Mind games

The biggest challenge facing Benton football coach Mitch Downey this week may not be Xs and Os.

Rather, it may be getting his team to believe it can beat Bastrop.

Bastrop is a two-time (on the field at least) defending state champion with a 42-game winning streak.

While every Benton player would tell you they think they can beat Bastrop, there's a whole lot of difference between thinking and believing.

It's going to take that belief - along with a ball-control running game and strong defense - to pull this one off.