BUFORD — Buford's quest for a 12th consecutive semifinals berth came to an end Friday night at home with a 23-20 loss to Bainbridge in the Class 5A quarterfinals.
The Bearcats (8-5) jumped out to a 16-0 lead with 6:27 left in the first quarter and never trailed. The Wolves (10-3) gave up a safety on their first offensive possession, and a touchdown on their first defensive possession to put themselves in a hole early on.
Buford made an impressive comeback, and drove the ball down the field with under two minutes left to play, but could not convert on 4th down in Bearcat territory
“These kids are fighters,” Buford coach John Ford said. “They battle their tails off every day. I just love them.”
Buford’s senior running back Derrian Brown churned out 203 yards on 30 carries and two touchdowns in the Wolves loss. Buford ended the night with 278 yards on the ground while holding Bainbridge 217 total yards. But it still wasn't enough.
“I’m just thinking about these seniors right now,” Ford said. “I’m thinking about how much I care about them and how much they have invested. It’s a group of 37 kids that I love to death and would do anything for. Everybody would be lucky to coach a senior class like this one.”
The star of the night for Bainbridge was sophomore running back Caleb McDowell. McDowell scored all three Bearcat touchdowns, two rushing and one on a kickoff return. McDowell piled up 101 yards on 14 carries and caught two passes for 22 yards.
In the cold wet weather, neither team was able to showcase their passing game. Buford quarterback Aaron McLaughlin complete two passes for 53 yards, while Bainbridge quarterback Quayde Hawkins completed six passes for 92 yards.
Bainbridge will travel to Stockbridge Friday with a spot in the Class 5A state championship on the line.
SCORING SUMMARY
BAINBRIDGE .....16.......0.....…7……0 -- 23
BUFORD .............0…..13…….7…….0 -- 20
FIRST QUARTER
Bainbridge- Punt blocked for a safety. 2-0, 9:40
Bainbridge- 15 run McDowell, Harris kick. 9-0, 9:09
Bainbridge- 2 run by McDowell, Harris kick. 16-0, 6:27
SECOND QUARTER
Buford- 9 run by Brown, kick blocked. 6-16, 5:32
BHS- 3 run by McLaughlin, Olson kick. 13-16, 2:33
THIRD QUARTER
Bainbridge- 91 kickoff return McDowell, Harris kick. 23-13, 11:43
BHS- 64-yard run by Derrian Brown, Olson kick. 23-20, 10:40
