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.”