PATS

From page A7

Buren on Friday night, and should the Patriots win, they would travel to play Shiloh Christian in the state quarterfinals on November 22.

“Our focus right now is Van Buren, because it’s the only game that matters,” said Clark. “There’s no reason to look ahead at what might happen in two weeks, three weeks, or whatever, because if we don’t beat Van Buren then it’s over. Van Buren is very talented, their tailback and receiver are super impressive. They’ve played three quarterbacks this season, but the one who’s in now does a great job. They have big human beings in the trenches.

This will be a big challenge for us.”

Van Buren opened its 2024 season with a 37-27 victory over Alma in the “Battle for the Bone,” before earning its first conference victory over Siloam Springs (45-11) in Week 5, and the Pointers effectively punched their ticket to the playoffs two weeks late with a 42-28 victory at Fort Smith Southside.

Additionally, Van Buren has some familiarity with playing postseason games in Crittenden County. Almost one year ago to the day, Van Buren traveled almost 550 miles round-trip for a first-round playoff game at West Memphis. The Pointers rallied from an early 7-3 deficit and pulled away for a 55-32 victory at Hamilton-Schultz Field.

“So we know they won’t be bothered by a long trip because they’ve figured out how to make it a positive,” said Clark. “A lot of the guys who helped them win that game last year are still on the team this year, and they may be better. This is a confident, capable team, and we need to play well to win. That’s what the playoffs are all about.”

HOW TO WATCH

Kickoff for Friday night’s first-round playoff game is scheduled for 7 p.m., and you can watch the game for free at MarionPatriots.com, on the MPAN YouTube channel, or on the MPAN mobile app.

TICKETS

You must buy your Van Buren-Marion football tickets at GoFan.co, and tickets will not be sold at the gate. Tickets cost $8 apiece.

MST LEADS THE PLEDGE

Marion Math, Science, and Technology School will lead the Pledge of Allegiance prior to kickoff on Friday night.

VAN BUREN SERIES

Marion won the only previous meeting with Van Buren in the 2020 Class 6A quarterfinals. The 55-34 home victory pushed the Patriots into the state semifinals for just the second time in school history.

SWEET SEVEN

Marion won seven games in a regular season for just the 15th time in school history and for the fifth time in seven years.

The Pats have won seven games or more nine times since 2004, and a win on Friday would give MHS eight wins for just the ninth time ever and for the third time in four years.

6A EAST PLAYOFF GAMES

Van Buren at Marion Sheridan at Mountain Home Jonesboro at Lake Hamilton Russellville at El Dorado Greenwood, Little Rock Catholic, Benton and Shiloh Christian Academy all received first round byes.