12 THE RIVER VALLEY REPORT FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 8.11.2024
Pointers hope to build on last year’ s momentum
Van Buren returns starters at key positions
LELAND BARCLAY
SPECIAL TO RIVER VALLEY DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
VAN BUREN— The Van Buren Pointers want to keep the momentum going off a playoff victory from last year.
With starters returning at key spots, it’ s very possible.
Offensively, the Pointers return a pair of 1,000-yard threats in senior running back Cameron Keller, who rushed for 1,117 yards and 15 touchdowns on 225 carries, and senior receiver Trenton Cooley, who caught 86 passes for 1,224 yards and 12 scores last year.
Up front, the Pointers return plenty of experience as well with senior tackle Ethan Hurst and sophomore center Johnny Sayaxomphou. Also returning up front is A. J. Thompson, who started eight games, and John Alexander, who started the final four games at right tackle after starting the season on the defensive line.
“ Those are the main four guys that came back as starters on the O-line,” Van Buren Coach Moe Henry said.“ We’ ve had some freshmen and some sophomores coming up.”
The Pointers also have Jacob Omengebar, who started the first few games, along with Alex Welborn, a starter on the defensive line who will see more action on offense this season. Bryson Rotert and Khywren Johnson are a pair of sophomores who are competing on the line.
Joining Cooley at receiver will be junior Austin Riggs who’ s coming off a solid summer along with Weston Wilcox, who primarily played defense but also was a key
Van Buren players take the field, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, before the first quarter of the Battle of the Bone against Alma at Blakemore Field in Van Buren.( River Valley Democrat-Gazette / Hank Layton)
weapon on offense at times with 25 catches for 275 yards and 4 scores. Jace Ponder, who is transitioning from linebacker to receiver, Toray Wilford, arguably the fastest player for the Pointers, and Carter Kelley will be counted on until Elijah Johnson, who was the second leading returning receiver with 41 catches for 379 yards and a touchdown, returns from a foot injury about the time conference play begins.
The biggest question mark on offense is junior Tristan Ray, who seems poised to take over at quarterback after a competition with Hayden Williford.
“ I think he’ s going to be our guy,” Henry said.“ We’ ve done everything but officially said‘ Tristan, you’ re the starter.’ He separated himself. If we were going into a
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Go Van Buren Pointers!