High school report
In its first game with Casey Dick (above) as head coach, Van Buren ended a 14-game losing streak with a 48-33 victory at Alma on Tuesday night. It was the Pointers’ first victory over the Airedales since 2010.
Casey Dick’s first game as a high school head football coach was a successful one.
The former University of Arkansas quarterback guided Van Buren to a 48-33 victory over Alma on Tuesday night in the Battle of the Bone at Airedale Stadium in Alma.
The Pointers (1-0) snapped a 14-game losing streak dating to Oct. 7, 2016, and defeated the Airedales (0-1) for the first time since 2010.
“It was exciting to see the kids and their emotions today [Wednesday],” said Dick, who was hired in April after serving two seasons as Bentonville West’s offensive coordinator.
Senior quarterback Christian Morrow completed 21 of 32 passes for 219 yards and 1 touchdown. Sophomore Gary Phillips completed 3 of 3 passes for 75 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Junior running back Brayden Rivas rushed for 162 yards and 2 touchdowns on 20 carries, and caught 8 passes for 71 yards.
Senior wide receiver Logan Humphreys hauled in 4 passes for 71 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown pass.
Van Buren led 32-13 at halftime.
“Anytime you can have success like that, it helps your kids a lot,” Dick said. “We were comfortable with the game plan. They understand what we were asking them to do. I was happy with their effort. I was happy with how fast they played.”
Dick, who helped lead Arkansas to an upset of No. 1 LSU in 2007 in Baton Rouge, deflected credit for Tuesday’s victory.
“I honestly couldn’t care less what happened for me,” Dick said. “They hadn’t won in 600-some odd days. That’s what it’s all about.
“It was a big win for our city. A big win for our community. And a big win for our kids.”
Van Buren hosts Fort Smith Northside on Sept. 7 and Siloam Springs on Sept. 14. The Pointers open 7A-West play at Rogers on Sept. 21.