws huge crowds and brings the entire area to a standstill. The Benton Panthers, playing in front of their home crowd, are determined to make a statement against their bitter rivals. The Bryant Hornets, however, are a dominant force in Arkansas football and will be looking to continue their reign. The atmosphere will be electric, with fans from both sides filling the stadium to cheer on their teams. This game is a true test of grit, skill, and heart, and it’s a must-see for anyone who loves high school football.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: High School Football
Who: Benton Panthers vs Bryant Hornets
When: Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, 7 p.m. CT (local)
Location: Benton, Arkansas (home team: Benton Panthers)
Who Will Win This Matchup?
While the Benton Panthers will have the home-field advantage and a fired-up crowd, the Bryant Hornets are the clear favorites in this matchup. Bryant has been a dominant program in Arkansas high school football for years, with a legacy of state championships and an incredible 13-0 record in the 2024 season. They consistently finish as the top-ranked team in the state, and their program has a proven track record of success against all opponents. While Benton has also had strong seasons, including a 10-2 record in 2024, they are in a different classification and have a more challenging path to victory against a team of Bryant’s caliber. The Hornets’ depth, talent, and experience in high-stakes games give them a significant edge. We predict that Bryant will continue its winning ways and secure another victory in the Salt Bowl.
Team Records and History
The Benton Panthers and Bryant Hornets share one of Arkansas’s most storied football rivalries. The Benton Panthers have a strong football tradition, consistently competing for playoff spots in the 6A classification. They have had several impressive seasons, including a 10-2 record in both 2023 and 2024, demonstrating their program’s strength and consistency. The Bryant Hornets have a more recent history of total dominance in the 7A classification. The Hornets are the state’s top-ranked team, with an ongoing state championship streak and multiple undefeated seasons. Their 13-0 record in 2024 cemented their place as a national powerhouse. The rivalry between the two teams, known as the “Salt Bowl,” is one of the most attended high school football games in the state and a testament to the passionate fan bases of both schools.
Team Recent Results
This table provides a look at the most recent results for both the Benton Panthers and the Bryant Hornets from the 2024 season.
Benton Panthers Recent Results
The Panthers are coming off a strong 2024 season that ended with a playoff victory. Here are some of their recent game scores:
| Date | Opponent | Score | Result |
| Fri, Nov 22, 2024 | vs. Lake Hamilton | W 57-14 | Win |
| Fri, Nov 15, 2024 | vs. Searcy | W 48-14 | Win |
| Fri, Nov 8, 2024 | vs. Jacksonville | W 56-20 | Win |
Bryant Hornets Recent Results
The Hornets are coming off a championship-winning 2024 season. Here are some of their most recent scores:
| Date | Opponent | Score | Result |
| Sat, Dec 7, 2024 | vs. Bentonville | W 28-23 | Win |
| Fri, Nov 29, 2024 | vs. Pulaski Academy | W 41-7 | Win |
| Fri, Nov 22, 2024 | vs. Cabot | W 45-17 | Win |
Benton Panthers Upcoming Games Schedule
After their highly anticipated Salt Bowl matchup against Bryant, the Benton Panthers will continue their 2025 season with a challenging schedule.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time (CT) |
| Fri, Aug 29 | vs. Bryant | Benton, AR | 7:00 p.m. |
| Fri, Sep 12 | @ North Little Rock | North Little Rock, AR | 7:00 p.m. |
| Fri, Sep 19 | vs. Parkview | Benton, AR | 7:00 p.m. |
| Fri, Sep 26 | @ Jonesboro | Jonesboro, AR | 7:00 p.m. |
| Fri, Oct 3 | vs. Sylvan Hills | Benton, AR | 7:00 p.m. |
Bryant Hornets Upcoming Games Schedule
The Bryant Hornets will continue their 2025 season with a demanding schedule, starting with the Salt Bowl.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time (CT) |
| Fri, Aug 29 | @ Benton | Benton, AR | 7:00 p.m. |
| Fri, Sep 5 | vs. Newton | Bryant, AR | 7:00 p.m. |
| Fri, Sep 12 | vs. Parkview | Bryant, AR | 7:00 p.m. |
| Fri, Sep 26 | @ Little Rock Central | Little Rock, AR | 7:00 p.m. |
| Fri, Oct 3 | vs. Little Rock Christian Academy | Bryant, AR | 7:00 p.m. |
