Prep RedZone Arkansas Matchup Preview Van Buren Vs Russellville

Surprises in high school football are always great to discover and come across. This season one of the big surprises in the state is just how well the Van Buren Pointers are doing at this early point in the season. With the 4-0 start to the season the Pointers are setting the stage for a possible playoff appearance. As for the Russellville Cyclones, they enter the contest this week with a 2-2 record and looking to get momentum rolling into conference play. Looking first at the Pointers, Van Buren has put on display a dynamic offense over the past few weeks. On the offensive side of the ball, the Pointers have put on display over the past four weeks an offense that can score anywhere on the field. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="155329" first="Bryce" last="Perkins"] is a player that has tremendous accuracy when throwing the deep and intermediate routes. However, Perkins does not mind one bit taking off with the football to pick up yardage using his legs. The wide receiver for the Pointers that scouts, and coaches will want to keep tabs on is [player_tooltip player_id="91976" first="Malachi" last="Henry"]. Henry runs crisp routes and just has a second gear when he gets into the open, he is a playmaker. Meanwhile, on the defensive side of the ball, the Pointers have a talented defense that is not getting the recognition that it deserves. Connor Brady and Dylan Barlow both lurk in the secondary and both are solid tacklers. On the defensive line, Blake Holmes at 6-5 can present challenges for opposing quarterbacks when it comes to throwing the football. Holmes does a great job of rushing the passer and using his height to his advantage in the passing game. The defense will need to play well against a talented Cyclone’s offense on Friday night. Looking next at the host Russellville Cyclones. The Cyclones have a number of weapons on the offensive side of the ball that they can rely on this week. Gavin Graham and D.A. Reed both work effectively at the quarterback position, and both run the offense well. Graham uses his legs well, while keeping his eyes down the field. Reed has the arm strength and can take a game over with his accuracy. Meanwhile, at the running back position, Russellville can lean on Damon Donoho and Tracy Daniels to find the rushing plays and make plays in the rushing attack. At the wide receiver position [player_tooltip player_id="171123" first="Trenton" last="Stokes"] gives the Cyclones a big play threat in the passing game. From the defensive side of things for the Cyclones. Russellville has a force in Trey Traylor that can play every position on the defensive line. Traylor is quick enough to disrupt the passing game and does a great job of sniffing out the run. At the linebacker spot [player_tooltip player_id="172377" first="Ty" last="Hipps"] is all over the field for the Cyclones. Russellville has a defense that is angry after last weeks loss to Benton and are looking to bounce back in a big way against the Van Buren Pointers. This is a key matchup for both teams and getting wins this week will help set the course for both teams in the 6-A West.