Posting a 40-39 mark at a program formerly viewed as one of the Big Country’s weakest, Purvis has instilled a physical mindset into the Buffaloes that has taken them from the doldrums to respectability. 

Much of that, however, has come from the offensive side, which has built its identity around a consistent power running game Purvis has used to shorten games and limit possessions. 

With the arrival of 2018, though, Cross Plains has added solid defense to the mix — solid enough to score two shutouts in three straight wins to start the season.