BUFORD -- You knew something would have to give Tuesday when Class AAA No. 8 Oconee County battled with No. 2-ranked Buford in the second round of the girls state soccer playoffs.
The Lady Wolves came in averaging over six goals a game while the Lady Warriors had allowed just two total goals during its five-game win streak.
Despite the gaudy numbers, Oconee's defense was no match for the relentless Lady Wolves' attack. Buford outshot Oconee County 28-2 for the game en route to taking a dominating 5-0 win. (Editor's note: Scroll down for a look at all of the night's results for area teams and a schedule of today's games.)
All five Buford goals came in a blitzkreig of a first half, and Lady Wolves coach Crystal Fowler said quick starts are their plan.
"We like to play fast and try to get a quick goal," Fowler said. "I thought we came out strong. That first one really picked us up."
Ceely Coker took a long chip pass down the middle from Jesse Vaverka and slipped a shot past Oconee keeper Rebecca Webb for a quick 1-0 lead just 1:25 into the game.
Buford would keep the pressure on with four corners over the next 18 minutes but Webb made several diving saves to keep the game close. But the Lady Wolves exploded over the final 20 minutes of the half.
Ann Schmidt headed in a corner pass from Tara Dambach with 20:29 left for 2-0 lead. Four minutes later Coker would get a steal and then feed Brie Smith on a pass that Smith would drill past Webb for a 3-0 lead.
Coker would connect with Elexa Bahr on a crossing pass with 8:04 left and then Smith would score her second goal of the game, blasting in a rebound from five yards out for a 5-0 lead with 1:10 left.
"I thought we did a good job of using our defense to create some opportunities," Fowler said.
The Lady Wolves dominated the first half producing seven corners and holding Oconee County (11-8-1) to just one shot on goal, which came in the final two minutes of the half.
The second half was played to a scoreless draw as both teams seemed sluggish after the up-tempo first half.
"I thought we were a little leg-weary in the second half," Fowler said. "The girls had club games and AP tests and end-of-year things. They've been on the go for about a week so that didn't surprise me."
Lane Crawford stopped both Oconee shots and the only concern for Fowler is a lack of being tested for her keeper.
"I wish she would get a few more live-action plays but she gets drilled in practice plenty so we feel good about her back there," Fowler said.
Buford (18-0) next will face Savannah Arts in the Class AAA quarterfinals on Friday in Savannah.
"Well, we would rather play at home but we'll be ready," Fowler said. "I don't know much about (them). We'll just try and play our game."
TUESDAY'S GIRLS STATE PLAYOFF SOCCER RESULTS
Class AAAAA
Pope 1, Flowery Branch 1 -- Pope wins 4-2 in penalty shootout
Class AAA
Buford 5, Oconee County 0
Woodward Academy 3, Jackson County 0
Class AA
Wesleyan 8, Jefferson 0
Greater Atlanta Christian 9, Union County 0
Westminster 10, Rabun County 0
WEDNESDAY'S BOYS STATE PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
Class AAAAA
Gainesville at Pope
Class AAAA
Northwest Whitfield at Chestatee
Johnson at Dalton
Class AAA
Oconee County at West Hall
East Hall at North Murray
Class AA
Lovett at Riverside Military
Rabun County at Calhoun
Union County at Greater Atlanta Christian
Sunday
June 15th, 2025
1:57PM
