BUFORD — Buford football has not met a true challenge in weeks -- certainly not since the start of Region 8-AAAAA play.
That could all change tonight, however, as Loganville pays a visit to Tom Riden Stadium for a top 10 showdown. And the Wolves cannot wait.
(NOTE: For a look at all of Friday's contest, simply click here.)
"It's really exciting to get a really good test and kind of see where our team is and how we've developed," said Buford senior lineman Hank White. "Obviously there's a big improvement from the beginning of the season through to the end of the season, so this will be good to see going into the playoffs."
The playoffs -- and where both teams fit within the postseason structure -- is front and center in a showdown between the No. 2 Wolves and No. 9 Red Devils after each has dominated Region 8-AAAAA.
"You can call it the region championship, but the one seed that comes with it is what it's all about, and being able to hopefully host a couple of playoff games is a big deal for anybody, so there's a lot at stake for both of us on Friday night," said Buford football coach Jess Simpson.
Both teams represent worthy No. 1 seeds, as the Wolves (7-1, 4-0 Region 8-AAAAA) enter the contest having out-scored region foes 186-33. The Red Devils (7-1, 4-0) aren't far behind, having shut out three 8-AAAAA opponents and out-scoring teams by a combined 150-37.
"I think Loganville's got a great team, very talented, very well coached," SImpson said. "They're playing very well right now. They're very multiple in what they do. They're versatile in who they get the ball too; it's not a one-trick show. Those guys have got a lot of good players and know how to use them, so we expect it'll be a four quarter war."
Featuring a defense that has produced four shutouts this season and is allowing just 11.4 points per game, the Red Devils have the size up front to stop the run, as well as a multiple offense that is averaging a balanced 121.8 yards per game passing and 188.4 yards per game rushing. Running back Daryl Giles, Jr., paces Loganville's attack with 970 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns, while dual-threat quarterback Cameron Perkins-McLeod is rushing for 36 yards per game and passing for 100 yards per game and has seven TDs to just one intercepion. His top target is Shy Kim, who has 603 yards receiving and four scores. And after reeling off six straight victories it is a group that has built plenty of momentum.
Friday's test represents something altogether different, however. And the Red Devils, who are looking for the third region crown in program history, are well aware that they will take on a Wolves team looking for its 27th region title.
"They're confident in their ability, but they know it's a big challenge," said Loganville coach Mike Humphreys, who is in his second season in charge of the program after spending 11 years as an assistant. "We've stressed that fact all week. We haven't played anybody of the caliber of Buford this year -- not taking anything away from any of the other teams in our region, but the last time I checked the only team that has beaten Buford is the No. 1 team in (Class) AAAAAAA (Roswell). So our kids are confident in their ability, but they understand what the challenge is we have this week."
Following that season-opening setback against Roswell, Buford has rolled off seven straight wins, dominating most of them -- even a 38-30 win over Montgomery, Ala., school Jefferson Davis saw the Wolves leading 31-7 at the start of the fourth quarter. And coach Jess Simpson says his team has made strides -- even if it is still a long way from fulfilling its potential.
"I think we've progressed a lot. The thing is we've had so many injuries. I think on the positive side of that we really developed some depth. And we played a lot of kids, and I think we're certainly a lot better football team than we were back in August, so that's the good news," Simpson said. "I think the last few weeks really our kids have practiced really well. That's one thing we've become a much better practice team over the last five-six weeks. We've learned how to practice, and I think we've improved, and it's shown."
That is a potentially scary thought for any opponent when considering that Buford is allowing just 183 yards per game -- 76.9 on the ground -- while averaging 380.3 yards of offense per game (263.9 rushing).
Certainly Loganville knows it must avoid self-inflicted wounds in this contest
"Obviously they've got a great tradition, and the thing is they play in these types of games every year, and this is new for us," Humphreys said. "But offensively, we've got to take care of the football. We can't have turnovers and give them a short field. And then defensively, just like we stress every game, is not to give up the big play. They don't do a whole lot of tricky stuff on offense. They're going to come right at you. That's what they do, and they're very good at it. We've just got to be able to stop the run."
Anthony Grant paces Buford's ground game, rushing for 788 yards and 13 TDs; he also leads the team with 12 receptions for 147 yards and 2 TDs. Meanwhile, Derrian Brown (434 yards, 6 TDs) and Christian Turner (416, 6 TDs) are right behind. Meanwhile, quarterback Mic Roof has 812 yards passing with 5 TDs and 5 interceptions.
"I think we've played well in spurts," Simpson said. "We've talked a lot to our team about this; there's no doubt we haven't played a full four quarters. We haven't had a game where we've started fast and played great in all three phases. We've had some days where, man, we exploded for four touchdowns in a quarter or finished really well -- but really playing offense, defense, kicking game and being able to do that for four quarters... I think our best football, hopefully is still in front of us."
Friday certainly provides an opportune time to show as much.
"We haven't been at home for a few weeks now -- it feels like three-four weeks since we've played at home," Simpson said. "And it's student appreciation night, and I know there'll be a whole bunch of kids from all three of our schools here Friday. So we're just looking forward to being at home as well."
LOGANVILLE at BUFORD
- WHERE: Tom Riden Stadium, Buford
- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
- RADIO: WDUN AM 550
- LOGANVILLE (7-1, 4-0 Region 8-AAAAA): The Red Devils defeated Cedar Shoals 30-0 last week. Loganville is ranked No. 9 in Class AAAAA
- BUFORD (7-1, 4-0 Region 8-AAAAA): The Wolves defeated Walnut Grove 38-6 last week. Buford is ranked No. 2 in Class AAAAA
