BUFORD -- It’s been a while since Buford football entered a season with as much uncertainty as it does in 2015. So long, in fact, that even coach Jess Simpson couldn't recall a similar situation.
But the loss of 25 seniors and the nation’s No. 1 tight end prospect in Isaac Nauta can cause even a program working on a 40-game win streak and three straight state titles to wonder a bit.
“There’s always a little uncertainty every year but it is a little different this year,” Simpson said. “It is one of the most inexperienced groups as far as varsity playing time we’ve had in a long time. There’s a lot of talent but we’re still learning where everyone’s strengths are and where they fit best. That has been our big challenge to this point.”
The Wolves will get a big test to open the season Friday when they entertain Eastern Christian Academy out of Elkton, Md., at Tom Riden Stadium. Elkton is northeast of Baltimore near the Delaware state line.
The Honey Badgers are coming off a 3-9 season in 2014 but feature several high-profile recruits that should give Simpson and Buford more than a challenge. They lost five out-of-state road games to open the season last year so they are no stranger to long road trips in hostile environments.
Eastern Christian’s offensive line features four returning starters that average nearly 328 pounds. Buford has just one defensive lineman in that range with senior Shug Frazier, who tips the scales at just over 300. The Honey Badgers also have a talented left-handed quarterback, similar to McEachern’s Bailey Hockman, who had a big game against Buford last year.
“They are huge up front and experienced and that’s is going to be a real challenge for our guys,” Simpson said. “But these are the kinds of games we like. Our goal is always to win but we’re also just trying to improve each practice, each day, and each game. If we play Buford football, I feel we always have a chance to win.”
The Wolves will not waver from what has made them one of the state’s top programs at any level: they will try to establish the run and play tough, aggressive defense. Junior quarterback Mic Roof will get the start. He showed his ability last season in helping to rally the Wolves to a thrilling 27-20 win over Class AAAAAA McEachern in the waning moments. Senior Xavier Gantt (699 yards rushing, 10 TDs in 2014) will become the featured back.
Where they may see the biggest dropoff is at receiver. Gone are Aaron Auer, Nauta, David Curry, and Brandon Mangram, who combined for 51 receptions and 13 TDs in 2014. The rest of the of the roster had just 17 catches for three TDs.
Roof will be making his first varsity start after throwing just 11 passes in 2014, most of those coming in the McEachern game, including his one touchdown pass. But Roof won the starting job with a solid spring and summer practices.
“Mic is talented and more than capable of doing the job,” Simpson said just before fall practice began. “We feel confident with him.”
The first unit was productive last week in their only scrimmage against Class AAAAAAA South Gwinnett. They left after the third quarter with a 14-0 lead.
“Our kids played hard last week and showed they are learning what we want them to do,” Simpson said. “I thought our backfield of Martin Mangram, Anthony Grant, Christian Turner, and Xavier all looked good. I also thought our safeties Jacob Martin and R.J. Walker had real good games on defense. They say you show the most progress from Game 1 to Game 2 so we’re hoping that we will see that improvement this week.”
The Wolves will need all the improvement they can get with a daunting road game to Class AAAAAA No. 3 McEachern in two weeks in a rematch of last year’s thriller. They will play host to AAAAAA Berkmar next week.
NOTES: Both teams have been producing plenty of college talent. Eastern Christian currently has 18 former players competing in the collegiate ranks. Buford inked 15 of last year's seniors to collegiate Letters of Intent. ... The Wolves last regular season loss (not counting two forfeits) was to Gainesville in 2012 on the road. Both teams went on to win state titles that season.
FRIDAY'S HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL CONTESTS
East Jackson at Hebron Christian
Eastern Christian Academy, Md. at Buford
Jefferson at Rabun County
Lambert at Lanier
Madison County at Johnson
Model at Lumpkin County
SATURDAY'S HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL CONTESTS
Mill Creek vs. Brookwood (Georgia Dome), 11:45 a.m.
North Gwinnett vs. Colquitt County (Georgia Dome), 5:45 p.m.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2015/8/330465/preview-uncertainty-not-an-issue-as-wolves-take-on-maryland-team-in-opener