Van Buren blanked Siloam Springs 38-0 in a 6A West matchup

Published On: October 6, 2025Categories: High School, News

Van Buren 38, Siloam Springs 0

SILOAM SPRINGS — Van Buren blanked Siloam Springs 38-0 in a 6A West matchup Friday, riding quarterback Hayden Williford’s 309 yards, two touchdown passes and a 4‑yard keeper. The Pointers improved to 3-2 and 2-0; the Panthers slipped to 2-3, 0-2.

Van Buren methodically built the lead: a 13‑yard rushing score late in the first quarter, Manning Dodson’s 27‑yard field goal midway through the second, and a 22‑yard Williford strike to receiver Carter Kelley just before halftime. Williford’s keeper made it 24‑0 in the third, then he hit Philip Steele from 36 yards early in the fourth before Tristan Ray punched in a 2‑yard run. Austin Riggs hauled in five passes for 103 yards, and sophomore tailback Hayden Christenberry ran 18 times for 104 yards and a score.

Siloam Springs had bright spots. The defense forced a first‑quarter missed field goal, back/punter Mason Short ripped a fourth‑quarter run to the Van Buren 17, and Jack O’Brien snagged a deep ball to midfield in the opening period while two‑way contributor Hudson Loughridge competed on the edge. Both programs compete in Arkansas’ Class 6A; next up, Siloam Springs visits Greenwood while Van Buren resumes league play at home.

Van Buren controlled the line of scrimmage and third down while Williford distributed to multiple targets. Dodson added four PATs to his second‑quarter field goal, and the Pointers’ defense closed lanes and tackled in space. For the Panthers, special teams and perimeter play offered building blocks heading into a pivotal road week.

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter Van Buren – Hayden Christenberry 13‑yard run (Manning Dodson kick), VB 7-0.
2nd Quarter Van Buren – Manning Dodson 27‑yard FG, VB 10-0.
2nd Quarter Van Buren – Carter Kelley 22‑yard pass from Hayden Williford (Dodson kick), VB 17-0.
3rd Quarter Van Buren – Hayden Williford 4‑yard run (Dodson kick), VB 24-0.
4th Quarter Van Buren – Philip Steele 36‑yard pass from Williford (Dodson kick), VB 31-0.
4th Quarter Van Buren – Tristan Ray 2‑yard run (Dodson kick), VB 38-0.

Players Who Stood Out

Hayden Williford, QB (Van Buren) — 22/32, 309 yards, 2 TD; 4‑yd rushing TD.
Hayden Christenberry, RB (Van Buren) — 18 rush, 104 yards, TD.
Austin Riggs, WR (Van Buren) — 5 receptions, 103 yards.
Carter Kelley, WR (Van Buren) — 8 receptions, 97 yards, TD.
Mason Short, RB/P (Siloam Springs) — broke a fourth‑quarter run to the VB 17.