Two games into the 2026 Oregon high school football season, the Madras White Buffaloes are showing signs of the grit that carried them to a 4-5 record and a third-place league finish last year — and then some.
Head coach and the Buffaloes' coaching staff have spoken openly this preseason about raising the standard at Madras High School, where football has long been a point of community pride. With returning starters in the skill positions and a deeper offensive line than in recent seasons, expectations around 5th Street and Buff Drive are running high.
Week 2 in Review
The Buffaloes played their second game of the young season Friday night, continuing a non-conference stretch before the Tri-River Conference schedule kicks into gear later this month. The team's home crowd at Ken Macy Field has shown up in numbers, reflecting broader community investment in a program looking to build on last year's strong second half.
Running backs and the defensive front have been early standouts in fall camp reports, and the offensive line — a perennial concern for smaller 4A programs — appears to have benefited from a strong summer conditioning program.
Looking Ahead
The Buffaloes face a challenging conference slate that will include matchups against familiar Tri-River rivals. Last year, Madras went 4-1 in league play — a mark that had the team on the cusp of a top-two finish. Repeating that performance, or improving on it, is the stated goal for 2026.
"These kids put in the work all summer. You can feel it on the field — there's a different energy this year," one Madras coaching staff member noted during a preseason session open to the public.
Cross-country and volleyball are also underway, with both programs holding early-season meets and matches. The MHS girls volleyball team opened league play last week against Crook County.
How to Follow the Buffaloes
Home games at Ken Macy Field begin at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students. The full schedule is posted on the Oregon School Activities Association website at osaa.org. Fans can also find scores and standings on MaxPreps under Madras White Buffaloes.
The Madras Bulletin will provide weekly game recaps throughout the fall season. Go Buffaloes.