SWOOPE — The way last season ended left a sour taste in the mouths of some of the Buffalo Gap players.
The Bison were leading in the third quarter of the Class 1 state semifinals, only to give up the lead and then come up short on its final drive, losing 38-32 to Rappahannock. It was the deepest drive into the playoffs for the Bison program since 2015 and the loss still haunts Buffalo Gap.
"I feel like that was one of the worst ways you could possibly lose," said senior Caleb Deaver. "It just kind of sucked, but I just put my focus toward lifting. I don't want to let that kind of thing happen again."
Isaac Goff is gone. The all-district, all-region, all-state running back — he scored seven touchdowns and had 244 yards in Gap's win over Riverheads in the Region 1B championship game — will be hard to replace, but Buffalo Gap coach Brad Wygant is confident the returning players are up to the task of getting Gap not only back to the postseason but to the state playoffs.
"We always keep expectations really high, no matter what last season gave us, what returners we have, what new guys we have," Wygant said. "Expectations are always going to be high. That's the message we need to send kids."
Last season Gap was just 4-6 in the regular season, but it was the postseason where the Bison really came alive. Gap won three straight playoff games before falling in the semifinals.
"We were in some games in the regular season," Wygant said. "Against some really quality opponents."
Wygant said it was a junior heavy team a year ago so he's excited to see what those players do now as seniors. He's not sure the success a year ago helps players buy what he's selling. This year's team will need to see success during practices, success on offense and defense, doing all of the little things right.
"Then they start understanding what our philosophies are and how we want to obtain wins," Wygant said. "Then we get the buy-in, regardless of past success."
In addition to Goff, Buffalo Gap lost other key players, including players who blocked for Goff and helped him achieve his success. But Wygant likes the upside of the players who form this year's team.
Cooper Reed and Jaden Humphrey should be strong in the backfield for the Bison. Deaver should be a key part of the line opening holes for those two. Wygant called Deaver "a scary kid coming around the edge on lead blocking."
On the defensive side of the ball, Zane Emurian led the team in tackles from the safety position a year ago and will be counted on to help anchor the defense again. Deaver will also be a valuable part of the defense at middle linebacker. Jude Louk is also a player to watch on defense.
"We've got a whole lot," Wygant said. "The potential is really high for a lot of guys to help out."
Buffalo Gap 2026 schedule- Aug. 28 Broadway
- Sept. 4 at Bath County
- Sept. 11 at Wilson Memorial
- Sept. 18 Riverheads
- Sept. 25 at Fort Defiance
- Oct. 2 Rockbridge County
- Oct. 9 at Alleghany
- Oct. 16 Staunton
- Oct. 23 at Waynesboro
- Oct. 30 Stuarts Draft
- Nov. 6 Open
Patrick Hite is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas and tips are always welcome. Connect with Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and on Instagram @hitepatrick. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Buffalo Gap building off playoff success from a season ago
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