For second-year Cross Plains head coach Jared Sanderson, the 2025 season was an exercise in foundation-laying. While Sanderson was promoted from Daniel Purvis’ staff after the former longtime Buffaloes coach left for Plains, he brought a number of schematic and philosophical changes to the program that he knew would take time to implement.

The Buffs, who switched from the spread to a power run-based scheme on offense and the 3-4 to a four-man front on defense, experienced some growing pains but battled through them to go 4-7 and reach the playoffs for the 10th time in 11 years.

And now that that transition year is in the rearview, the coach is hoping a talented group of returners can help Cross Plains take the next step in a difficult district that features perennial toughies Albany, Stamford and Goldthwaite, in addition to fellow playoff hopefuls Hamlin and Miles.