Over the past five years, wins in Van Buren have been difficult to come by. The road in 2016 will not get easier for the Pointers as they move into the 7-A West. With several powerhouse teams in the conference, wins for Van Buren may be tough to come by. Pointers head coach Greg Werner had a difficult first for Van Buren. The Pointers went 2-8 during the 2015 season and are looking to take another step forward in the development process this season.
Greg Werner and his Pointers were in numerous ball games last year but had trouble finishing off several teams. During a three game stretch against Conway, Siloam Springs, and Russellville, the Pointers had the opportunity to win every ball game. Van Buren lost to those three by a combined total of 10 points. Finishing the job will be a focus on the 2016 season.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Pointers will be operating out of the flexbone. The Pointers’ offense will be likely led by Caleb Salisbury at the quarterback position. Salisbury has the arm to surprise the opposing defense if they should concentrate too heavily on the running game. Pointers’ fans should expect to see Kameron Collins get some time as the signal caller as well. Collins has excellent speed and is an athletic threat all over the field. Running back will be a key position for Van Buren, as it is in all flexbone offenses. Walter Green has impressive speed and should see plenty of carries for the Pointers this season.
Having six starters returning on the defensive side of the ball will have a big impact on the Pointers for the 2016 season. Defensive end Ja’Cory Taylor has the potential to be an impact player on the defensive side of the ball. Taylor has the speed needed to get to the opposing quarterback and create havoc for opposing offensive lines. Kameron Collins is another player on the defensive side of the ball that can create problems for opposing offenses. Collins has excellent speed and should be able to match up against most of the talented wide receivers in the 7-A West. The defense will face some difficult teams including Fayetteville and Bentonville, but they have the potential to contend for a playoff spot. The Pointers simply need to be able to stay close in some ball games and pull off a few upsets.