Pointers struggle with QB injuries

Depth at quarterback was already an issue when Van Buren starting quarterback Gary Phillips was a last-minute scratch from the lineup last week at Choctaw, Okla.

With backup quarterback Connor Brady already out after an injury against Springdale, Phillips’ injury meant the Pointers were down to third-string quarterback Jaiden Henry, who normally plays all over the field.

“That was a tough thing for Jaiden, and sort of unfair for him to be thrown in there like we had to do,” said Van Buren coach Crosby Tuck. “We just kind of had to plug him in there. He’s taken some reps at quarterback, but not a lot then all of a sudden he’s asked to play there.”

The Pointers fell 28-10 to Choctaw in their final nonconference game of the season. It was Van Buren’s first loss.

Tuck is hopeful Phillips can return next week against Siloam Springs for the 6A-West Conference opener.

“Having a bye this week really helps,” Tuck said. “We don’t think this is going to be a lingering thing, but you can never tell for sure.”

After three games, Tuck said one of the areas he was most concerned with coming into the season was the defensive box at defensive line and linebacker. The Pointers graduated a number of players who filled those spots last season. But Tuck said he has been please with how those units have performed so far.

On the injury front, besides Phillips and Brady, who is a starter at strong safety, a couple of other players are also nursing injuries including starting offensive lineman Sam Shepherd.

“He’s a little banged up from the Choctaw game,” Tuck said. “He’s knee is banged up, but we’re not sure if it’s just sore or there is more to is. He’s supposed to see a doctor about it today.”