Cardinals soar to Week 1 win against Van Horn

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Benton Cardinals football team start the 2026 season with a win Friday night at Sparks Field.

The Cardinals defeated Van Horn, 30-14, to open the season.

Benton scored first in this one on a short run by quarterback Boston Cook. The point after was no good, but the Cardinals took the early lead, 6-0.

Van Horn answered back later in the first with a touchdown of its own to make it, 7-6.

The Cardinals marched back down the field just a little while later and found the end zone again. Carter Rich's touchdown run made it 12-6 in the first quarter.

Benton outscored Van Horn, 18-8, the rest of the way to pick up the win, 30-14.

The Cardinals improve to 1-0 on the season and Van Horn falls to 0-1 on the season.

Benton hosts Central (0-1) next Friday in Week 2.