Opinion: Buford makes case for best in state

BUFORD -- Wolves coach Jess Simpson was almost apologetic on Saturday night after watching his team dismantle Class AA championship opponent Lovett, 50-0.

When someone asked if Buford had just set a state record for winning margin in a state title game, Simpson responded, “I hope not. That’s not what we were trying to do. We really respect [Lovett coach] Mike Muschamp.”

Don’t worry coach, you didn’t. Tift County demolished LaGrange 59-6 in the Class AAAA finale in 1983. (And don’t worry, Simpson wasn’t so concerned that he couldn’t rightfully enjoy his first state title as a head coach.)

But when you’re team is as good as Buford’s you can pull your entire first string -- which the Wolves did midway through the third quarter -- and still put up impressive victories.

And make no mistake, Buford is that good.

Muschamp -- whose brother, Will, is defensive coordinator at Auburn University -- said before the game that the Wolves possessed the best front seven on defense that he had ever seen in a high school team.

Buford lived up to the billing.

The Wolves’ defensive line, led by star defensive tackles Omar Hunter and Dallas Lee -- both on every college recruiter’s list -- battered the Lions’ offensive line, never allowing even the slightest opening for Lovett’s ball carriers. When the game was on the line, in the first half, the Wolves defense held the Lions to just 7 yards rushing.

And when Lovett tried to get the ball outside to playmakers like Andre Hicks, Buford’s linebackers, defensive ends and defensive backs either forced bad passes or stopped the receiver in his tracks with bone-jarring hits.

“Our defense has played like that all season,” Simpson said. “They’ve just been so big for us this year.”

And, oh yeah, Buford’s offense is pretty good too. The Wolves proved that again on Saturday by rolling up 423 yards -- all on the ground. Running back Demetris Murray provided the big play, carrying 15 times for 210 yards and a touchdown. And while he was breaking off long runs, fullback Tyler King played battering ram, scoring three short-yardage touchdowns. Buford also mixed in speedy halfback Cody Getz to good effect, as he provided four carries for 51 yards and a score.

The Wolves’ only blemish on the night was a couple of bad snaps and holds on extra point attempts -- but at 50-0, who’s counting?

Of course, this begs the question, just how good are these Wolves? Are they the equals of the 2003 Buford squad that similarly demolished teams and seemed nigh unbeatable. And what would happen if there were a tournament of champions amongst the winners of each classification?

After watching this team raise its game the past two weeks, winning its semifinal and final by a combined score of 98-0, it would seem a safe bet that Buford could hang with any school, of any size.

“We really raised our game once we got into the playoffs,” Simpson said. “We hit another peak.”

That peak could well be enough to put them over anyone else in GHSA.

Lowndes, Northside (Warner Robins), Carver (Columbus) and Emanuel County Institute might disagree. But it sure would be fun for the fans to find out.

Of course that is pure fan-tasy talk. As for the Wolves’ players and coaches, they believe they made the one statement that really matters.

“We’ve always tried to compare ourselves to the 2003 Buford team,” King said. “And now we've got the trophy to match them.”