State of the Program: Buffalo High School

[caption id="attachment_8233" align="alignright" width="209"] Image from: <em>(Monica Herndon/Star Tribune)</em>[/caption] Since former NFL quarterback Todd Bouman took over as head coach of Buffalo high school in 2014, they have had one of the most explosive offenses in Minnesota every year. There were serious aspirations of the Bison becoming a serious contender at the 6A level when Bouman arrived. They have not yet been able to find that level of success. &nbsp; <h4><strong>Buffalo's 2017 Season</strong></h4> When coach Bouman's son Aidan took over as the full time starting quarterback in 2017 as a Sophomore, you could really see Buffalo's offense starting to come into their own. In 2017 Aidan was really able to showcase his passing skills. The Bison were one of the heaviest passing teams in the state, throwing the ball 51% of time. In 2017 Buffalo's team struggled to put it all together, by putting up a 4-4 record. Although their record didn't show it, you clearly could tell the potential was there. As a Sophomore Aidan was able to lead the state in passing yards at 2,141. This lead to an early first round exit in the state tournament. &nbsp; <h3><span style="font-size: 18pt"><strong>Buffalo's 2018 Season</strong></span></h3> In 2018 Buffalo High School finished with a 6-2 record in the regular season. Last season, the Bison were arguably the most prolific offense in the state of Minnesota. They averaged 558.7 yards of total offense per game. 385.1 were trough the air, and 173.6 were on the ground. Buffalo's ridiculous offensive numbers continued, with an astounding 49.125 points per game. Their biggest struggles came on the defensive side of the ball. They were in a shootout nearly every game, allowing 35.125 point per contest. Buffalo turned those stats into a 5th seed in the State tournament. The Bison's defense struggled to keep up with Prior Lake and they were defeated 52-42. &nbsp; <h3><span style="font-size: 18pt"><strong>The Bison's 2019 Season</strong></span></h3> In the upcoming season, Buffalo has the potential to put together their best season during Todd Bouman's tenure as head coach. The Bison will unfortunately lose their lethal duo of wide receivers from last year. Seniors Jack Munsterteiger and Treyton Welch, combined for 2,026 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2018, but I think Buffalo's roster this year has enough talent to overcome their loss. &nbsp; Talented do it all Senior Tony Dahl should be able to contribute all over the field next season. In 2018 Dahl had 316 receiving yards and four touchdowns. I could see those numbers skyrocket in 2019. Dahl also has the potential to contribute on the defensive end in the secondary next season. &nbsp; In the backfield, the Bison will be without Riley Habisch who contributed over 1500 all purpose yards and 19 touchdowns last season. They will look to replace almost all of their rushing production from last season, with a tandem of Junior Jayden Wistrom and Senior Michael Tweten. Both players did not receive many carries last season, but that may change in 2019. &nbsp; If Buffalo wants to take the next step of contending in Class 6A, their defense will need to improve dramatically. Michael Tweten was a large contributor in the secondary with a pair of interceptions last year. Senior Dustin Sarvie was a tackling machine last season at the linebacker position. Lastly Trevor Johnson led the Bison with four interceptions as a Junior, and will look to continue that success as a Senior. &nbsp; <h4><strong>The Program's Future</strong></h4> The Buffalo Bison may have lost a lot of talent from their successful 2018 season, but they will look to build on their 6-2 record from last year. Ultra-talented Iowa State commit Aidan Bouman will look to carry the Bison in 2019, but may need some help from some unexperienced players. &nbsp; It will now be Todd Bouman's seventh season at the helm as Buffalo's head coach in 2019. This year will be a critical season to find out if Bouman's system will work at the 6A level in the state of Minnesota. If Buffalo wants to have their most successful season in years, their defense will need to showcase their talent, and help easy the load for their offense.