Van Buren hoping to ground the Rockets

In week six, Van Buren is still looking for win No. 1 and its first district victory in more than two seasons.

Standing between a win and the Warriors this week is an Eddyville-Blakesburg team that has their own fish to fry in terms of a district title. The Rockets enter Friday?s contest with 3-2 overall record, but just one loss in district play that came in week three to No. 3 ranked and undefeated West Branch.

Van Buren defensive lineman Jordon Hervey and linebacker Kelby McClaran will try to contain a versatile offense that leans heavily on Class 2A 110-meter high hurdle state champion Jacob Batterson. The senior has already racked up 13 touchdowns through five games and is paired with quarterback Logan Alexander in the Rocket backfield. Alexander has scored two rushing touchdowns of his own and thrown for six more with a 58 percent completion percentage on the season. Batterson has caught two of those touchdown tosses and is hauling in passes at an average of 21 yards per catch.

Friday?s game is slated for 7 p.m in Keosauqua.