“ GOING ALL IN”
BUFFALOES LOOK TO CONTINUE WINNING WAYS OF LATE
By Alex Havardansky
The journey for the Lone Oak Buffaloes since head coach Logan Turner took over in 2021 has been one of steady progression and continued success.
The team finished just 2-8 in 2021 with an 0-6 district record and has gradually improved in the five seasons after that. In both 2024 and 2025 the team finished 7-4 and moved their way up the district standings from fourth place to third.
Turner has a unique history in Lone Oak, his father coached the Buffaloes from 1997 until 2000 and Turner said that in large part because of this coaching has always been what he wanted to do. The coach also understands the importance Lone Oak football has had in the community throughout the decades.
“ Friday night football is important to our kids, it’ s important to those who have grown up in the community,” Turner said.“ It’ s a chance to go out and represent the community which is something that other communities are starting to lose, but not in Lone Oak.”
After finishing his playing career in 2012 at Hardin Simmons University, Turner got into coaching which eventually led him to the position he is in today.
Turner has different themes he creates for his teams going into each season and this year that theme is“ all in.” That means more than just trying to have the most successful season possible though, Turner described it as a mentality of commitment that he wants all members of the team to carry throughout the course of the season.
All in means embracing that“ no role is too small,” according to Turner. Whether you’ ve been a four year varsity starter or you’ re a backup on stand by for a potential injury or substitution, everyone is important on the team and must be bought in to succeed.
As always, there will be challenges heading into the season with uncertainties at certain positions and roster turnover.
“ One of the unique things about high school football is we don’ t pick our kids, we get who we get,” Turner said.“ From an x’ s and o’ s standpoint to our culture it’ s important to meet those kids where they are and adapt to that.”
The team graduated 19 seniors last season and Turner said that some players on the roster are going to have to“ grow up in a hurry.” However, they will also have some key veteran pieces returning to the team going into 2026.
One of the biggest stories for the team’ s offense this season will be the return of running back Daniel Barahona. Barahona was having a breakout season for the Buffaloes with 653 yards rushing and six touchdowns in six games before tearing his ACL, ending his season prematurely.
Barahona will be going into his senior season this year and look to lead the charge in the backfield once again.
Another player to watch this season for the Buffaloes will be rising sophomore Colt Bowman. Bowman made a statement in his first season with the team being named the defensive new comer of the year for District 8-3A. The defensive end finished the 2025 season with 54 tackles, seven tackles for loss, a sack and three fumble recoveries.
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