Van Buren Countdown to Football

VAN BUREN 2023 RECORD: 3-7 overall, 2-4 Blanchard Valley Conference KEY GAME: September 20 vs. Riverdale. Van Buren and Riverdale finished with similar records last year, with the Falcons finishing 4-6 and 1-6 in BVC play. The two teams have also split the last two matchups, with the Black Knights coming away with a 14-12 win last season. Both Riverdale and Van Buren graduated their starting quarterbacks and top targets and will look to rebuild their offense. As two programs in similar situations and with newer head coaches, this should be a competitive BVC contest. INTERESTING FACT: The Black Knights have finished each of the last two seasons with a 3-7 overall record. Head coach Ethan Percer was brought on for the 2023 season, but the team recorded the exact same record as the year before. Losing starting quarterback Parker Beilharz, who threw for 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, and Elijah Mason (175 yards, 44 carries) will make it a tough task for the Black Knights in 2024. MAGIC NUMBER: 5. The number of returning offensive targets who found themselves on the BVC leaderboards last season. Senior Mason Thorla-Lopez caught 31 passes, racking up 694 yards and 8 touchdowns a year ago. Seniors Grady Mason (266 yards, 26 receptions), and Lucas Harrington (102 yards, 40 carries) return as well. Juniors Brody Scoles (297 yards, 55 carries), and Alex Homan (202 yards, 16 receptions) will also look to have expanded roles. VAN BUREN2023 3-7 2024 scheduleDate Opponent Home/AwayAug. 23 Fostoria A 30 Leipsic* HSept. 6 Pandora-Gilboa* H 13 Arlington* H 20 Riverdale* H 27 McComb* AOct. 4 Arcadia* A 11 Ada* A 18 Elmwood* H 25 Liberty-Benton* A*Blanchard Valley Conference games