VAN BUREN -- Garrison Jensen started his first game at quarterback for Alma and looked the part.
Jensen, who saw spot action last year at quarterback but mostly played linebacker, finished 14-of-25 passing for 171 yards and 3 touchdowns at Blakemore Field. He added 16 carries for 158 yards on the ground for the Airedales.
Van Buren senior running back Walter Green scored on a 2-yard run to take the first lead of the game.
Alma (1-0) was able to bounce back on its next possession with a lengthy drive to tie it up at 7-7 with 7:48 left in the first half on a 4-yard touchdown pass from Jensen to senior wide receiver Brayden Johnson. Jensen connected with Johnson for another 4-yard slant pass to take a 14-7 lead with 2:53 left in the third quarter.
The Airedales pushed the lead to 21-7 with 9:38 left in the game when Jensen found sophomore Grayson Bailey for a 14-yard score.
Van Buren (0-1) cut Alma's lead to 21-14 with a 33-yard punt return touchdown from junior Dylan Dye with 2:07 left in the game but couldn't get any closer.