Football Recap: Van Buren Takes Loss Despite Strong Efforts from Hayden Christenberry and Tristan Ray

Van Buren and Marion squared off in some playoff action on Friday, but Van Buren had to settle for second. They fell just short of the Patriots by a score of 32-29. The Pointers were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Patriots apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in November of 2024.

Hayden Christenberry

Rushing Yards

08/29/25 vs Alma	226
09/12/25 @ Greenbrier	194
09/26/25 vs Russellville	190
10/17/25 vs Southside	139
11/14/25 vs Marion	137
+ 6 more games

Tristan Ray and Hayden Christenberry certainly did their best on Friday to avoid the loss. Ray rushed for 91 yards and two touchdowns, while Christenberry rushed for 137 yards. Christenberry has become a key player for Van Buren: the team is 4-2 when he posts at least 100 rushing yards, but 1-4 otherwise.

Van Buren is on a four-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 5-6. As for Marion, they are on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 7-4 record this season.

Van Buren does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Marion, they will challenge Sylvan Hills at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The Patriots will need to watch out since the Bears have now posted at least 31 points in their last four games.