After a summer defined by drought, smoke, and heat, Jefferson County is ready for something to cheer about. The Madras High School White Buffaloes are back on the field, court, and trails as the 2026–27 fall athletic season gets underway in earnest.
Football, girls volleyball, boys soccer, and cross country are all in action this fall, giving students and fans across the county a reason to gather and support their teams through September and into October.
Football: Tradition Under the Friday Night Lights
Few things define a Madras fall quite like White Buffalo football. The program carries deep roots in the community, and the Jefferson County Event Complex sidelines fill early on home game nights. Madras competes in the Oregon 4A classification, going up against regional rivals across the Mid-Willamette Conference.
The team has been conditioning and practicing since August, with coaches focused on developing depth and a cohesive offensive scheme heading into conference play. Home games are a community event — fans are encouraged to arrive early, as parking fills up fast.
Volleyball Looking to Build on Last Year
The Madras girls volleyball program has quietly become one of the more competitive in the region, and this year's squad returns key experience. Preseason practices have been high-energy, with coaches working on serve-receive consistency and front-row presence ahead of a tough conference schedule.
Cross Country and Soccer Round Out the Slate
Cross country athletes are logging early-morning miles across the high desert terrain around Madras — a landscape that builds both legs and lungs. The sport demands discipline, and the Buffaloes have no shortage of dedicated distance runners ready to compete across the region this fall.
Boys soccer rounds out the fall lineup, with players returning from a summer of club and recreational play.
A Summer of Youth Baseball to Build On
The fall season follows a strong summer for Jefferson County youth sports. The Jefferson County Little League's Senior Softball All-Stars team turned heads this summer, advancing to the state tournament in Hood River after winning the District 5 tournament in Prineville. That kind of success sets a tone for the county's athletic culture heading into fall.
Stay Up to Date
Schedules for all Madras High School fall sports are available through the Oregon School Activities Association at osaa.org and through the Jefferson County School District at jcsd.k12.or.us. Fans can also follow individual sport rosters and results at MaxPreps.
Go Buffaloes.