CUMMING — Buford competition cheer opened the 2026 season with two top-two finishes Saturday at the North Forsyth Cheer Classic, despite a string of injuries that forced both the varsity and junior varsity squads to make late lineup changes.
The varsity Lady Wolves won the Class 7A division with a score of 101.5, while Buford’s JV team finished second in its season-opening competition.
West Forsyth placed second in the varsity division with 88 points. Host North Forsyth performed for a score only and posted a 94.
Buford coach Becca Powell said she was pleased with the way both teams handled the pressure leading into the meet.
“Varsity had a great showing this weekend,” Powell said. “You can feel so much passion in their performance.”
The Lady Wolves had to adjust quickly after a varsity athlete broke her foot the Monday before the competition. Powell moved another athlete into the open position that afternoon.
The JV squad also had to work two new athletes into its routine because of injuries over the previous two weeks.
“Both teams did not let this slow them down or hold them back,” Powell said. “The response to pressure and unexpected change did not shake them, but instead fueled their fire.”
Powell said the athletes’ response reflected the culture the program has worked to build.
“I think it also speaks to the culture of our program that we step up and rally around people when they fill in a new position,” she said. “We know we cannot do this without them.”
The North Forsyth meet was Buford’s first scored competition after both squads debuted their routines during the Friends and Family Showcase on Sept. 13 at Buford City Arena.
Buford entered the season with high expectations after finishing as the GHSA Class 7A state runner-up in 2025.
Powell said the opening result was encouraging, but she does not want the Lady Wolves to become comfortable with an early win.
“Going into this weekend, we cannot get comfortable,” she said. “People across the state saw what a great first performance we put out this early, but it does not mean we back down or take being home lightly.”
Buford returns to competition Saturday, Sept. 26, at Buford City Arena.
