Gantt's fire sparks Wolves at right time

BUFORD -- It was bitter cold. The Wolves were leading just 7-0. Something was needed to warm things up for Buford last week after a sluggish first quarter against Southeast Whitfield in the first round of the Class AAAA playoffs.<br /> <br /> Xavier Gantt reached into his pocket and brought out the spark.<br /> <br /> "The coaches always tell us that someone needs to start the fire. I decided to start it," the 5-foot-10, 165-pound junior running back said.<br /> <br /> On consecutive possessions to open the second quarter, Gantt scored on runs of 66, 35, and 30-yards to blow the game open and the Wolves would use the second quarter explosion en route to a 63-0 win.<br /> <br /> For Buford coach Jess Simpson, Gantt's performance was just what they needed to break out of an early-game funk.<br /> <br /> "We really weren't playing all that well and to see Xavier step up and provide that spark was huge," Simpson said. "(Xavier) is just so explosive every time he touches the ball. He's a game-changer."<br /> <br /> Gantt would finish with 140 yards on just six carries but those are typical numbers on any given night for any of the multitude of running backs the Wolves use during a season. It is rare to see a Buford runner eclipse the century mark because of their sheer depth.<br /> <br /> Joshua Thomas, Evyn Cooper, Jordan Perlotte, and Gantt all share the bulk of the carries. Despite what would look like a situation that would breed jealousy, Gantt said it is a system that has served them well over the years.<br /> <br /> "We really don't worry about how many times we get the ball as individuals," Gantt said. "We just try to be ready when it's our turn. The other night I knew something needed to be done so when I went in I decided to try and get things going.<br /> <br /> "There is a lot of good competition between us but we don't get jealous. It makes us all better. We'll joke around about who will be the first one to get a touchdown but it's all in fun."<br /> <br /> Gantt is also used extensively in the defensive secondary and Simpson said he is valuable on both sides of the ball. They try not to wear him out early on.<br /> <br /> "He's an outstanding cover guy and we need him on defense for as many plays as we can," Simpson said. "With his speed and elusiveness, there's a temptation to use him on every play. But our goal is to keep everyone as fresh as possible.<br /> <br /> "We have several guys who could probably put up big rushing numbers if we featured them on every play like most teams. But that's not what we do."<br /> <br /> The Wolves will need a spark right from the beginning Friday night when they play host to Mary Persons in the second round. The Bulldogs knocked off Westover 14-0 last week in their first round game. The winner will get the Marist-Griffin winner next week in the quarterfinals.<br /> <br /> Simpson said he thinks this current group is hitting its stride at just the right time.<br /> <br /> "We started about three weeks ago really playing up to the level I expected," Simpson said. "All three phases of the game have been playing well. I like where this team is headed right now."<br /> <br /> But Simpson also knows that things will get considerably tougher in coming weeks as they advance. The long-time Buford coach said Griffin may have the best team in the state in any classification.<br /> <br /> "First of all, Mary Persons is by far the best team we've seen since the McEachern game," he said. "They don't give up much so we're going to have to find a way to score. We'll know a lot more about ourselves after Friday night.<br /> <br /> "Have you seen Griffin play? They are without a doubt the most talented team in the state. We always want to play the best teams we can but if anyone thinks we'll be a favorite against those guys, they're crazy. But, we'll be ready for whoever we play next, if we make it past Mary Persons."<br /> <br /> First things first, Mary Persons has pitched four shutouts in 2014 and has allowed just 55 total points over their its past eight games (6.8 ppg). Buford, meanwhile, is averaging a classification-best 47.6 ppg on the season. It will be a test of wills.<br /> <br /> "We don't expect to score 63 every game and Mary Persons is very tough defensively," Simpson said. "We will need everyone and everything we have to get a win."<br /> <br /> Unfortunately, Gantt may not be available against Mary Persons after suffering a minor injury in practice Monday. He is doubtful for Mary Persons and is resting in order to be ready the following week, if they advance.<br /> <br /> "It's disappointing but since it happened early in the week I have time to heal and hopefully I'll be ready for the next round," Gantt said.<br /> <br /> Someone else will have to bring the fire against Mary Persons if things start slowly this time. But Gantt said he is not worried that the sparks will be found.<br /> <br /> "There are a lot of guys that can bring it and get things going," Gantt said. "This is a very unselfish team and all we want to do is win. We'll find the fire."