Van Buren Pointers practicing new look

The Van Buren Pointers definitely had a new offensive look as they wrapped up spring football drills with their annual Green-and-White scrimmage. “We’re much different,” Van Buren head coach Greg Werner said. “We’ve changed it completely. We felt like we had to. We like it. It’s been good for us. I think it can showcase the kids we have a little bit better.” The Pointers are back in a shotgun one-back Spread offense rather than the three-back option rushing attack. “It’s not because we were in a bad offense or that we were doing things bad, I just felt like for what we needed at this time we needed something different,” Werner said. “I feel more comfortable with what we’re doing now.” Senior Caleb Salisbury and junior Christian Morrow operated the offense in the scrimmage at quarterback. “They are very good,” Werner said. “They’ve come a million miles. There are two totally different kids. They’ve put in a lot of work. We’re excited because they’re two great options there.” Salisbury also played receiver at times when Morrow was at quarterback, and the two-teamed up for a 50-yard touchdown pass when Salisbury made a one-hand grab in stride. “We’ve already told them that they’re not going to be standing on the sideline,” Werner said. “If they’re not playing quarterback, they need to be on the field somewhere.” The two earned recognition on the play with the Playmaker Belt, something new the coaching staff awards for an outstanding play. “It’s a Playmaker Belt,” Werner said. “Anytime we see somebody make a play, it signifies somebody’s got to make a play. We’ve made rules. You can’t have a picture made with it without winning it. The kids have really gotten into it.” Running back Ethan Harris was the first to earn the belt in the scrimmage with a bulling run. “The first time Ethan won it, we had third-and-five, and he broke tackles and got a first down,” Werner said. “It’s about making plays. That’s the kind of plays we need to be successful.” Josue Recinos was also recognized with the belt for a 42-yard field goal late in the scrimmage. Isaac Nason was awarded the belt for a defensive play. Also in the scrimmage, Dillon Mayton had a 44-yard touchdown run, and Devin Wright capped Van Buren’s opening drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. One running back who only received a few snaps was Walter Green, who led the 7A-West in rushing during the regular season last year. Green only played two series simply for safety reasons, but his explosiveness was still obvious on his three carries and two pass catches. “All you have to do is look at Walter Green and see the difference,” Werner said. “He’s power cleaning 275, squatting 450 and he’s quick as a cat. He’s a different person right now than he was last year, and you can see it out there.” Van Buren will scrimmage against Prairie Grove on August 22 before opening the season on August 29 at home against Alma.

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Van Buren High School Athletics

VAN BUREN POINTERS PRACTICING NEW LOOK

LELAND BARCLAY

Times Record | 6/4/2017

PHOTO CREDIT: Van Buren High School Athletics