5 Key Takeaways On The Van Buren High School Football Pointers: A New Era Under Coach Moe Henry
The Van Buren High School Pointers football program is charging into a new phase, marked by a fresh coaching staff and high expectations within the challenging 6A West Conference. As of today, December 19, 2025, the focus is squarely on building a consistent winner at Blakemore Field, leveraging a strong defensive foundation and the energy of their recently promoted Head Coach.
The program, known for its passionate fanbase in Van Buren, Arkansas, is looking to capitalize on recent playoff appearances and the emergence of elite talent. This article dives deep into the key developments, the new leadership, and the standout players shaping the Pointers' future on the gridiron.
The New Leadership: Head Coach Moe Henry and the 2025 Staff
A significant change has energized the Van Buren Pointers program: the promotion of Moe Henry to Head Football Coach. Henry, a respected figure within the Pointer community, stepped into the top role after serving as the team’s Defensive Coordinator since 2019. This transition signals a commitment to continuity and a defensive-minded approach to the program's identity.
- Head Coach: Moe Henry (Promoted from Defensive Coordinator)
- Role Before HC: Defensive Coordinator (since 2019)
- Offensive Coordinator: Tyler Vanhook
- Focus: Building a strong, disciplined program centered on defensive intensity and fundamental execution.
Coach Henry’s philosophy is expected to emphasize a tough, physical style of play, a characteristic often associated with successful teams in the punishing 6A West. His deep understanding of the current roster and the conference landscape provides a crucial advantage as the Pointers aim to climb the standings. The collaboration with Offensive Coordinator Tyler Vanhook will be key to developing a balanced attack that complements the defensive strength.
2025 Season Recap and Key Player Entities
The 2025 season saw the Van Buren Pointers (AR) make significant strides, battling through a rigorous schedule and securing a playoff berth. The team finished the regular season with a 4-8 overall record, demonstrating resilience in the highly competitive 6A West Conference.
A major highlight was the team’s strong finish, including a crucial victory against the Southside Mavericks on October 17, 2025, a win that underscored their ability to perform in high-pressure conference matchups. Their season concluded with a hard-fought tournament loss to Marion High School, falling just short with a final score of 29-32.
The 2025-2026 Pointers Roster: Stars to Watch
The Pointers’ success is built on the shoulders of several key athletes. The 2025 senior class provided essential leadership, but the roster is loaded with underclassmen poised for breakout seasons under Coach Henry.
- Antwon Cooper: A standout senior and team captain, Cooper earned a prestigious 6A All-State selection on December 10, 2025, cementing his legacy as one of the program's top defensive players.
- Brady Perkins & Cooper Ridenoure: Both players have been highlighted in local media coverage as crucial figures in the new era, expected to drive the team’s performance on both sides of the ball.
- Rising Talent (2025-26 Roster Entities): The future is bright with players like sophomore Beck Bodson, senior Philip Steele, junior Johnny Sayaxomphou, and a core group including Darren Mays, Weston Wilcox, Dre'non Brouwer, and Talen Jones all expected to contribute significantly.
The Gauntlet: Navigating the 6A West Conference
The Van Buren Pointers compete in one of Arkansas’s most challenging divisions, the 6A West Conference. This conference is a true gauntlet, featuring established powerhouses and perennial playoff contenders, which makes every conference game a high-stakes battle. Successfully navigating this schedule is the clearest path to a deep playoff run.
Key Conference Rivals and Top Teams (Topical Authority Entities)
To establish themselves as a top-tier program, the Pointers must consistently compete with these dominant 6A West rivals:
- Greenwood Bulldogs: Often ranked among the top teams in the state, Greenwood represents the benchmark for success in the 6A division.
- Shiloh Christian: A formidable opponent known for its consistent high-level performance and strong football tradition.
- Lake Hamilton Wolves: Another consistent threat, the Wolves always present a physical challenge to the Pointers' defense.
- Fort Smith Southside: A local rival that always generates intense matchups.
- Siloam Springs & Russellville: Key conference matchups that are essential for the Pointers to win to secure a favorable playoff seeding.
The Pointers also maintain a long-standing local rivalry with Alma High School, a game that always draws massive crowds and carries significant local bragging rights. The intensity of these rivalry games is a cornerstone of the Van Buren football experience.
Van Buren Football History and Notable Alumni
The Van Buren Pointers program has a rich history that provides a strong foundation for the current team. The tradition of excellence is evident in the records and the list of athletes who have gone on to achieve success after their time at Blakemore Field, the team’s historic home stadium.
Program Legacy and All-Time Greats
The historical records of the Pointers feature several names that are synonymous with Van Buren football greatness:
- Howard Simmons: A legendary figure who held the All-Time Leading Rusher record for the program for years, setting the standard for offensive excellence from 1989 to 1991.
- Bryce Perkins: A former Pointers Quarterback who went on to win the MVP award at the prestigious Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star Games, highlighting the program’s ability to develop elite talent.
- Quentin George: A notable alumnus from the 2010 class, George’s success as a linebacker further solidifies the Pointers' legacy of producing high-level defensive players.
This history of powerful running backs and standout defensive players sets the tone for Coach Henry’s tenure, which is expected to blend the program's traditional strengths with modern, aggressive defensive schemes. The pride in the Pointers' past serves as a powerful motivator for the current generation of athletes.
The Pointer Outlook: Building a Consistent Winner
The outlook for the Van Buren Pointers is one of cautious optimism. The 2025 season, despite its challenges, provided valuable experience and a clear vision for the future under Moe Henry. The foundation of a strong defense, coupled with the development of young offensive talent like Brady Perkins and Cooper Ridenoure, positions Van Buren for continued growth.
The team’s ability to compete in the 6A West Conference is a testament to the dedication of the players and the coaching staff. The goal is no longer just to make the playoffs, but to secure home-field advantage and compete for a conference title against rivals like Greenwood and Shiloh Christian. With a stable coaching staff and a core of returning players, the Van Buren Pointers football program is poised to make a significant impact in the coming seasons, reinforcing its status as a competitive force in Arkansas high school football.
Detail Author:
- Name : Darion Halvorson DVM
- Username : odell.kautzer
- Email : ofriesen@yahoo.com
- Birthdate : 1978-01-28
- Address : 412 Marley Burgs Mayertfurt, PA 33239-1783
- Phone : +1-913-812-0801
- Company : Williamson-Lowe
- Job : Costume Attendant
- Bio : Delectus veritatis odio natus nam ut. Quia et laudantium doloremque porro sit sequi doloremque. Et totam qui consequatur.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/satterfield1998
- username : satterfield1998
- bio : Minus minus consequatur eum aperiam. Non expedita dicta quis harum debitis.
- followers : 1856
- following : 2250
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/hardy.satterfield
- username : hardy.satterfield
- bio : Dicta voluptatem aperiam non et blanditiis. Eos enim qui saepe enim blanditiis.
- followers : 1213
- following : 2906
