The Madras High School White Buffalos varsity football squad is at 1-5 through the first half of the 2026 season — a challenging stretch on the scoreboard, but one the team is grinding through as they navigate their first year in the newly realigned Greater Oregon League.
Season Results So Far
The Buffalos opened the season on September 3 against Molalla, falling 35-14. Back-to-back road losses followed — 30-6 to Phoenix on September 11 and 36-18 at Douglas on September 18 — before Madras broke through for its first win of the year on September 25 against Coquille. The team has scored 96 points through six games against 200 allowed, leaving plenty of room for improvement but also showing moments of offensive capability.
The team enters the second half of the season on a two-game losing streak and is working to rebuild momentum heading into the final regular season games that will determine playoff eligibility.
A New League, a New Challenge
This season marks Madras's first under the Oregon School Activities Association's new four-year classification and districting block, which placed the Buffalos in the Greater Oregon League for 4A competition. The placement was debated last year, with athletes, families, and coaches raising concerns about long travel distances to face opponents scattered across eastern and southern Oregon.
Those logistics are now a lived reality — and while the added travel is demanding, it's also exposing the program to a broader range of competition that many coaches believe will sharpen the team over time.
Bright Spots Across Fall Sports
While football works through a rebuilding year, other Madras fall sports programs are having strong seasons. The boys soccer team entered October at 5-2 in 4A Tri-Valley play, with recent wins over The Dalles and competitive matchups against Gladstone and other conference foes. The White Buffalos cross country teams have also been active at regional meets.
Friday night home games at Madras High School remain a community gathering point, with students, families, and residents turning out to support the Buffalos regardless of the record. The remaining schedule will give the team opportunities to finish strong and build toward the 2027 season.
Game schedules and results are updated at MaxPreps and on the OSAA website.