Buford begins quest for three-peat

BUFORD - The Buford Wolves football team hasn't lost since the 2000 season.

Don't look for that happen Friday night when the Class AA No.1-ranked Wolves play host to Blessed Trinity in the opening round of the Class AA playoffs.

Buford coach Dexter Wood says, not so fast, however.

"I think one reason we've been able to win, even against some of the lesser teams, is because we don't take people lightly," he said. "The kids have worked hard the last few years to be focused when the playoffs come around, and most of the time during the season."

Buford (10-0) has been dominating all year on both sides of the ball. The Wolves have averaged 41.3 points a game on offense, including scoring 40 or more in five straight games. The defense has been nearly impenetrable allowing just 37 points - a 3.7 average - for the season.

Wood said he doesn't think either has hit their potential.

"The offense at times has kind of relaxed and the defense gave up a couple of touchdowns I thought should'nt have happened. I think, and the kids do as well, that we can improve. The special teams definitely need to improve. That's our one weakness right now."

The Titans (5-5) are no strangers to the playoffs. They were ousted in the first round last by Wesleyan to finish at 7-4. But they have struggled at times this year. They have not beaten a single team with a winning record and were recently routed by No. 5 Decatur, 51-0.

"That game kind of got away from them but they can do some good things," Wood said. "Basically you have to go in thinking that every team that makes the playoffs is good and can beat you. If you don't have that attitude, they will beat you."

Senior running back Darius Walker has led the Buford offense with more than 1,600 yards and 32 touchdowns. If the Wolves advance to their third straight title game, Walker has a shot at breaking the Georgia single-season record for touchdowns.

"He's outstanding this year since about the fourth game. We challenged him to push himself and he has responded. He may be the best running back I have ever coached in my career," Wood said.

Senior quarterback Kyle Manley has passed for nearly 1,000 yards.