By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Public perception seems to think Buffalo will take a step back this year, but the Bison entering Ed Phillips’ fifth season disagree.
As do the numbers.
Buffalo returns 14 total starters – nine of which are on the defensive side of the ball – setting the stage for what could be another historic season for a program that is 27-9 over the last three years, coming off its first district championship in more than a decade.
But, the 2020 class – led by All-Everything Jamen Smith – will be missed.
“It was extremely special for the 2020 team to win districts,” said Phillips. “They were freshmen when I came to Buffalo and they worked hard to earn a championship. The 2020 team believed in each other and played for one another. They were great players but more important were great young men. We will miss their personality and character.”
Opponents shouldn’t get too comfortable about Jamen Smith being gone as younger brother Jaren Smith returns for Buffalo. He finished last season with 817 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns. Defensively he added 69 tackles and three interceptions.
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Fellow senior Cameron Portis also returns after tallying 569 rushing yards and 494 receiving yards with 17 total touchdowns. He added 42 tackles and a pair of interceptions defensively as well.
“Jaren and Cameron had an excellent 2020 season,” said Phillips. “Jaren has excellent instincts and is a great athlete. Cameron is fast, strong and tough. They’ll both get more carries this season and we will count on both to lead us on and off the field.”
With Jamen Smith gone, there will be a new trigger man for Buffalo in the form of Brett Schwanke.
The junior quarterback will also take over Smith’s spot in the secondary.
“Brett is an amazing athlete,” said Phillips. “He is fast and has great instincts. He is smart and has improved every year. He is an all-state track athlete in 2021 and also has great character.”
Ryan Cristoffer is the lone returning starter on the offensive line. He will look to lead a retooled group that should include Hunter Jenkins, Connor White and Telite Sanderson.
Junior Rilye Phillips is expected to help at both receiver and in the secondary.
The defensive side of the ball is where Buffalo will hang its hat.
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Senior linebacker Logan Horn is back after totaling 117 tackles, which was a team-high. Seniors Gabe Glor and John Jenkins will return to their defensive end spots after recording 69 and 60 tackles respectively in 2020. Senior interior lineman Alex Richardson totaled 52 tackles and he’s also back to again command double teams. Senior Coltin White will also return to the defensive line.
Seniors Landon Parker and Michael McDaniel return after combining for 121 tackles last fall. Classmate Eli Potter will also return to the defensive unit.
Buffalo now must fight a change in mindset from being the hunter to the hunted.
The Bison are at the top of a conference and district and everyone has that Friday night circled on the schedule. For the program to take the next step forward and make an even deeper playoff run, Phillips believes they’ll need to continue to work on the intangibles.
“We must continue to follow our beliefs of discipline, hard work and playing for one another,” said Phillips. “Each day we continue to develop our attitude, work ethic and character. This will lead to success in 2021.”
Buffalo will jamboree at Warsaw with Skyline and Osage on Aug. 20 before opening the 2021 regular season on Aug. 27 at Ava. The Bison will play their home opener on Sep. 10 against El Dorado Springs.
