Appling hopes to bring Buford back to its roots in 2019

BUFORD — Going back to its roots is a high priority for the Buford football team in 2019. And how else better to do that than to install a key member of the Wolves' championship years.

Oh, and by the way, they needed to look no further than a few doors down from the head coaching office.

After John Ford stepped down after two mediocre seasons, by Buford standards, long-time Buford assistant, Bryant Appling, was named the Wolves next head coach following the 2018 season. Appling had been an assistant for the Wolves for the past 15 seasons, going back to the final season under Dexter Wood.

And many Wolves fans think that, perhaps, that move came two years too late.

Wolves faithful pushed for Appling after the 2016 season, following Jess Simpson’s resignation after 12 dominant seasons and seven state championships. Appling said he will bring back the hard-nosed, gritty style Wolves’ fans have come to expect over the past 25 years.

“I guess you could say we’re going to go back to the Buford Way, so to speak,” Appling said. “I think the last couple of years the focus seemed to be a little too much on the final two games of the season -- the semifinals and finals -- than on the game that week and doing all the little things necessary to get to those last two games. We’re going to go back to the Buford Way of being respectful, paying attention to detail, outworking our opponents, all those things that we had been known for all these years.

“It’s not rocket science. The teams that pay attention to detail, work hard at their craft, and be accountable for themselves are the teams that are usually the most successful. That’s going to be our focus every day in practice and during the season.”

The Wolves did post their 20th consecutive, 10-win season in 2018, but their 10-3 finish was their fewest wins in a season since going 10-2 in 1999. The two years under Ford produced just 21 wins, the lowest two-year stretch since winning just 14 total in 1998-99.

Buford’s 10-year run of finals appearances also came to an end in 2017. After winning 10 titles in a 14-year span (2001-14), the Wolves have not added a title to their trophy case since 2014. And now, after having just two coaches (Dexter Wood, Jess Simpson) over a 22-year span, they are on to their third coach (Appling) since 2016.

And with arguably the toughest non-region schedule in their history, the Wolves will know quickly just where they stand as far as getting back to an elite level.

They open the season against defending Class 7A state champ Milton in the Corky Kell Classic (Aug. 23) at CoolRay Field in what may be the marquee game in the state that day. They also close out their non-region schedule with Class 7A semifinalist Archer (Sept. 27) at home. Their first four Georgia opponents, including Class 5A Jonesboro and Class 7A Newton, all made the playoffs in 2018.

“We have a very tough schedule, especially non-region, but it is also one that will challenge our guys and help us see where we are and what we need to do,” Appling said. “I feel like if we have a good fall and find some missing pieces in some key spots we can be competitive right from the beginning.”

Even with all the changes, the Wolves should be heavy favorites to win Region 8-5A once again with the most intriguing region battle coming in the season finale (Nov. 8) at home against Clarke Central.

Despite some key graduations (Derrian Brown, Harry Miller) and transfers (Aaron McLaughlin), the offensive talent is still readily available to the Wolves coming into the 2019 season. There also are some questions, to be sure.

Senior running back Elijah Turner should get the bulk of the carries, at least early on, behind an offensive line that may not be as big as in 2018 but will surely be grounded in technique, led by senior returning starters in Alabama-commit Seth McLaughlin and Malone VanGorder. Junior Jacob Smith is expected to be a mainstay as well on the line, while juniors Matthew Alexander and Malik Cunningham will get the early nod to round out the starting five.

In the backfield, senior Javen Sadler, who battled injuries most of 2018, gives the Wolves a quick scatback and junior Gabe Ervin also should be ready to see a significant increase in carries from last season as both try to complement Turner.

Senior receivers Jamarius Isaac and Julien Lewis could be instant playmakers on an offense that will employ multiple formations as the Wolves will go back to their more traditional, pro-style power run game, mixing in the passing game to keep defenses off-balance.

The real question on offense will be at quarterback, where six guys will battle to take over for McLaughlin, who is now at Denmark. Last year’s backup, junior Jarvis Evans should be the front-runner. Evans started one game in 2018 and has a good, accurate arm, according to Appling.

Junior Amari Wansley along with sophomores Will Hartness, Ashton Daniels, and Dylan Lesko and freshman Dylan Whitke all are vying for the starting spot under center as well.

“We feel very good about the guys we have returning,” Appling said. “The line should be real good and Turner gives us experience in the backfield. I think Jamarius and Julien could have big seasons.

“Obviously the big question is at quarterback. The job is up in the air right now. We have a lot of guys we’re looking at. All of them have something they bring to the position. We’re going to give them all a chance to see what they can do. Jarvis has the most experience but we’ll see how it all plays out.”

On defense, expect the Wolves to be solid as always under Appling, who has been the long-standing defensive coordinator. The strength of the group should be in the secondary, where they could 11 deep if necessary, led by seniors T Lee (Arizona State-commit) and Jalen Huff (Georgia Tech-commit). Senior Isaac and junior Malik Williams and sophomore Ryland Ganby will give them a talented and experienced starting group. 

Senior linebackers Evan Dimaggio and Xalan Taylor and junior Thomas Beuglas all have experience and seniors Jackson Powell (leading sack guy from 2018) and Carlton Holley will anchor the line.

“The potential is still there for us. Our job is to develop the talent we have,” Appling said. “We have a lot of younger guys that we think could be very, very good players.”

Appling, however, said developing the talent and bringing out each player’s potential, along with going back to the roots that made the Wolves a state and national power, will be the focus.

“Again, we have the potential to be very good,” he said. “How the kids do the little things is what will determine how good they can be. Things like taking care of their locker room, picking up trash, not missing workouts, a practice.

“How you work on those things as a player will be how you work on your craft. Those are the things we’re looking at initially. Being respectful of those around you and the facilities and working hard every day, every week.

“Only time will tell if we can get back to where people think we should be. We’re really not as far off as some people may think. Getting back to the Buford Way and focusing on the little things is the key.”