After seven years, St. Paul football is returning to the 2A classification.
It will look a little different, however. The Buckaroos' last season in Class 2A was in 2017, playing 11-man football and finishing 10-1 overall, losing in the state semifinals. The classification has since transitioned to 9-man football and undergone various league changes. St. Paul will not be returning to the Tri-River Conference, but rather be part of a new-look Special District 2, featuring Central Linn, Jefferson, Monroe, Toledo and Waldport.
But no matter who the Buckaroos face, or what brand of football is played, the small-school powerhouse has long proven itself as perennial state playoff contenders and state championship hopefuls, winning at least 10 games or more in every full season since departing the 2A classification.
"The kids are excited to play 2A. We spoke to them last winter and they were in favor of the change," head coach Tony Smith said. "We're excited for the season and appreciate all the work by the players and coaches and all the community support from the parents and fans."
A consistent level of competition and traveling concerns were the main motivators behind St. Paul's move. It means the Buckaroos will no longer have to travel four-plus hours to Pilot Rock for a league game or share a league with a school like Enterprise over 350 miles away.
It logistically makes sense, and, fortunately for the Buckaroos, they retain a collection of talent that should provide a seamless adjustment.
Senior Grady Wolf is stepping under center this year, filling the hole left by former by all-state honorable mention selection George Pohlschneider. Senior running back and linebacker Clay Smith, an all-state second-team selection on both sides last year, should remain among the best players in the state, while third-year starter Diego Medina, an all-state honorable mention selection at defensive back, will bolster the Buckaroos' defense and provide further depth in the backfield.
And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Junior tight end and defensive end Sullivan Grott started both ways last year, adding further continuity for this season, while 6-foot-1, 230-pound linemen Cal Edwards is expected to be a force on both sides of the ball. Offensive linemen and defensive back Wyatt Smith, an all-state honorable mention selection, is expected to take a leap after starting as a freshman last year.
Others will follow Wyatt Smith's lead, with junior Hudson Wyss and sophomore Bricen Britten expected to be further developed and rank among St. Paul's key contributors. With the assortment of depth and talent the Buckaroos possess, it's easy to see why their goals remain the same, despite the change in classification and opposition.
"We don't know a lot about the league but our goal of qualifying for state will be the same," Smith said. "We have played Monroe in the past and they have great tradition and great coaches. Toledo and Central Linn have been a good programs in the past."
St. Paul opens its season at the Dufur Classic against Crane on Friday, Aug. 30.
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