After last week’s win over three-time defending Alabama Class AAAAAAA state champion Thompson, the Buford Wolves proved they are going to be contenders for a fourth consecutive state title. The relatively young and inexperienced team gained confidence from that win that they took back home to their home opener against out-of-state opponent Mallard Creek (Charlotte, N.C.) and showed why they are ranked first in Class AAAAAAA in Georgia and ranked in the top 10 nationally in several polls, including MaxPreps, Scorebook Live and High School Football America in their 56-7 win over the Mavericks
Buford set the tone for the game in the first drive of the matchup with Mallard Creek as Justin Baker rushed for four yards for the Wolves’ first touchdown.
Riding the momentum of that opening drive, Buford (2-0) would rack up an additional 35 points in the first half while the defense kept Mallard Creek scoreless on Buford’s Youth Night.
The Wolves got touchdowns on their first four possessions of the game in the first quarter. After Baker’s touchdown, Buford got touchdowns from senior quarterback Dylan Wittke, who had a 10-yard quarterback-keep for the score, Justice Haynes, who caught a 35-yard touchdown pass from Wittke, and Trelain Maddox on a 28-yard passing touchdown from Wittke to wrap up the first quarter.
Buford would add two touchdowns in the second quarter on a one-yard dash into the end zone for Haynes and a 30-yard pass from backup quarterback Tristan Gabrels to Baker. The Wolves entered halftime up 42-0 over the Mavericks with 303 yards on the offense during the first half.
During halftime, the Buford Band of Wolves debuted its songs and routine before a packed out Tom Riden Stadium. Following that performance, Buford got back to work on the field.
In the third quarter, Buford tacked on two additional touchdowns on a seven-yard rush into the end zone from Haynes and a one-yard dash by Gabrels to make the game 56-0.
The Mavericks would finally get their own touchdown with 2:21 left in the game when quarterback Justin Wheeler ran the ball a yard for the score. The game ended with Buford up 56-7 over Mallard Creek.
Junior kicker Mario Ventura was eight for eight on the extra points for the night for the Wolves.
Up next, Buford will be back at Tom Riden Stadium on Friday, Sept. 2, as the Wolves host North Cobb at 7:30 p.m. in a non-region game.
FEATURED PHOTO: Junior Trelain Maddox fights his way into the end zone after catching a 22-yard pass from Tristan Gabrels on Friday, Aug. 26, in Buford’s game against Mallard Creek (N.C.). Photo by Alicia Payne.
