The first meeting in football between Greene County and Benton Community is tonight in Van Horne. It carries the extra significance of being a Class 2A first round playoff game with the winner advancing from the round of 16 to the quarterfinals on Nov. 2. Tonight’s winner plays either Chariton (8-1) or West Liberty (6-3) at the home of the team highest in the Iowa High School Athletic Association’s Ratings Percentage Index (RPI).

Benton and Greene County are both 8-1 on the season. Depending on the poll, Benton is fourth or fifth, and the Rams are fourth or seventh. Coverage on KG98 begins at 6 p.m. with kickoff at 7 p.m.

Mitch Moore is head coach of the Rams. He was asked what he would like to see from Ram fans. “They’ve been tremendous all year! We’ve had five road games with this being number six and our fans have turned out and supported us in great numbers every single time, and I would expect no less tonight.” The coach may have only been half joking when he added, “Maybe some will call in sick, or take half an afternoon off to come support the Rams. They’ve been tremendous all year and I don’t think it will be any different tonight.”