Pointers pile up points in opener

The Van Buren Pointers couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season. They scored touchdowns on their first four possessions and added a field goal on their fifth for a 32-point first half on the way to a 48-33 win over rival Alma last week. It all made for a celebratory bus ride back down Highway 64. “It was awesome just to see their face, their excitement, their emotions,” Van Buren head coach Casey Dick said. “It’s been a long time since they experienced winning a football game. Anytime you can come out and start the season off like that, it’s a big win for the program. It’s awesome to see your kids and their reactions.” Throughout, there was a lot of excitement on the Pointers’ sideline. “I was seeing a whole lot of energy,” Dick said. “I was happy and pleased with the way we played overall.” Van Buren’s quick-strike offense churned out 469 yards of offense and 33 first downs, but more importantly 48 points. It marked the most points the Pointers have scored against Alma since a 71-19 win in 1955. “We thought we had a good game plan, but even better we felt like the kids felt good about the game plan,” Dick said. “Anytime we can feel good about our own game plan and the kids feel good about the game plan, and they’re comfortable, then they can play fast and not think a lot. Same thing on defense. Those guys did a tremendous job.” Brayden Rivas rushed for 161 yards and touchdowns of seven and 13 yards behind the starting offensive line of tackles Josiah Acorn and Jackson Hurst, guards Hunter Gregory and Garrett Standifird and center Jeiden Safonov. ?(Rivas) played unbelievable,” Dick said. “He had unbelievable desire, unbelievable heart and unbelievable effort. I can’t say enough about him. Those offensive linemen up front played awesome and couldn’t be more pleased with them. We will continue to get what they give us. They played lights out.” Van Buren’s defense was certainly a big part of the win, allowing just 322 yards and 12 first downs. “All of our coaches did a fantastic job preparing the kids and getting them ready to play, and playing fast and hard, it was awesome,” Dick said. “Hats off to all of those guys in there.” Dylan Dye and Trevor Burns intercepted passes. Van Buren also had three sacks, including solos by R.J. Riley and Seth Wier while Charaun Paige and Miles Kuykendall combined for a drive-ending sack in the second quarter. Van Buren did commit three turnovers, including two on special teams. The Pointers misplayed a first-quarter punt that led to Alma needing to go just 19 yards for a touchdown that trimmed Van Buren’s lead to 7-6. Van Buren also fumbled a kickoff which led to Alma needing just nine yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown that cut Van Buren’s lead to 41-33 with 10:00 left after leading 41-13 just 6:25 earlier. “We talked about finishing the game,” Dick said. “We had an opportunity to up 35, so we have to learn to finish the game, not let up and capitalize when certain things occur.” Van Buren welcomes Northside to Dr. J.E. Blakemore Stadium at Citizens Bank Field on Friday.

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Van Buren High School Athletics

POINTERS PILE UP POINTS IN OPENER

LELAND BARCLAY

Times Record | 9/6/2018

PHOTO CREDIT: Brian D. Sanderford