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2 PREP RALLY PLAYOFF: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018 PAUL BOYD NWA Democrat-Gazette VAN BUREN — e Van Buren Pointers are headed back to the playoffs and coach Casey Dick says senior Christian Morrow has played a vital role. "He does a good job leading our team and putting us in good situations," Dick said. "His mobility is what makes him. He's a threat to run the ball and he can throw it. "But the best thing about him is he's coachable and wants to learn. He's improved his fundamentals. He's our hardest worker and setting an example for everyone." He has 1,467 passing yards, while completing 56 percent of his passes (130 of 236). Morrow has also run for 440 yards, not to mention 121 more receiving. All told, he's accounted for 14 touchdowns, including eight passing, four rushing and two receiving. All that has come despite missing all or parts of three games with an ankle injury, too. e Pointers (4-6) are the No. 5 seed from the 7A-West, but won't have to travel far to take on Fort Smith Northside (6-4), the No. 4 from the 7A-Central today at Mayo-ompson Stadium. Morrow, who missed a big chunk of last season with a broken collarbone, has worked hard to improve his passing to become more of a dual-threat quarterback, which has made life difficult for the Pointers' opponents. Morrow credits Dick, a former quarterback at Arkansas, with helping him. ose dual-threat skills came to the forefront in a couple of Van Buren's biggest wins this season. He engineered a huge drive to retake the lead on the road against Rogers High that ultimately led to a pivotal conference win. Morrow had a 23-yard option keeper and also a 24- yard pass completion on that drive. He also moved to receiver and had two touchdown catches in the Pointers' opening-week win against Alma. His face lights up immediately when asked about his coach, who is in his first season at Van Buren. "is year it's more RPOs — run-pass option — where last year it was more grind it out," Morrow said. "is year it's more fast tempo that matches my abilities. But he's taught me a lot mechanics-wise throwing the ball, a lot of drills I've never done before. I've been able to Morrow helps Pointers back to playoffs CLASS 7A NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE/BEN GOFF @NWABENGOFF Van Buren's Christian Morrow delivers a pass in the fourth quarter against Siloam Springs on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Citizens Bank Stadium in Van Buren. Morrow has been a threat with the run or pass and has even caught some passes this season and has helped the Pointers get back to the playoffs after a long absence. Bentonville Glass Inc. SERVING NW ARKANSAS SINCE 1971 • RESIDENTIAL • AUTOMOTIVE • COMMERCIAL 507 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTONVILLE, ARKANSAS 479-273-5545