The Wolves of Buford High School (5-0) scored 28 unanswered points, kept the Eagles of Collin Hills (4-2) from scoring until late in the fourth quarter, on Phillip Bonacci kicked a 36-yard field goal. The Eagles had opportunities in the game to generate some offense, but the Wolves’ defense played mistake-free upfront and smothered the Eagles’ receivers, with their pursuit of the ball keeping their offense in check all game. Wolves linebacker Joshua Echols and the Buford defense set the tone from the beginning of the game, forcing Collin Hills to go 3 and out consecutive times in the game. The Wolves’ defense was coming downhill to make tackles and not allowing Wolves players to gain any extra yards.
Collin Hills quarterback Makyree Cross couldn’t get into a rhythm passing the ball, and their rushing attack was hampered because the Eagles couldn’t complete passes downfield, due to miscommunication with their receivers. Maddox Henderson tried to get the Eagles’ rushing attack going early, but Deuce Geralds fumbled the ball early in the game, leaving Collin Hills trying to figure out where their offense was going to come in this game. When Cross thought he had receivers open early in the game, Wolves defenders batted the ball down or made a play that forced an incomplete pass.
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Collins Hills defensive end Deuce Geralds wasn’t able to make an impact on offense, but he was able to disturb the Wolves’ rushing attack by being a disruptor all game. Gerald’s ability to beat Wolves’ offensive linemen off the ball and get into the face of the Wolves quarterback, forcing Railoa to make decisions with the ball faster than anticipated.
Buford Head Coach Appling found ways to use Dylan McCoy in their rushing attack, at and away from Collins Hills Geralds, who maintained defensive gap integrity, forced the Wolves’ offensive linemen to double-team block, forcing Wolves running backs in the direction of other Eagle defenders to slow down their rushing game. The Wolves made sure they put the game out of reach with the 47-yard Braylen Williams swing pass from Dayton Riaola and the Wagner two-point conversion. Dylan McCoy scored on a 1-yard rushing touchdown right before time expired, making the final score 34-3..
The Eagles will need to find a way to rebound from this regional loss and play Mills Creek next week. Buford Head Coach Appling will have the Wolves ready to play Dacula next week.