Lady Wolves record three shutouts through first six games of 2026 season
BUFORD — Buford flag football has opened the 2026 season 4-2, with four shutout victories and a consolation championship at the third annual Buford Flag Football Kickoff Classic highlighting the first two weeks of play.
The Lady Wolves went 2-1 at their home tournament Sept. 26, rebounding from an opening-round loss to Carrollton with back-to-back shutouts of Archer and Decatur.
The early success follows the most accomplished season in program history. Buford won 14 games in 2025, earned its first playoff victories over Cherokee and Greater Atlanta Christian and advanced to the state quarterfinals.
Coach Sean Gilbert said this year’s team entered the season with the talent and experience to build on that run.
“We have more talent, skill and experience than we have ever had,” Gilbert said. “We have to replace highly productive seniors that led really well. Our expectation is to continue improving and playing more consistently.”
Buford opens with shutout at Chattahoochee
Buford began the season Sept. 16 with a 12-0 road win over Chattahoochee in Johns Creek.
Freshman quarterback Sophia Clark connected with Reagan Dollar for a touchdown, while Mia Mouton added a rushing score.
Clark completed 8 of 15 passes for 73 yards. Dollar finished with eight receptions for 34 yards, and Keiko Teague added three catches for 32 yards.
The defense set the tone early, intercepting four passes. Crestina Falohun, Teague, Koko Hicken and Ava Rodriguez each recorded a takeaway.
Gilbert said the Lady Wolves entered the season with a stronger understanding of how to read and respond to opposing offenses.
“Defensively, we have shown tremendous growth in understanding how to stop other offenses, anticipating what the other team is trying to do and being athletic enough to stop whatever they throw at us,” Gilbert said.
Lady Wolves split home doubleheader
Buford returned home Sept. 23 for a doubleheader against Parkview and Woodward Academy.
The Lady Wolves blanked Parkview 21-0 before falling 13-6 to Woodward Academy, moving to 2-1 ahead of the Kickoff Classic.
Buford rebounds at Kickoff Classic
Carrollton handed Buford a 31-12 loss in the opening round Sept. 26, sending the Lady Wolves into the consolation bracket.
Buford responded with two of its strongest defensive performances of the season.
The Lady Wolves shut out Archer 21-0, then defeated Decatur 25-0 in the consolation championship game.
Buford outscored Archer and Decatur 46-0 over its final two tournament games and finished the day 2-1.
Through six games, all four of Buford’s victories have come by shutout.
Gilbert said the team’s offensive depth is another strength.
“Offensively, we should be able to count on anybody at any time to make a play for us, not just a couple,” he said.
Buford returned a veteran group that includes Mouton, Teague, Dollar, Sammi Buffo, McKenna Serna and Bryaunna Appling.
Several newcomers have also taken on important roles, including Clark, Adelynne Perlotte, Rodriguez, Falohun and Bria Tatum.
The season also marks a milestone for the program. Teague and Braylen Dixon-Daniels are Buford flag football’s first four-year players, having been with the team since its inaugural season.
Gilbert said the Lady Wolves are continuing to establish an identity of their own within Buford’s athletic tradition.
“With the excellence that every other athletic program has, it pushes our athletes to expect to compete at a high level,” Gilbert said. “With that said, we are working to create our own unique identity that is focused on being a great teammate, selfless, humble, tough and poised.”
Buford returns to action tonight in Watkinsville against Oconee County at 5:30 p.m. and Lakeside at 6:30 p.m.
The Lady Wolves return home Oct. 7 to face Lambert and Berkmar before a late-October stretch that includes Milton, East Coweta, Hebron Christian and North Forsyth.
