The Van Buren Pointers officially began preparations for the Battle of the Bone, the annual rivalry game against Alma.
The game hits the big-time this season after being named to the American Rivalry Series.
In 2004, the Great American Rivalry Series was created to celebrate this uniquely American sport and the cultural phenomenon of 'Friday Night in America.' The Great American Rivalry Series shines the spotlight on top high school football rivalries across the nation, where long-standing traditions are valued, expectations are sky high, and followers are passionate and loyal, according to the website.
"They reached out to us," Van Buren Athletic Director Drew Cone said. "I knew not many schools in Arkansas had been involved, so it's really a compliment."
The Battle of the Bone is just the sixth game in Arkansas to be selected for the game, which is sponsored in part by the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army.
"It's a cool deal," Alma Athletic Director Jerrod Burns said. "Drew talked to me and said there was a possibility for it to take place, so anything we can do to bring publicity and honor to this rivalry. This puts an official stamp on the rivalry."
Springdale versus Fort Smith Northside was the first rivalry game in Arkansas to be recognized as part of the series in 2006. The Battle of Rogers Avenue between Northside and Fort Smith Southside was selected in 2010, the Battle of the Bulldogs between Springdale and Fayetteville was selected in 2014, the Battle of Rogers Avenue again in 2016, the Battle of Highway 270 between White Hall and Sheridan was chosen in 2023, and the Salt Bowl between Bryant and Benton was featured last season.
As part of the American Rivalry Series, the winning team will be presented with the Great American Rivalry Series championship trophy, a player will be awarded as the game's Most Valuable Player and awarded a trophy and medal, a top senior student athlete from each football program will receive a scholar-athlete award, public address announcements will be made noting the school's involvement in the nationwide program, local broadcast is streamed and archived as part of the series, and the host school will receive a donation to their athletic program.
Van Buren is the host for the 79th edition of the rivalry game with Van Buren leading the all-time series by a 42-31-5 margin and winners of the last two.
In addition, the Pointers will celebrate the 80th season at their current location at Blakemore Field, named after Dr. J. E. Blakemore.
"We'll have a lot going on that night," Cone said.
The 1946 season was the first for Blakemore Field, which a... Click here to read full article
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