The Buford varsity football team pulled off something that they have not managed since 2014 — a perfect 10-0 regular season record after they defeated Central Gwinnett 49-7 on Friday, Nov. 4 in Lawrenceville.
Buford had an explosive first quarter to set the tone for the rest of the game. The Wolves would score three touchdowns in the first quarter with the first one coming on the opening kickoff when junior K.J. Bolden ran 98 yards for the score. James Gregory got the PAT. The next touchdown came courtesy of senior Justice Haynes rushing the ball into the end zone from 59 yards out. The PAT was good.
Buford defensive back Osiris Gilbert intercepted a pass from Central Gwinnett quarterback Dawson Allen at the 42-yard line which set up the four-yard touchdown run from Justin Baker to make the game 21-0 in favor of Buford at the end of the first quarter.
After a failed field goal attempt by Central in the second quarter, Bolden would score on the Wolves’ next possession. He caught a pass from senior Dylan Wittke and ran it 90 yards for the touchdown. Bolden amassed 191 yards against Central.
With 1:08 left in the second quarter, Allen was intercepted again but this time by Christian Butler who then ran it 45-yards into the end zone. Buford went up 35-0 going into halftime.
Buford added another touchdown by Haynes with 5:31 remaining in the third quarter after Buford linebacker Kyle Carpenter intercepted Allen giving the ball back to the Wolves. Haynes would end the night with 112 yards on five carries.
Central finally got on the board with a touchdown from Carmello Jeffrey. He ran the ball 50 yards down the left sideline. The PAT was good. The end of the third quarter saw Buford up 42-7 over Central.
Junior Kobi Blackwell got the Wolves’ final touchdown of the game in the fourth quarter. He rushed 52 yards into the end zone. The Buford defense held not allowing Central to get on the board again making the final score 49-7.
Buford will play host for the first round of the GHSA Class AAAAAAA state playoffs on Friday, Nov. 11 at Tom Riden Stadium.
FEATURED PHOTO: Buford’s Justice Haynes (left) and K.J. Bolden (right) each scored two touchdowns in the win over Central Gwinnett. Photo by Alicia Payne.
