ROME — Buford football's bid for an 11th straight state championship game appearance came up short in Rome on Friday.
The Wolves suffered a 45-7 defeat at the hands of Rome in a rematch of last year's Class AAAAA title showdown.
Buford hung tough for a half but could not manufacture a consistent offensive momentum against a Rome team that yielded just 120 total yards against the Wolves' normally-potent rushing attack.
Meanwhile, the hosts rolled up 514 total yards -- including 408 rushing -- as Rome continued its bid for a second straight state championship.
The Wolves (11-2) used an 8-yard touchdown run from quarterback Aaron McLaughlin to pull within 10-7 early in the second quarter -- it was all Rome from there, however, as the hosts responded with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Knox Kadum to Xavier Roberts to take a 17-7 advantage at the half. Rome scored 14 points in both the third and fourth quarters to douse any hopes of a comeback.
Buford, which still owns a state record 10 straight state championship game appearances, was forced into 10 punts. Christian Turner led Buford with 34 yards rushing on 6 carries.
Kadum paced Rome with 145 yards rushing and two scores, while also completing 7 of 13 passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns.
Buford's season is now complete.
