With summer winding down and school halls filling back up, Madras High School's White Buffalos are lacing up cleats and hitting the practice fields for the start of the 2026 fall sports season.

Football, volleyball, cross country, and soccer programs are all in full swing, with the first regular season contests on the horizon. For student athletes and the community that shows up to cheer them on, it marks the return of one of Jefferson County's most beloved traditions.

Football

The Madras White Buffalos football program opens its 2026 season with expectations high after building through the offseason. The team competes in the Tri-River Conference, where physical, run-heavy Central Oregon matchups are a weekly staple. Home games at Madras High School draw some of the strongest Friday night crowds in the region.

Fans can check the full varsity schedule at madrasathletics.com for game times, locations, and opponent information.

Cross Country

The cross country program is one of Madras High's strongest, with runners logging summer miles in preparation for the fall circuit. Jefferson County's high desert terrain — including elevation-aided training routes near Madras and the Crooked River canyon — gives local runners a natural edge when they compete across the region.

Volleyball and Soccer

Both the volleyball and soccer programs are returning with experienced rosters. Volleyball typically plays a strong home schedule at the Madras High gym, while the soccer program takes the pitch for fall matches across Central Oregon.

New This Year: Girls Flag Football

Building on momentum from its launch earlier this year, the Madras High School girls flag football program is now established as a recognized OSAA activity in Oregon. Coaches say the sport is giving more female athletes the opportunity to play organized football in a growing statewide movement.

"It's been exciting to see the girls take to it," a Madras coach said when the program launched. "This is a sport that's growing fast, and we're proud to be part of it."

Supporting Your Buffalos

Madras High School athletic events are open to the community, and the school encourages fans of all ages to come out and support student athletes. Season passes and individual game tickets are available through the athletics office.

  • Schedules and scores: madrasathletics.com
  • Live streams: nfhsnetwork.com (subscription)
  • Athletic office: (541) 475-7265

The Madras Bulletin will be following all fall sports programs throughout the season. Go Buffalos!