BUFORD — Ever in search of a challenge, even Buford coach Jess Simpson wonders if Friday’s showdown with Roswell in the Corky Kell Classic may be taking things just a bit too far.
After watching film of the Hornets -- who are coming off a Class AAAAAA state runner-up finish in 2015 and return five key players on offense and seven potential Division I players on defense -- Simpson said it was like nothing he had ever seen before on a high school team.
“Honestly, this may be the best team that Buford has ever faced in its history,” he said. “They are uber-talented. I’m not sure we’ve taken on a team as complete as they are. I just hope we haven’t bitten off a little more than we can chew.”
That said, don’t expect the Wolves, who are coming off a Class AAAA state runner-up finish of their own, to head for the woods with their tails between their legs. They are no strangers to the limelight having played in nine straight state title games.
Still, Buford is under no illusions as to the challenge ahead as it prepares for the showdown at 5:45 p.m. at McEachern High School -- a game which will be broadcast live on WDUN AM 550.
“Our guys are used to big games and this will certainly be one,” Simpson said. “But (Roswell) is bigger, quicker, and it didn’t look like there was any drop off when they substituted. It is going to be a huge challenge for us. But we like challenges.”
Buford split a home-and-home series with now-Class AAAAAAA McEachern the past two seasons and took 3-of-4 games against the Deshaun Watson-led Gainesville of 2010-13.
“Those were great teams. Not to take anything away from them, but this Roswell team is something else,” Simpson said. “By far they will be the best team we’ve played since I’ve been here.”
So how did the Wolves find themselves with such a heavyweight matchup to open the season? They kind of asked for it.
It will be their first-ever Corky Kell appearance, which comes with an outside invite. When the phone rang, Simpson answered.
“They called us to take part. When I asked what the matchup would be I didn’t hesitate,” he said. “We were flattered they asked us. They usually try to get the bigger schools so it meant something to us that they would ask. There was no chance we were going to turn them down.”
While the two programs have not played since Ronald Reagan’s first term as president, they met 14 times between 1952-83, with the Wolves winning the last matchup 34-10. However, Roswell owns an 11-3 advantage overall in the series.
Buford will be putting a big streak on the line in this one as well. The Wolves have won 17 straight season-openers. Their last loss to open a campaign was in 1998, a 30-6 loss to Lincoln County in Lincolnton when they were in Class A and Dexter Wood was the coach and Simpson an assistant.
Though both teams had some impressive numbers from 2015, personnel changes and graduation will make the 2016 editions different.
The Hornets were one of the most explosive teams in the state in 2015, averaging 41.6 points a game and scored 30 or more points 12 times, 40 or more 9 times, 50 or more 5 times, and 60 or more twice. The Buford defense, meanwhile, returns just two starters from a unit that allowed just 110 points (7.3 ppg) in 2015. Roswell, however, returns several high-profile players on offense in tight end Tyneil Hopper, three-star running back Sheldon Evans, three-star wide receiver Jayden Comma (several D-I offers), offensive tackle Jordan Tucker (three-star, Tennessee-commit), three-star athlete Corey Reed, and QB Malik Willis (three-star, Virginia Tech-commit).
Simpson said Mills, who is taking over for the graduated Quintarius Neely (3,400 yards 41 TDs, Tuskegee-signee), offered some ‘Wow,’ moments on film of the Hornets' scrimmage last week.
“On the first play he made a move and went the distance. He had some other amazing plays as well. He’s going to be a handful,” he said.
But, the Wolves return several impact players on offense as well, including Mic Roof, (1,507 yards passing, 15 TDs) and running backs Christian Turner (788 yards, 10 TDs) and Anthony Grant (743 yards, 9 TDs).
The Hornets, however, may have the most fearsome secondary in the state in cornerbacks Justus Harris and LeAnthony Williams, Jr. (four-star, Clemson), along with four-star safety Xavier McKinney. The trio combined for 15 interceptions in 2015. They also feature defensive end Koby Cumberlander (several D-I) offers.
The Wolves struggled last week in a scrimmage against Class AAAAAA Tucker and Simpson said Roswell is better across the board than the Tigers.
“We had trouble moving the ball against (Tucker’s) defense, which was as good as we’ve seen. All I can say is that Roswell’s is better than Tucker’s,” he said.
Simpson said the keys to a win did not require a rocket scientist to figure out.
“Well, getting points against them will be a huge challenge. Stopping them on offense will be a huge challenge. And, they have a tremendous kicking game,” he said. “We just need to be better in every phase of the game. If we can execute what we do and not make mistakes, we feel we always have a chance.”
Isn't that all you can ask for?
BUFORD vs. ROSWELL
-- WHEN: 5:45 p.m.
-- WHERE: McEachern High School (Corky Kell Classic)
-- RADIO: WDUN AM 550
-- BUFORD (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAAAA): Season-opener, 14-1 in 2015, Region 8-AAAA champs, Class AAAA state runner-up
-- ROSWELL (0-0, 0-0 Region 4-AAAAAAA): Season-opener, 13-2 in 2015, Region 5-AAAAAA champs, Class AAAAAA state runner-up
