VAN BUREN — Pretenders or contenders?
That's the question Van Buren has been asking itself all off-season in the wake of its first postseason appearance since 1999. The Pointers (2-9) finished sixth in the 7A-Central last year and lost in the first round of the playoffs at Fort Smith Northside.
"We felt like if we could make the playoffs [last season], that would be realistic yet something that's worth achieving," Van Buren Coach Mike Lee said. "We did that. That's not the case this year.
"Our big deal is pretenders or contenders, which one are we?"
The offense, for certain, looks to be improved. The Pointers struggled to run the ball lastseason, but their combination of power back Connor Joyce, 5-10, 200 pounds, and the speedy Jake Thompson, 6-3, 175, gives Van Buren a pair of rushing threats.
"Jake is probably pound-forpound the best athlete on our team," Lee said. "He runs a legitimate 4.6, and there's not many of those in Van Buren."
Much of the Pointers' offensive success came in the air lastyear. Junior Tyler Spoon, 5-11, 180, who led the team with five interceptions at cornerback, has been moved to quarterback this season, where he brings a strong arm and plenty of speed. Spoon played a little at quarterback last year as a backup, throwing for 173 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
"He's a very exciting player," Lee said. "The sky's the limit for that guy."
Spoon isn't lacking for receiving options. Drew White, 6-3, 175, caught 31 passes for 432 yards last season, and Joseph Snapp, 6-2, 165, gives the Pointers another big target at wide receiver.
Guards Aaron Burns, 5-9, 245, and Michael Comstock, 6-3, 280, anchor Van Buren's offensive line.
"Last year, because of the personnel we had, we were somewhat predictable on offense," Lee said. "We were a downhill/ option team. We will be able to threaten you more ways this year."
In order to improve upon last season, the Pointers know they will have to shore up a defense that allowed 36.5 points per game last season and gave up 30 points or more eight times. Jesse Nichols, 6-0, 245, is moving from defensive end to nose tackle, and he and defensive end Brian Arnold, 5-11, 230, lead the line.
Junior Terrance Oliver, 5-9, 210, has been moved from outside linebacker to defensive end after gaining a staggering 50 pounds during the offseason.
"He's one of those guys that if he walks across a weight, he just blows up," Lee said.
Preston Parks, 5-10, 210, and Trevor Farrar, 5-11, 195, are back at inside linebacker, while Quentin George, 6-3, 220, has been moved from outside to inside linebacker.
George is a hard-hitting senior who runs a 4.62 40-yard dash and has orally committed to Tulsa. He had 48 tackles last season, including six for losses, and has been moved to the middle of the field so he can put the hurt on more opponents.
"Quentin is very physical," Lee said. "He's an impact player."
Four of Van Buren's final six games this year are at home.
The Pointers have not won more than two games in a season since 2004, but they feel they can take a step forward in 2009.
"It's a tough conference, no doubt about it," Lee said. "There's great coaching, just like there was in the West. It's just a little bit farther to go.
"There are great athletes every Friday night, but we feel like we're up to the challenge."
Van Buren Pointers
COACH Mike Lee
LAST SEASON 2-9
OFFENSE Spread
DEFENSE Odd stack
RETURNING STARTERS Offense 7, defense 5
POINTS SCORED PER GAME 17.7
POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME 36.5
OFFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH Tyler Spoon (5-11, 180, QB, Jr.), Connor Joyce (5-10, 200, RB, Sr.), Drew White (6-3, 175, WR, Jr.), Aaron Burns (5-9, 245, G, Jr.)
DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH Jesse Nichols (6-0, 245, NG, Jr.), Brian Arnold (5-11, 230, DE, Sr.), Preston Parks (5-10, 210, ILB, Jr.), Trevor Farrar 5-11, 195, ILB, Sr.)
KEEP AN EYE ON Quentin George. George, a 6-3, 220-pound linebacker who has orally committed to Tulsa, is a fierce hitter who runs a 4.62-second 40-yard dash. He played outside linebacker last season but has been shifted to the middle this year.
OFFENSIVE OUTLOOK The Pointers have more speed this season, which could result in more points. White caught 31 passes for 432 yards last season, Joyce is a power runner, and Van Buren's other primary running back, Jake Thompson, is probably the best athlete on the team, Lee said.
DEFENSIVE OUTLOOK The Pointers struggled to keep opponents out of the end zone last year, giving up at least 30 points eight times. Anchored by George, Van Buren is strong at linebacker, but the team lacks size on the line. The Pointers have the ability to contain opponents' passing games SEASON OUTLOOK If nothing else, Van Buren should benefit from having the same coach for a second consecutive season, something that hasn't often been the case in recent years.
KEY GAME Sept. 25 at Little Rock Central. The Pointers open 7A-Central play against the Tigers, whom they defeated 21-13 last season. If Van Buren wins again this year, it will be well on its way toward a return trip to the postseason.
Sports, Pages 46 on 08/30/2009