Mason returns to playoffs once again, begins quest for another state title

SAN ANGELO, Texas ( Concho Valley Homepage ) — Click the video above for a preview of Mason's Bi-District matchup versus Rosebud-Lott and hear from Punchers head coach Michael McLeod.

District 14-2A Division I Champion Mason begins its 2024 playoff campaign versus Rosebud-Lott in the Bi-District round. 2024 marks the Punchers' 14th straight district title, and sixth since head coach Michael McLeod took over in 2019.

Clinching a district title is not Mason's end goal. The school seeks its third state title since 2011, however the Punchers haven't reached the regional playoff round since 2020. According to McLeod, this year's teamwide talent, leadership, work ethic and ability to be coachable stand out in comparison with past years.

"I think we're more talented than we've been in the past. I think that's always a good start. When you get in the playoffs, people are going to break through the surface level of your football team and get down to some core values of what your team's built on, and our ability to overcome those things is the difference between winning and losing in the playoffs. I think this group has a little more core to them," McLeod said.

Mason begins its quest for a state title on a short week, kicking off its Bi-District round game versus Rosebud-Lott on Thursday, Nov. 14.