Van Buren continues gauntlet, to face Alburnett Friday

The good news is it doesn?t get much harder for the Warriors, who fell 65-14 to seventh-ranked (1A) North Cedar last week.

The bad news is it doesn?t get much easier, either, as Van Buren continues its tough climb with a matchup at home against traditional powerhouse Alburnett Friday.

Alburnett?s weapons include one of the best rushers in the state, Mitchell Harger. Last week vs. West Branch, Harger rushed for 282 yards on 22 carries and four touchdowns. On the season, Harger has amassed a ridiculous 741 yards and 11 touchdowns on 65 carries.

The Pirates also have a considerable size advantage over Van Buren with senior linemen 285-pound Zach Olinger and 255-pound Miles Porter figuring to cause problems for the Warriors in the trenches.

The Warriors will continue to focus on their passing game, and both Blake Scott and Colin Weaver may be asked to line up behind center. In relief of Weaver last week, Scott threw 11-of-25 passes and gained 56 yards on the ground for two touchdowns. Both athletes remain important to the team?s success regardless of who is quarterback, as both players can suit up at wideout, as well.

Zach Corman will again receive the bulk of the carries, and a combination of Mitchell Countryman, Austin Gire and Mitchell Bartholomew will lineup on the outside.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Keosauqua.