Buford tunes up with destruction of Elbert Co.

BUFORD -- Buford football has the kind of depth most programs could only dream of attaining.

And in Friday's season-opener just about all of that depth got a chance to play.

Nine different Wolves carried the ball in a 46-7 defeat of Elbert County at Tom Riden Stadium.

Evyn Cooper led the way for Buford, carrying six times for 93 yards and a touchdown, including a 52-yard scoring sprint. It was part of 248 yards rushing for the Wolves (1-0).

Meanwhile, quarterbacks Taylor Mitchell and Montgomery VanGorder combined to pass for 176 yards, missing on just five attempts between them -- Mitchell completing 5 of 8 for 66 yards and a score, while VanGorder hit on 5 of 7 attempts for 110 yards and a score.

Tight end Isaac Nauta proved the top target for Buford on Friday, catching three passes for 53 yards and a touchdown.

Elbert County's offense found tough sledding against a stocked Buford defense, notching just 73 first half yards and 216 for the game.

Now Buford can turn its attention to Gainesville in a showdown of defending state champs. The Red Elephants (Class AAAAA) edged the Wolves (Class AAA) last season in Buford. The two foes will face off next week at City Park.