BUFORD -- Even the upbeat and unflappable Jess Simpson wasn't sure what to expect coming into the 2010 season with regards to Buford's vaunted running game.
The Wolves coach, who preaches the principals of a stout defense to go with a punishing rushing attack as the backbones to three straight Class AA state titles, was facing an uncertain commodity with just one returning starter -- junior standout Vadal Alexander -- on the offensive line when fall practice opened. And Alexander was unavailable after contracting Guillian Barre Syndrome, a rare virus that attacks the nervous system and can be fatal.
"We lost all of our top linemen except for Vadal from last year and it was definitely an area of concern for us," Simpson said Thursday as his squad prepared to open defense of its state title Friday against Hart County at Tom Riden Stadium in the first round.
"Plus, we weren't sure what was going to happen with Vadal, so putting things together at the beginning of the year was tricky. But they worked hard in practice and then we had a scrimmage against Clarke Central, and I began to think maybe they had a chance to be pretty good."
The group was made up of backups from 2009 and a former defensive player. The lone senior, Ben Sweatt (right guard) moved over from linebacker while junior Tyler Burge (center) was coming off a knee injury. Juniors Devonte Mack (left guard), Reid Ferguson (guard and tackle), Robert Hill (guard and tackle), Brandon Cheatham (center) saw some varsity action last year and sophomore Josh Cardiello (right tackle) played on the freshman team in 2009.
"We were concerned without having Vadal, but they opened some holes against a bigger line and some really good players, and we saw the potential they had," Simpson said. "It was just whether they could jell as a group. They've done that as the season has gone on."
As a result, Buford's running game has looked as strong as ever with over 2,200 yards and 30 touchdowns in 10 games. While the average of just 220 yards a game is down from previous years, the Wolves have gotten more potent in the last few weeks averaging more than 300 yards a game and 7.2 yards per attempt.
Six different runners have rushed for more than 100 yards on the season, paced by 797 from Seon Jones. Dominique Swope also has 459 yards on the season.
"I think that just shows the consistency that this group has had over the course of the year," Simpson said. "No matter who is running the ball (the line) is doing its job."
Alexander missed the first half of the regular season as he recovered from the virus. For a month during the summer he needed a walker to help him stand up. But therapy and medication helped him recover, and he returned to full strength a month ago.
Alexander said his line mates knew people would be looking at them early and decided to not let them become an area of weakness for the team.
"We talked about things as a group and our goal was to be the hardest working group on the field," Alexander said. "We're not as big as some of the groups in the past but we pride ourselves on out-working the other team and being tougher than everyone else."
Alexander said fans haven't seen anything yet.
"I don't think we've peaked yet," he said. "We're still getting better. We're young and learning. We're getting better each game and we're ready to show what we can do.
Simpson said how good they can be or have gotten will be measured Friday night.
"They have a lot of potential. But how they're measured against some of the other units over the years will begin Friday," Simpson said. "What really shows people how good you are is what you do when things are on the line. We'll find out Friday night. And I feel confident that they will come through for us in a big way."
HART COUNTY at BUFORD
-- WHAT: Class AA football playoffs
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
-- WHERE: Tom Riden Stadium, Buford
-- HART (6-3-1, No. 4 seed Region 8-AA): Defeated Banks County 34-13 last week.
-- BUFORD (9-1, No. 1 seed Region 6-AA): Defeated Westminster 42-0 last week. The Wolves are ranked No. 2 in Class AA by the AP and coaches.
-- WINNER PLAYS: Callaway at Rockmart winner
Friday
February 7th, 2025
8:43AM
