‘Remarkable’ Aledo dynasty continues with record 9th state football title
When Tim Buchanan came to Aledo in 1993, only 17 kids played football. It took the Bearcats four years to reach the playoffs, but when they went in 1996, it was a perfect match.
Aledo hasn’t missed the postseason since, a stretch of 24 years.
Now, Aledo is on top of the UIL.
Buchanan and the Bearcats set a UIL 11-man record by winning their ninth football state championship 45-42 over Fort Bend Marshall in the Class 5A Division II title game Saturday at AT&T Stadium.
“To see this community and school district do what we’ve done the last 20 years now has been remarkable,” said Buchanan, who has won six titles as head coach. “It’s a great place to live, great place to raise a family and a great place to play football.”
Most notable is the 2020 senior class, some of which has played in four state title games, winning three.
Aledo beat Calallen in 2016, lost to College Station in 2017 and beat Marshall the past two trips.
“They’ve won several state championships,” coach Buc chuckled. “They’re good kids and great football players. For this group to win the ninth for our school, it’s extremely fitting. They’ve grown up and watched it all.”
Call it a dynasty
The Bearcats first made state in 1974, but it wasn’t until 1998 that they went back and got their first ring by a score of 14-7 over Cuero at the Astrodome to win the Class 3A Division I title.
But the dynasty started in 2009 with one of the best players in Texas high school football history: Johnathan Gray.
Gray rushed for nearly 10,000 yards and 174 touchdowns during a three-year span when the Bearcats won state titles in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
“It’s an honor to be a part of history. We set the foundation, and it’s great to see the level they’ve taken it,” Gray said. “They’re much more talented than we were, and it’s a wonderful feeling to see them elevate year after year and continue to be in the same place at the end.”
Gray’s 65 TD rushes in 2011 is the most all time in state history. His 59 in 2010 is second-most. He also holds the record for career TD runs at 205 and is second in yards with 10,889.
“We started this run. They’ve grown it and made it bigger. I just sit back and enjoy the show,” he said.
Steve Wood era
Buchanan would guide Aledo to one more title in 2013, when they scored a national-record 1,023 points before moving over as the school’s athletic director.
In his place, defensive coordinator Steve Wood stepped in and didn’t miss a beat.
Aledo won in Wood’s first year of 2014, the first of three titles in five seasons.
“Nine. Isn’t that unbelievable?” Wood asked. “You have to pinch yourself when you see all the support everywhere. It’s the perfect storm and best place a guy could ever land.”
The Bearcats went 75-4 with Wood, who took on the AD role in January when Buc announced his return to the sideline.
“Everyone is a Bearcat now,” Wood said. “Says a lot about the character of the kids and community. It’s a unique place, and you can’t put a finger on any one thing.”
Golden senior class
Seniors like Jase McClellan, who has been on varsity all four years, leave the program with a 62-2 record (0.969 winning percentage). McClellan, a 4-star running back, signed his letter of intent with Alabama on Wednesday.
“It took dedication to the team and holding each other accountable, and playing your role,” said McClellan, who finishes his illustrious career with nearly 7,000 yards rushing and 122 TDs. “I’m going to miss these guys.”
Senior quarterback Jake Bishop has won two titles as a starter. That’s seven among the Bishop boys as Aledo’s starting QB. Matt Bishop won three (2009-11), and Luke Bishop won two (2013-14).
“Glad my family could come to Aledo and win some titles,” said Bishop, who ends his senior year with 3,881 yards passing and 42 TDs. “Can’t ask for a better community and group of coaches.”
This story was originally published December 21, 2019 at 8:45 PM.
