Friona was a consistent power in Class 3A for many years. The drop planted the Chieftains at the top of 2A enrollment figures. That doesn't mean we have better players. But we have more bodies to work with. The lower classification has an inverse effect on the expectations surrounding a team.
Fans expect a bigger school to do better at football.
However the drop does not always mean better results on the field. In 1996 and 1997, the Dons combined to win five games and lose 15. As you go up, you see less two-way players. But your good teams are still good, no matter which class they're in. One of the drawbacks of dropping a class is a perceived lower profile.