VAN BUREN — Being patient has paid off for Van Buren's Dominic Galvan.

Galvan is a three-year starter at running back but didn't have a single touchdown last season. Galvan already has two after scoring a touchdown as Van Buren defeated Siloam Springs 34-33 in the 6A West opener at Citizens Bank Stadium at Blakemore Field. 

Siloam Springs had big-play capability with its quarterback Hunter Talley, who scored two rushing touchdowns and threw for three more.

Van Buren had to keep its offense on the field as much as possible and putting the ball in the hands of Galvan was part of that plan. Van Buren had two drives, one in each half, that ate up more than six minutes of the clock.

"It can't be overstated enough how important he was to our game plan tonight. Siloam had that capability to mow you down," Van Buren offensive coordinator Jon Brooks said. "We made that stop in the third quarter and then with Dominic and the rest of the offense, we were able to eat up six minutes of the clock. So we were able to mow them down."

Galvan finished with one touchdown and 93 yards on 25 carries. He has 326 yards for the season. Last season, Galvan had just 426 yards. Meanwhile, Chi Henry tied the school record as he grabbed his 17th career touchdown pass.

The Pointers defeated Siloam Springs after the defense made a big stop to keep Talley from making a two-point conversion with 5 seconds remaining.

For Galvan, he said his patience comes from putting trust in his coaches. 

"I wouldn't be able to do what I need to on the field without them," Galvan said. "They've been working with me for these three years and I like to think that I've improved. I also have to give credit to the offensive line. They did great and were able to open up some holes for us to run. Even the receivers did a great job blocking down the field."

And its all working out. Van Buren is 4-0 for the first time since 2010.

"This is a great team and group of guys," Galvan said. "They're not just hungry to prove themselves but they're also hungry to learn how to get better. We still have a lot of little things we may need to work on ... you know ... the small mistakes but there's a lot of conference left to play."