For years, Buffalo football experienced very little success.
The Bison won just five combined games from 2010 to 2015.
That’s changed with Ed Phillips in charge of the program, peaking with last year’s 9-3 season.
“We know last year was a good season for us, a great season for our community and us,” Phillips said.
Those nine wins and trip to the district championship game were powered largely by the play of quarterback Jamen Smith.
“He can run fast, he’s strong. He’s super strong,” Phillips said.
The junior used that speed and strength to run for more than 1,548 yards while throwing for another 1,032 as a sophomore.
He also added 36 total touchdowns.
“Scoring is fun and big plays are really fun,” Smith said. “Coach [said] our goal last year was to average 35 points per game, he said this year it’s 42 [per game].”
With five senior offensive linemen blocking for Jamen, the Bison have a chance to accomplish that goal.
“With this improved offensive line, I think he has a chance to just blow those numbers away,” Phillips said.
Those offensive numbers are just one half of Jamen’s impact as he also plays as one of Buffalo’s best defenders.
Plus, that’s just on the field for the quiet but confident junior.
“There were some seniors last year that were the leaders and this year as an upperclassman, I think I can take over that role,” Smith said.
Part of that role is keeping his team focused as it faces raised expectations.
“We can’t overlook any team, because there’s always a team that beat you when you should win by 20,” Smith said.
With that sort of focus and number one playing quarterback, the Bison should be able to build on last year’s success.
“We’re looking [to get] past districts this year,” Smith said.
Buffalo opens the season with a road game at Ava.
