Boardman Braves Face Off-Road Challenge as League Realigns

The Boardman Braves athletic department is navigating a new landscape this season, and it’s not just the familiar terrain along the Columbia River. A major conference realignment by the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) has reshuffled the competitive deck, placing Boardman High School in a league with longer travel times and unfamiliar rivals.

“It’s a significant change for our student-athletes and our community,” said Athletic Director, Maria Flores. “We’re saying goodbye to some traditional matchups and gearing up for new challenges. The upside is exposure to different competition, but the logistics of traveling to central Oregon for weekday games are real.”

The reshuffle means volleyball spikes and soccer kicks will now echo in gyms and on fields farther from home. Parents and local boosters are already coordinating caravans and planning for extended trips to support the Braves. “Our fan base is loyal,” noted varsity football coach, Ben Carter. “We’ll have a travel squad, no doubt. But it does ask more of our families.”

Despite the miles, there’s a determined optimism in Boardman. The school is exploring streaming options for home games to keep the community connected. “This is a tight-knit town,” Flores added. “Whether it’s a bus ride to Prineville or a home game under our lights, we rally behind our kids. It’s what we do here in Boardman.”