BUFORD — The expectations remain high. They might become loftier each year, after all.
This small town’s beloved Buford Wolves have come a long way from flying under the radar in 2A or 3A. The team has made its way into national recognition for many years. Sixth-year head coach Bryant Appling rattled off three-consecutive state titles to open his tenure, and that could’ve bolstered those hopes to another level.
For some, the belief is state title appearance or bust.
“You’re in Buford, Georgia, of course you crave it,” Appling said prior to the season in regard to state championships.
Buford finds itself with a 1-1 record in the early season. The Wolves sit idle for the third week of the campaign. That probably has those who ooze green-and-gold blood itching for another date in Tom Riden Stadium.
A loss sits on the ledger. Buford nearly fell to 0-2 if it didn’t overcome a double-digit lead and have some heroics to beat 4A foe Benedictine.
If any doubters exist, and there are likely a few, let’s set the record straight.
There’s no need to panic. Buford finds itself in a good enough — dare I say perfect — spot to make its run.
With its scheduling, Buford used the same strategy as in years past. It did not schedule an out-of-state game for the 2024 season but planned to meet up with some of the best in Georgia.
The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) did without the 7A classification after the 2023 campaign to account for travel concerns for teams across the state. With that elimination, more of a fair playing field exists. For example, Buford’s first opponent, Milton, dropped to 5A after winning the 7A state title a year ago.
Keep in mind, too, Buford played Milton within three points on the road while the Eagles are ranked as the No. 1 team nationally by many outlets. Buford did so while starting a new quarterback in Dayton Raiola, introducing a new offensive line and losing plenty of talent — while having plenty return — to Division I schools.
“It doesn’t matter, man,” Appling said, echoing a sentiment given after receiving a test in scrimmage opponent Langston Hughes on Aug. 8. “Everybody from 4A to 6A is the same. On any given night, they’ve got a chance. In the longevity of a season, depth matters when it comes to injuries and things. Early in the season, any situation can happen.
“You have to find a way to win it, and it doesn’t matter what is happening.”
Buford’s 8-6A region presents some tests with a game at Mill Creek and a home test with Collins Hill, which beat powerhouses Grayson and Woodward Academy to open the season. These opening four games, however, serve as a way for the Wolves to “get punched in the mouth,” as a retired Buford coach used the famous saying.
It will not matter if Buford would have beaten Milton, if it lost to Benedictine or if it loses upcoming out-of-region games to Roswell and Douglas County. These games do not affect playoff standing or chances at a championship. They’re essentially exhibitions that count in the win-loss column, but only affect your rankings nationally and in the state of Georgia.
Each of these contests serve as prime tune-ups for when Buford faces a so-called big dog in November — starting with Mill Creek on Nov. 1. That’s no disrespect to any other region opponent, either.
It’s a philosophy that has dated back through the days of Jess Simpson and Dexter Wood leading the program. After starting the season against top 20 opponents statewide, two more loom.
Instead of worrying in the slightest, keep an eye on Buford’s improvement and where it stands upon returning home in a month.
Let’s set the record straight — Buford is fine, if not better than ever.
FEATURED PHOTO: Courtesy of David McGregor
