FOOTBALL: Cleveland vs. Benson (10/7/2011)

The Cleveland Warriors went to Marshall on Oct. 7 and played four ineffective quarters in a disappointing 36-6 loss to Benson.

Cleveland looked flat one week after its huge victory over Franklin.

Benson, on the other hand, played like a team that was hungry for a win after dropping all five of its previous games this season.

The Warriors were never in this one.Benson scored on its first and third possessions to lead 14-0 after one quarter. 

Cleveland's offense struggled to find anything that worked consistently, and the defense gave up big plays early that put the team in a hole.

Cleveland's "O" tossed up four interceptions, one on a well-covered halfback pass. A fumble spoiled one promising drive. Benson held the Warriors to 154 yards rushing and 43 yards passing. 

Brandon Riesterer scored on a 1-yard run in the second quarter for the Warriors' only score. That made the score 20-6. 

But Benson kicked a 32-yard field goal with one minute left in the half. And then, after a scoreless third quarter, the Techmen scored two touchdowns in the final five minutes to add to the margin of victory.

The Techmen finished with 155 yards rushing and 289 yards passing. That gave Benson the edge in total offense, 444 to 197.

Benson opened the game by hitting its first eight passes. The string included a 43-yarder on the second play of the game to set up one touchdown, a 42-yarder late in the first quarter for a TD and a 38-yarder early in the second quarter for another six points.

The Techmen didn't make a turnover, and the combination of big plays and errorless offense enabled them to both control the game and enjoy the comfort of having the lead. 

The Warriors weren't able to make Benson pay for its 140 yards in penalties (18). Meanwhile, Cleveland hurt itself at times with eight penalties for 90 yards.

The Warriors now must turn their focus to the Homecoming game, Thursday, Oct. 13, against Madison — and a chance to redeem themselves in another PIL 5A league matchup.