BUFFALO, MO - In head coach Jeff Stone's first season the Buffalo Bison went 2-8. They were in most games they played, however, losing four games by 7 points or less. This year, the Bison are hoping those close games will go their way.
HEAD COACH - Jeff Stone, 2nd Season
2011 RECORD - 2-8
RETURNING STARTERS - 3 offense, 7 defense
PLAYERS TO WATCH - Joseph Nevils (Sr. LB), Austin Flippin (Sr. LB)
It's not uncommon for a team to noticeably improve between a coach's first and second year. The Buffalo Bison are hoping that's the case for them this season in Jeff Stone's second go around. "The kids have been in the program fro a year. They all know the plays, they know what they're supposed to do," said the former Willard assistant.
The Bison bring back an experienced bunch on the defensive side of the ball as 7 starters return for 2012. The leaders of that defense will be in the linebacking core with seniors Joseph Nevils and Austin Flippin.
While the defense is pretty well set, the skill positions on the offensive side of the ball are still something of a question mark. "We have good skill position players, but they're young," said Stone. "It's going to be a learning curve for those kids."
Perhaps the biggest change in 2012 for Buffalo won't be regarding personnel or scheme, but perception. The Bison fans have begun to buy in to Stone and his program. "Last year I think a lot of people in this community believed Buffalo would be bad like always. They came out to games and saw that we were going to play and be physical, and now those same people are fired up for football season in Buffalo."
The Bison will open the 2012 season on the road at Fair Grove on August 24th.
