Van Buren dives back in with Week 0 matchup vs. Wapello

KEOSAUQUA ? It?s been nearly two years since Van Buren has played a Friday night varsity football game. Not many will blame the Warriors for wanting to start things early.

The Warriors begin their season Friday night with a Week 0 matchup against District 6 opponent Wapello.

Thanks to scheduling difficulties last fall when Van Buren dropped its varsity schedule, Wapello scrambled to find a Week 6 opponent to fill the void. The Indians entered a two-year agreement to play GMG-Garwin, and now, with Van Buren back on the varsity slate, the only open slot is one week before most other teams kick off the season.

The Warriors will have a bye in Week 6 (Sept. 30) this year.

Friday will also be the debut of first-year Van Buren head coach Rich Wiegand, who knows his team will be fighting an uphill battle against a tough opponent.

?Wapello is always very athletic, and in years past, they?ve run a spread-style offense to utilize that,? Wiegand said. ?Good skill players, good linemen ? it will be a very stiff test.?

Wapello was a substate qualifier a year ago after finishing the regular season at 7-2, but will be looking to replace 1,000-yard rushers at both quarterback and running back. However, the Indians have plenty of playmakers coming back who saw a good deal of varsity action last year including Eric Garcia, who led the district with six receiving touchdowns.

If Wapello goes to the air, Van Buren may just do the same thing as starting quarterback Colin Weaver returns for his second-year at the helm. Weaver will have Zach Cormann at running back and a fleet of wide receivers including Zach Boyd, Mitchell Countryman and Blake Scott, among others.

The Warriors are still trying to sort things out on the line, but will hope to get the ball out of Weaver?s hands quickly and to the outside.

?It?s a huge game, and a good opportunity to start off the season and make a statement,? Wiegand said. ?I think our kids are ready to play, and we know Wapello will be ready to go.?

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

Look for the complete Van Buren football season preview in the annual Fall Sports Preview set for publication Aug. 25.