Pointers look to build on shootout win

The Van Buren Pointers definitely want to build on Friday’s 38-0 win over Rogers Heritage. “I was hoping in the back of my mind that was what I was going to see on Friday night,” Van Buren defensive coordinator Kenneth Chick said. “I thought if we put it together and played solid football for four quarters, that’s how the game would turn out. Maybe, we can keep building on that.” The shutout was the first for a Van Buren defense since a 42-0 win over Little Rock Fair in September, 2012, a span of 63 games. It was also the first shutout of a 7A-West opponent since a 7-0 win over Fayetteville in October, 2001, a span of 119 conference games. It was also the first mercy-rule win over a conference opponent since beating Russellville, 54-14, in 2010. Friday, Trent Ball sparked the Pointers with an 83-yard interception return for a touchdown with 39 seconds left in the first half that increased Van Buren’s lead to 11-0. “That was a big-time play,” Chick said. “He had been out all week. He had rolled his ankle in practice and didn’t play the week before at Fayetteville. He was still coming back. He played really well.” It was the longest defensive touchdown for the Pointers since Freddie Thomas returned a fumble 95 yards for a third-quarter touchdown in a 25-0 win over Poteau in 1990. David Evans also had an interception when he picked off a fourth-quarter pass. Linebacker Devin Swearingen was in on 11 tackles, including eight solos and two tackles for loss. He also forced a fumble, which Landrey Wilkinson recovered. “Devin’s attitude is as good as it gets,” Chick said. “His attitude has been awesome. He was our player of the game on defense. Overall, his game was fantastic. He’s super respectful, and a great kid. He’s coachable.” Brayden Fimple had a fourth-down sack, which ended a fourth-quarter drive by Heritage in Van Buren territory. Van Buren’s defense forced four three-and-outs and held Heritage to just one third-down conversion in 12 tries. Offensively, Van Buren scored on all three third-quarter possessions and had 17 offensive plays for 236 yards of offense in the quarter to increase its lead to 31-0. “We still have a lot of things to improve on,” Van Buren head coach Casey Dick said. “We did not do anything 100 percent right. The way they played, I’m thrilled, I’m happy. This is something to build on.” Sophomore quarterback Gary Phillips sparked the offense with 194 yards on the ground, all in the second half, and two touchdowns while also throwing for 112 yards and two scores. Van Buren travels to Springdale Har-Ber on Friday night.

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POINTERS LOOK TO BUILD ON SHOOTOUT WIN

LELAND BARCLAY

Times Record | 10/19/2018

PHOTO CREDIT: Van Buren High School Athletics