As we welcome you to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the 6-A state championship game, and quite possibly the national championship game as the 14-0 Carrollton Trojans take on the 14-0 Buford Wolves.

And good evening, I'm Matt Stewart, joined by former Auburn Tigers All-American NFL first round draft pick in 15 year pro Wayne Gandy Carrollton, going for their eighth all time state championship, their first since 1998.

They're ranked number 1 in the MaxPreps national rankings.

Buford going for their 15th all time state championship, their first since 2021.

They're ranked number 1 in the USA today and the ESPN national rankings.

Wayne, we've called a lot of big games over the last couple of years.

This just might be the biggest, certainly the most anticipated.

The SEC Championship part two Georgia Bama.

They're just called Buford and Carrollton the fan bases.

I don't think anybody's going to school tomorrow.

Everybody's here from Buford and Carrollton.

But what a great game we do have.

Let's talk about Carrollton first.

This was supposed to be a rebuilding year in the minds of many, but Coach Joey King said, wait, not so fast.

They did lose their five star quarterback Juju Lewis graduated early.

He's at Colorado.

They lost an All-State running back.

But emerging from the shadows, a young man not many people knew about, he actually transferred from Buford and sat out a year playing JV football, waiting his turn running back Kam Wood.

He's been one of the biggest stories in the state this.

Year and what a great story he has been, this Carrollton team.

He's really the offensive MVP, a young man with the power.

The run between the tackles can make you miss stiff arms.

Get down the field here showing you the speed.

Just hard.

58, 190.

Built like a brick.

And then this is the aspect the speed, the explosiveness that Kam Wood the MVP.

He's the glue.

And they got to get him going early tonight.

Close to 1,500 yards rushing and 33 touchdowns.

On defense you have Zykie Helton.

He's rated the number 1 center in the country.

He signed with Georgia on defense though he's unblockable.

He's a guy that once they insert him defensively he just wreaks havoc.

He gets after the quarterback.

He's constant in the backfield against the run.

He has to have a big game against this Buford big offensive line.

Now the Buford story.

This team was knocked out by Carrollton in the state semifinals a year ago.

In their final game ever in historic Tom Riden Stadium payback.

Maybe.

Coach Bryant Appling says they haven't talked about that, but a couple of characters, big time players played in that game last year, starting with Tyriq Green, Ty Green, Ty Boogie Green, who signed with Georgia, big time safety, but he plays all over the football field.

He'll be a factor tonight.

Yeah, Ty Boogie a guy that's a three way star.

He affects all three phases of the game.

He's explosive on offense with 13 touchdowns.

His ability to make people miss and then defensively he's just a star of ball hawk.

And then in the special teams at any point he can score from any distance.

What a dynamic player he is.

And then on defense, you got one of the best players in the country.

Bryce Perry-Wright, who signed with Texas A&M.

The King of the North, as I call him, Bryce Perry-Wright.

He leads the team in tackles and sacks.

He's a big guy that they move up and down the line to get that that mix match at tackle sometimes and affect the game, but he has to be blocked tonight.

Extraordinary career.

He'll be in College Station soon, but business first tonight is a 6-A state championship game and quite possibly national championship game.

Third member of our team is Cody Chafin.

Down on the sideline.

You talk about two of the true Blue Blood programs of Georgia high school football.

Carrollton and Buford.

You start with the Trojans.

They've won seven state championships overall.

We're on the doorstep last year but have not won a title since back in 1998.

On the other side, you've got the Buford Wolves 14 state championships and a little bit of a drought for the Wolves.

They haven't won one since 2021, but of the 21 state championships between these two schools, the city schools, which have grown well, they've never won in the highest classification in the state of Georgia.

And also with these two heritage programs, neither one has ever been crowned a national champion.

Well, that all changes tonight.

You think about this building.

It has hosted a Super Bowl.

It has hosted a couple of college football national championships.

How about it's time to host a high school football national championship?

The energy in this building is electric.

These folks have waited an extra 90 minutes.

What do you say we kick it off and make a little history in the bins?

Let's do that.

You see the Buford Wolves decked out in their green, getting ready to take the field.

They have already won the opening toss and they have deferred.

That means we see Carrollton on offense first.

Interesting choice to get the ball to CJ Cypher in this explosive offense.

Great offensive line that's going to determine the line of scrimmage in a big game is always the key to victory.

So a 6-A state championship under normal conditions, that would make it big enough.

But we also have the specter of the national championship looming over this game.

As you take a look at the national rankings and where they stand.

Carrollton number 1 in MaxPreps, the rivals composite Buford number 1 in the USA today.

That's the granddaddy of them all.

It's been around for over 40 years.

ESPN and The Sporting News.

So quite possibly national championship on the line here tonight.

That has never, ever happened in Georgia State football history.

Two great programs and two teams that are really focused and up to the task of winning this game, looking for outstanding play by their 4-5 star players.

Coach King, coach at both deserve a victory, but somebody has to lose tonight.

So approaching the opening kickoff, Joey King, what an extraordinary job he's done in his career, not just at Carrollton but at Cartersville before that.

This is the sixth time in his ten seasons as a head coach in the state.

He's made the state finals.

, and I think we saw a little excitement.

I think Coach King was happy to get this game going.

He sees the opportunity.

He has a great team to win this championship.

The opening kickoff is brought to you by Heads Up Georgia parking your phone while driving saves lives and we are finally ready to go.

Andrew Ivanciuc hasn't ready to kick off for the Wolves and he blasted into the end zone.

Nonreturnable Trojans will start at the 20.

And you already alluded to it.

The other big twist to this story is Carrollton is back in the state championship with a freshman quarterback 61, 180 pound freshman C.J.

Cypher.

You see his numbers on the season.

He's been spectacular and he already has 16 offers, including Nebraska and Miami.

A great arm, this young man possesses.

And the one thing in the last couple of games we've noticed he's been using his legs.

He has the speed to run the ball.

Use him tonight.

He's giving them a plus one in the running game and Mason Hotlzclaw, the senior, will also play at that position here tonight.

And Cam Wood opens the game against his former team with a first down run.

Right there showing you the power and strength in getting out of that tackle of Jaden Davis as he bounced to the backside.

Just hard to get him down, shoulders square, falling forward.

Cam Wood once again starting this game off strong.

Up until December second.

He did not have an FBS offer.

Liberty gave him that offer on December 2.

On December third, he signed with the flames.

It's first and ten.

That's Miller the tight end in motion.

They give it to Wood again and Cam Wood gets stuck right there at the line of scrimmage.

That time and driven back as we take a look at the Breda Pest Management impact players.

When the Trojans have the ball.

The three star UNLV signee Peyton Zachary explosive out of the slot.

Ryan Mosley a big receiver, big hands down the field.

Joshua Echols for Buford just a guy that's fast off the corner and Silas Nuckles has really turned it on here in the playoffs.

Ball that corner position.

Ball completed at the 40 yard line.

Nice pass by Cypher to the sideline.

That was Rontre Welch with the catch.

Hitting the ball out quick on the edge.

Dynamic Wells we've seen here in the last couple of games, we've had really come on strong.

Only a sophomore.

It's a good stop route.

Quick throw and catch right there between Cypher and Welch.

Nassir Nassir McCoy, who signed with Ole Miss earlier this month, made that tackle and it's going to be third down.

Wood gets out of the tackle in the backfield, turns it up.

Field does not get the first down.

Great pursuit by this.

Buford defense stops him on third down.

Good job.

Good pressure in the backfield there.

Initially by Joshua Echols.

Seeing the ball just has those instincts.

Big decision already by Joey King.

Looks like he's going to the big bodies in there.

And he brings in the senior quarterback Mason Hotlzclaw to.

Hotlzclaw more of a runner.

Bigger body.

63, 195.

Listed as a three star.

Going jumbo on fourth down and one from the 41.

Hotlzclaw will keep it on the quarterback run.

And actually, that was was that Hotlzclaw or Kam Wood.

Kam Wood Kam Wood, who took the snap out of the Wildcat and picked up the first down.

Little shift right there.

Motion out of the backfield was Hotlzclaw Kam Wood.

You can see the energy that he brings.

This team really feeds off of his energy.

Motion out of the backfield trying to draw the defense and just good job up front by that offensive line.

Wells Helton up there on the left side.

As you can tell, nobody goes harder in the weight room than Kam Wood.

And he runs a 10700.

First and ten ball at the 43 yard line, trying to get to the corner over here on the near side and does.

And a nine yard pickup.

Just great individual effort right here.

Outrunning Tyriq Green to the corner here.

You watch the reaction of Ty Green.

Just caught him.

I don't know if he realizes how fast Kam Wood really is right there, showing you the wheels to be able to get that ball to the outside and gain that 9 yards.

On a personal level, you got to know that this game is huge for Kam Wood.

They give the ball to Nick Archer, the number 2 running back, and he picks up the first down as we take a look at the Johnny's New York style pizza starting offense for Carrollton, there's Elton, the four star Wells, Sheffield and Ball and Fielder, who's an extraordinary sophomore and a four star Wood.

The running back Mosley signed with Georgia Peyton Zachary with UNLV.

Welch is a sophomore, great kick returner and Miller tight end.

With the hard count, Jolin Dillard offsides there, getting an easy five.

Encroachment against the defense, five yard penalty still first down.

One of the best crews in the state, led by Todd Downs, our referee tonight and Dave Reynolds is the head linesman.

He's typically up here in the booth with us during the finals as our officiating expert.

But he's down on the field here tonight for this huge game.

Handoff goes to Archer and Archer crashes through the line and picks up the first down at the 30 yard line down to the 29.

Nick Archer.

Nice read there by Archer inserted into this game early right there to give Kam Wood a little break.

The young freshman big physical running back, downhill type runner.

He's a good looking specimen at 510, 193 and now Kam Wood back in there at running back.

Pass quickly to the Edge and Mosley.

The Georgia signee and Mosley gets to the 23 as we take a look at the Johnny's New York style pizza starting lineup for Buford on defense.

Dre Quinn going to Ohio State.

Kam Simmons Bryce Perry-Wright going to Texas A&M.

Jaden Davis Deion Miller.

He's an Army signee.

Brady Wagner Joshua Echols, junior big time player.

Brendon Davis a corner Nassir McCoy at safety.

Jax Pope at safety and Silas Nuckles is the junior.

And of course, Thai Green is in the starting lineup.

Good penetration there by Buford up front.

Brady Wagner playing downhill.

Getting into the backfield to get the Nick Archer Archer being inserted.

And you feel like this is a big game.

You want to have Kam Wood as fresh as you can in that second half.

Playing Archer early.

So third down and five coming up from the 24 yard line.

Can't fall asleep here on CJ Cypher kind of lulls you to sleep.

So he's just a pocket passer, but he can pull this ball down and run.

Handoff goes to wood and he's not going to get there.

Let's see what they do on fourth down.

Coming up right now.

And that's the kind of play you run because you feel like you're in that four down territory.

You just hand it off, see what you can get.

Looks like Coach King is going to go ahead and try a field goal here with Julian Vargas.

Vargas is an All-State caliber kicker.

He's had an extraordinary season.

And this is going to be straight on.

And from about 39.5 yards.

Fortner is the holder and Messer is the snapper.

They get it down.

Kick is on its way and it's curving.

It's going to miss it.

Hooked on him.

Had plenty of distance, but that thing hooked on him.

And it's a miss and the score stays scoreless.

Nice physical drive there by Carrollton.

You wonder if Coach King is questioning right there a big game.

It's fourth and three right there.

You're having a lot of success running Kam Wood Nick Archer in the middle, but you settle for the field goal.

But a good drive just could not execute there on the field goal and get it between the uprights.

And here is Dayton Raiola was committed to Nebraska for over a year as decommitted his brother Dylan, the star quarterback there, has entered the transfer portal.

Of course, his daddy was an All-American player for Nebraska, but it looks like the Raiola run at Nebraska is over.

And now we'll wait and see what happens with Dayton in the remaining recruiting period for the next signing day.

But here tonight, trying to lead his team to a state championship, and that is Dylan McCoy, who gets a nice run from the get go.

He's signed with N.C.

State earlier this month.

He picked up six on that play.

Nice blocking inside.

Just patience right there.

The explosion through the hole right there by McCoy.

So second down we'll call it five ball sitting at the 25 McCoy 1,500 yards rushing in his career.

Nearly 900 of that coming this season.

Raiola to the sideline.

It is complete.

And let's see where they spotted that should be.

They're not going to give him the first down right there as the catch was made by Tori Costin spotted a yard short as we take a look at the Breda Pest Management impact players when the Wolves have the.

Ball, Dylan McCoy the leading rusher with 950 yards.

The anchor the offense.

Tori Costin has really come on.

Makes tough catches down the field for Carrollton.

On defense, Kaden Spratling a nasty, mean sideline to sideline linebacker and Jay Hagan has just been playing lights out from that safety position.

Third down and one.

Hey.

Heavy formation, big bodies in there for Buford.

First down run.

Ty green picks up the first down at the 35 yard line.

Nice pull there by Norwood Nixon the right guard on the kickout.

Ty green getting those shoulders square bigger than you really think.

He is a physical runner 70 right there with the kickout block.

Ty green with the balance to fall upfield.

So first and ten for the Wolves.

They have it at the 34 yard line.

Raiola has two other offers outside of Nebraska that Charlotte and App State.

Raiola directing traffic.

Hand off goes Dylan McCoy and he gets slung to the ground at the 36 yard line.

I think that was Mason McLendon who made first contact.

Both teams in their first drives and trying to set that physical tempo up front.

A good job running the ball between the tackles, falling forward, trying to.

This is all about attitude, trying to find that groove wear on these defenses that a little undersized but fast and great tackling defenses.

But you got to run at him.

Second down and eight in a fast moving first quarter.

Cantrell in motion.

Hand off goes to green and green.

Precious little room to run right there in the middle.

As we take a look at Buford on offense.

It's brought by Johnny's New York style pizza with Walcott Izuchukwu and Houston Nixon and Thomas up front.

McCoy green Costin Williams and Rashad.

Right here.

Watch for Costin.

He's third down.

Raiola main guy in this down and distance.

Raiola in trouble and the quarterback sack back at the 32 yard line.

And there he is.

Zykie Helton told you he's unblockable.

There's that man.

When he gets over there on that defensive side of the ball.

He is just have been unblockable.

I know he's headed to Athens to be the center, but here the closing speed, the explosion that he shows when he's able to turn that corner right there.

What a great job there against Thomas.

The right tackle.

So fourth down punting situation.

And play gets blown dead.

Looked like Ivanciuc was going to try a rugby style kick here as he was starting to run towards the sideline on the snap.

Got a little movement on Buford here.

False start offense, five penalty.

Still fourth down.

So up on that offensive line for Buford tonight you got Mubenga who signed with Arkansas.

Houston who signed with Georgia Williams at center Nixon who's got 16 offers including Georgia Tech and Justin Thomas, the junior.

Ivanciuc is going to punt it away.

A line drive kick that's going to be fielded by Zackarie going backwards, trying to get to the corner will not be able to and get shoved out of bounds at the 37 yard line.

And that's where Carrollton will go on offense when we get back.

Football Fridays in Georgia is presented by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, reminding you to park your phone while driving.

Saves lives.

Heads up, Georgia.

Sir.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh, hey what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free, and save lives.

Heads up Georgia.

156 to play in the opening quarter, scoreless as the Trojans get ready to head back out there on offense.

Let's send it down to Cody Chaffins.

Yeah, star studded affair here inside the.

You'd expect it for a number 1 versus number 1 game.

That is K.J.

Bolden, former Buford safety who is now at the University of Georgia.

Did it all at Buford.

Really?

He was on the state championship team as a sophomore with him actually.

Interestingly, one of his Georgia teammates, Demello Jones, who put on a star performance for Swainsboro in this building not too long ago.

We don't see any of the FBS coaches, the keys and the Kirby Smart's because they're in a recruiting dead period.

You usually expect to see all those coaches here on the sideline.

Absolutely.

That seems like that's a poor lack of timing there on the NCAA.

I mean, what better time for coaches to be out recruiting than when state championship games are being played?

Somebody, somebody sitting in the stands?

Trust me, they bought a ticket.

They're sitting here somewhere.

Right up the middle.

The ball goes to Cam Wood.

Another strong one for cam Wood up to the 43 yard line and Wood now seven carries and up over 35 yards here.

Get that feel.

Both teams kind of throwing that stiff jab just trying to wear out and try to tire out some of this pass rush that we saw right there with a guy.

Helton once again Cam Woods is falling forward, driving those legs, bouncing off tackles.

Wood gets the hand off again, eludes one tackle, gets by Bryce Perry-Wright and gets the first down at the 42 yard line.

Good fishing here.

The ability and the confidence in his speed.

A little stiff arm to get out of the tackle there.

Great job once again.

Deion Miller had him dead to rights.

Little stiff arm to bounce it outside.

Yeah, that was Deion Miller that he got away from.

As you pointed out, swing the pass out here to Archer Archer trying to get to the corner and does has a first down.

And that giving the ball to Archer.

It's a little wrinkle.

This is our fourth time calling this team.

Archer usually put in there to block.

Right now he's touching the ball making plays.

Nice job there by the freshman.

He's usually not getting snaps until the fourth quarter.

So first and ten ball at the 33 giving cam Woodson spells and breaks right here as he has eight carries for 47 yards already in the first quarter.

Run by Hotlzclaw.

The senior quarterback.

And he's going to get stopped right away.

No running room.

Cam Simmons the big 632 30 senior nose tackle in on that tackle for the Wolves.

Nice job.

Simmons right there.

The son of Clyde Simmons playing down that line of scrimmage using his hands.

Good technique.

He was our Georgia Cotton Commission player of the game back in early September when they defeated Douglas County for the first time, then beat him again in the quarterfinals.

Cam Wood no running room right there.

Runs right into a brick wall.

It's going to be third down and long.

Nice again.

Once again, Cameron Simmons playing that inside nose position.

Just not going to be moved.

Good job getting off the block.

And that is the end of the first quarter.

12 minutes done here in Atlanta.

Scoreless in the 6-A state championship game.

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No need to be afraid of bugs heading to the second quarter at Mercedes Benz Stadium.

Scoreless in the 6-A state championship game.

Matt Stewart Wayne Gandy Cody Chaffins.

Our entire Emmy Award winning GPB team with you here tonight in the big game.

Mason Hotlzclaw in their quarterback.

Now.

That first quarter, a little feeling out process between both teams running the ball.

Short passing game Mason Hotlzclaw right here.

If you're Buford you can't get behind him.

He's a running quarterback.

You can't open those lanes.

You got to stay disciplined with him in there.

Mosley in motion behind the line.

Hotlzclaw looking, throwing ball.

Got batted down.

Nice job there.

Ethan Hauser coming off the edge.

The long arm, as you can see.

Timing it.

Get that right hand just enough to throw that ball off course.

Looks like Coach King is going to keep his offense out there.

Similar area where they missed the field goal in that first quarter.

Here a little bit deeper this time.

Deeper this time.

This would have been a 50 yard field goal as opposed to the 40 yarder that they missed in the first quarter.

Buford showing pressure off that left side.

Try to force here a quick pass.

Hotlzclaw get the ball out.

Hotlzclaw scanning the field, throwing.

Picked at the 20 1 yard line.

Picked off by Ethan Hauser.

Great job here by Hauser.

Breaking on this ball a little rollout action.

Trying to get the ball to Peyton Zachary out on the edge.

A little roll out, just not able to put anything on that ball.

I don't even think he saw Hauser right here.

14 reading the eyes, jumping the route.

Good job using the size three star.

Only a junior.

Big career.

He has.

Three star rated as high as the number 23 athlete in the class of 20 27 23 offers including Florida, Georgia Tech and Auburn.

So first and ten ball at the 25 yard line for Buford as they go back on offense.

A short gain on the play for Dylan McCoy.

Nice job right there.

Jamir Harris a senior.

What a great senior season.

He has had little undersized plays inside.

He's just one of those guys.

You see Ball he gets ball explosive, gets off blocks.

Led the team in TfL, 15 sacks with nine JV player a year ago.

Having a spectacular senior season.

Raiola gets it to McCoy and then McCoy gets dumped on the play by Caden Spratling.

Marc Mitchell in there from that offensive line bearing down on Raiola, forcing this play outside.

Big hit here.

The Splash man himself.

Caden Spratling nice pressure there by the big fella.

All hands on deck in this kind of game.

And Kadan Spratling cleaning things up.

Third down and 11 from the 24.

Raiola slings it out there to green.

Gets blown up right away.

What great defense.

And that was Dorian Barney the four star corner who signed with Ole Miss.

Reading this all the way.

Is Barney coming off his assignment, he sees the swing pass out here.

Watch eight.

Get off of that block and make the play Ian Chafin just could not block him right there.

Barney the four star headed to Ole Miss.

He has really come on in his senior season.

He was hurt early on in the summer, as recovered from that injury, and he's really played well down the stretch here in his final year of high school, Ivanciuc line drive kick kicks it away from Peyton Zachary and takes a big roll.

My goodness.

Finally rolling dead inside the 20 yard line.

So that's where the Trojans get ready to go back on offense.

After they just threw the pick a few moments ago.

Bryant Appling, in his seventh season as the head coach, 89 and eight is his record three state championships, became the first coach in Georgia high school history to win state championships in his first three seasons.

But of course, app has been at Buford for 22 years, got passed over a couple of times.

They finally gave him a shot to be the head coach and boy did they make a great decision.

Coach his coaching staff.

Excited to be in this position.

Feel like his team is very focused, capable of beating this Carrollton team.

Good job once again playing downhill there.

Joshua Echols three star here.

Watch how he works his way.

Weaves makes that play good pressure inside as well.

Zion Benyard was the first guy to get him there.

You see Benyard right there now.

Cypher back in there at quarterback, guns it to the far side, complete to Welch at the 25 yard line.

We have not seen them get the ball to Peyton Zachary yet, and he's one of the top wide receivers in the state.

You haven't seen that conscious effort of getting the ball in his hand, whether deep down the field or in some kind of short game.

He's so explosive.

Along with Cam Wood, they have been the two spark plugs for this offense.

Welch has two catches and Mosley has one out of the wide receiver corps.

Heavy rush and Cypher steps up to avoid it and picks up the first down with a good run up to the 32 yard line.

This is the aspect CJ Cypher has brought to the field here in the last three games.

We just see didn't like the read downfield.

Has the ability a young player you expect he's going to expand on when to run the ball.

Good size as well.

61, 180 freshman.

First and ten ball at the 32 yard line.

Cypher again smokes it downfield.

Intercepted again by McCoy.

NASCAR McCoy second time Carrollton has been intercepted on back to back possessions.

What a beautiful job by McCoy reading the eyes play.

Taking a long time.

First route not there for CJ Cypher tries to gun sling it in there and just breaking on the route there once again.

McCoy NASCAR.

Didn't have a lot in that return right there, but what a great break on the ball and you can see CJ Cypher trying to fit that ball in there to Peyton Zachary reading his eyes late developing, letting the defense settle and a great job on that interception.

So just four interceptions from the two quarterbacks all season long, and both have now thrown a pick two total for Carrollton here in the first half.

Raiola backpedaling now, scrambling out to his left, looking to throw on the run and does.

And he almost is picked Dorian Barney nearly got the interception.

Big pressure early on in his face, forcing him out of the pocket trying to force the ball down the field.

Here is Raiola as you can see.

Watch the pressure right here in his face.

Shem Mcmillan forcing him off the spot, trying to make something happen.

The left hander and almost an interception right there for Carrollton.

Second down and ten.

Jolin blitz once again.

Bryant Jeremiah Simmons.

Handoff.

I think that was Brian Stokes getting the Carey.

It was Brian Stokes, the senior running back.

Number 3 guy on the depth chart getting the run right there.

Nice job CJ Gamble playing that inside linebacker.

The three star headed to Georgia Tech only about a mile away from his home.

And a couple of days.

He could walk to his dorm.

Right now.

Third down, nine to go.

This is where you got to locate Zykie Helton and his ability to rush the passer.

Right now, he's up top, and his future teammate Graham Houston.

That's a great matchup right there.

Future Bulldogs Helton coming after Raiola.

They throw it underneath.

It's complete.

And big hit.

Denies the first down.

Barney coming up with another big hit.

Ian Chafin made that catch.

Could not get to the sticks.

His fourth down.

Little drag route late here underneath.

Good find good protection.

Letting that play develop and then watch Barney come to work right here.

Stopping the play in his tracks.

Putting a big hit on Ian Chafin.

Dorian Barney went ahead and signed with Ole Miss.

Despite the departure of Lane Kiffin.

But really, his connection has all been with the defensive staff and with the DC being promoted to head coach, it's been a nice fit for him.

Fourth down, they're going for it.

McCoy not going to get there.

Stonewall.

Interesting play selection on fourth down and rather long for a running play.

And the ball is going to go over on downs.

Just too much penetration, too many white jerseys in the backfield.

Great defense by Carrollton.

It's been all defense so far here tonight.

Buford gets stopped on fourth down.

Trojans have the ball when we get back.

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What are you?

Oh come on.

Oh, what a bad call.

You have no business being out there.

Terrible.

You know, I'm a person too.

Chafin Stadium knows.

Welcome back to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

No score in the 6-A championship game.

And while a national championship game or national championship may be on the line tonight, there's already a bunch of players here who are national champions.

Nine players from both of these teams played on a Gwinnett Football League team that won back to back to back FBU national championships in sixth, seventh and eighth grades.

And now, as you might imagine, with Gwinnett, most of those players are from Buford six Dylan McCoy NASCAR McCoy Ty Greene, Bryce Perry-Wright Jamir, Cantrell and Kannon Nelson.

But three players were actually from Carrollton Cam Wood, CJ Gamble and Ryan Mosley.

Also on that team, Juju Lewis, Zealous Hicks, who would be seniors at Carrollton had they stayed.

And then, just for good measure, Duce Geralds and Tyler Atkinson all on the same team.

Amazing.

That's what they say.

Gwinnett built different Gwinnett football built different.

So first and ten for Carrollton.

Coming out of the time-out.

Peyton Zachary gets his hands on the ball for the first time and picks up about eight on the play.

They're going to spot him at the 44.

So make it seven on the play.

You feel like offensive coordinator Dusty Phillips was going to find a way to get Zackarie the ball right there.

Just get it out on the edge.

He's so explosive.

So you have to keep your eye on him in motion on those jet sweeps.

He's not the highest rated wide receiver in the state of Georgia.

But I would argue maybe the most productive.

Cam Wood gets close to the first down.

I think he got the first down as he reached the 47 yard line.

Always churning those legs, driving them, using that strength.

Just a physical runner for his size is Cam Wood.

Carrollton offensive line.

So much talent up there.

A lot of underrated players just based on their height.

Coach Bryant Appling very familiar with cam Wood says he's known him since his since he was in the fifth or sixth grade.

Always a kid that liked to throw throw up as much weight as he possibly could when he got in that weight room.

Hotlzclaw is going to get stonewalled.

No running room for Hotlzclaw right there.

And that is Brady Wagner coming from that inside linebacker position to make the tackle.

Just too much speed on this defense right here.

Big penetration.

Just not able to get to the edge of the defense.

Good job getting off the block there as Brady Wagner.

Wagner really a baseball player last couple of years.

Kind of committed himself to football.

And being there all summer.

It's paid off for him as a starting linebacker the entire season.

Hotlzclaw throws to the edge, nearly picked again.

That was dangerous.

Echols nearly got his hands on it.

They're going to rule that a catch at the 49 yard line by Rontre Welch.

These corners and linebackers are challenging.

Watch how Echols breaks on that ball.

Dangerous pass there.

Trying to get it to Welch on that edge.

Now, can the protection hold up quick?

Both quarterbacks have thrown interceptions here in this first half with the empty backfield.

Time-out's going to be called.

Let's see who's going to call it.

Well they haven't told us yet or signaled it yet.

Carrollton is coming to the sideline in which as though they called a time-out, but no indication so far.

I'm told that the previous catch is under review.

The call on the field is that it was a catch inbounds with forward progress stopped.

The previous play is under review.

Our angle looked like a catch and tough catch there.

By Rontre Welch.

Yeah, I didn't notice his feet though.

Did he get his feet inbounds?

A little out route.

Lets see easily.

Yes.

That's not a question.

Not sure what the.

Oh the ball comes.

Out comes out and lands late.

I think that's not going to be a that's going to be a no catch right.

Don't you think.

As he's struggling to get to the ground.

You got to take the ball to the ground and complete the catch.

If we could figure the mystery of that, we might be able to travel different universes of what they consider a catch.

Nowadays.

It's always a mystery.

Yeah.

They turned what used to be a pretty simple thing into a complicated thing, haven't they?

But I think that's a no catch.

Yeah.

Right there.

You got to complete the process of the catch.

And he did not.

He did have the two feet down.

But as he was going to the ground the ball comes out.

I think that was McCoy.

It didn't just come out McCoy got his hands in there, was ripping at it as he was taking it to the to the ground on his back.

But I don't care.

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Org education.

Day.

Long discussion here.

Sometimes it's just a function of trying to figure out where the ball was, what time the put back on the clock.

After review, the catch is confirmed.

He was inbounds with control.

It will be third down.

That's interesting.

I would have bet, as you already heard me say, that they would rule no catch because he didn't complete the catch all the way to the ground.

But like you said, who knows what's a. Catch?

Cannot leave it up to the officials in those cases right there.

If you're Welch, you got to hold on to that ball.

Big break for Carrollton in that situation.

I've seen guys make catches that I was certain was a catch and been told it was not a catch.

And I've seen guys not make a catch and was told it was a catch.

So anyway, third down ball at the 49 yard line, third and six.

Right now Buford playing soft and keep everything in front of them.

The zone has really paid dividends for them so far in the first half.

Hotlzclaw slings it out there running the inside screen for Peyton Zachary first down at the 39 yard line.

Nice job right there.

Good execution.

Zackarie just one of those guys.

As you can see, if you get the ball in his hand.

Good blocking up front there by Miller King Miller the tight end.

He's just a guy.

Those are the kind of plays late in the game.

He breaks and takes for touchdowns.

Running the screen to Kam Wood gets blown up right away as the defense for Buford was pushing the blockers back.

Silas Nuckles one of our impact players coming up there to blow that play.

Nice job by Nuckles seeing this all the way.

As you can see, getting into the action early, driving Zackarie back, getting off the block to make the play.

Nuckles a guy that was a running back for most of his career.

They convinced him to make the switch over to cornerback and it's been very profitable decision for him to make.

He's got eight offers, including Charlotte, Coastal Carolina and Georgia State.

Buford doing a good job mixing, changing up the defense on these quarterbacks of Carrollton.

Dream Wood gets thrown down by Deion Miller.

Good job there, Dre Quinn Miller stepping up in the hole.

Watch eight.

React sees the block.

The center Sheffield and Ball neither came off the take him and cleanly in the hole to make the play is Miller.

Dion's career stats.

104 tackles.

He's committed to Army over 22 other offers.

Third down and long.

This might be a two pass situation here.

Zachary going to throw it downfield to a wide open Kam Wood.

He pointed to the stands like he was going to score, and he gets dragged down at the three yard line.

Double pass here.

Good job by Zackarie willing to stay back there and throw this ball.

A lot of times guys don't see the receiver quick.

They take off and run.

Kam Wood kind of sneaking out as you can see a wobbler.

But right here, Kam Woods just not noticing that he's being chased down.

He's pointing Malikai Speed.

Gets back into play and saves the touchdown.

First and goal to go from the three yard line.

And Kam Woods celebrated just a little bit too early as Archer in there runs the ball now.

Kam Wood comes back in.

And had to feel like that's just a function of playing against your old team.

You want to rack a touchdown up right there.

That's uncharacteristic of how we've seen Kam would perform.

He really doesn't have any kind of showman about him.

No, not at all.

Kam Wood gets the handoff.

This time he gets stopped at the two.

Tough defense on both sides.

Both defenses are going to make you earn it and slug it out right here.

Just nowhere.

Nowhere to really fit that ball in for Kam Wood.

Good job by the defensive front Deion Miller once again playing downhill from that Mike linebacker.

He went in there with the submarine tackle.

Now less than 2 minutes to play in the half.

Third and goal flag comes out.

Early flag like that typically means illegal procedure.

Substitution infraction against the offense.

12 men in the formation still third down.

And there are 12 people on the field right there.

Good call there by the white hat.

Down to notice.

Good job there.

Caught red handed.

Trying to get it the easy way.

Adding another player.

That's how if you're not cheating you're not trying.

But making it harder on themselves.

Now here.

Third.

Buford has elected to take the ball.

The clock on the snap.

Third and goal here from the seven.

You got to keep your eye on Hotlzclaw.

He's a running quarterback.

CJ Cypher is not in there.

Zachery in motion play gets whistled dead.

Charge!

Time-out!

Buford.

This Ryan Tharpe charge!

Time the time-out.

That's their first that they've used.

This is a big third down play coming up as Carrollton is seeking to crack this scoreless tie.

You have to imagine here with Mason Hotlzclaw, you want to get something where he's moving.

He's not had a lot of success running that quarterback draw here tonight, but he is a bigger physical runner.

He's more of the dual threat in CJ Cypher.

So right here you imagine the play call is going to be more either something quick out to the edge to Peyton Zachary or something that lets Mason Hotlzclaw be able to pull this ball and run.

Road to the finals for the Carrollton Trojans.

And we've seen him twice already in the playoffs.

They open with a big win over North Forsyth and blew out Harrison.

Then they stunned a nice a stunned.

I don't think they were stunned.

Grayson was stunned.

Grayson was ranked number 1 in the country at the time and got beaten 34:14 at Grisham Stadium, then North Gwinnett, a very good North Gwinnett team, went out there for the semifinals and the Trojans took care of them 24821.

Carrollton team really in that Grayson game, they went up 14-0 and then went on a 34 point run.

And then just went after North Gwinnett.

But right here, it's a big moment in this game.

He's sex is going to be one of those defensive slug games.

So if you're Carrollton you got to make something get in the end zone.

Here you can see Carrollton had double the ball control of Buford in this first half.

Hotlzclaw rolling to his left throwing and throws for the goal line and it's caught by Zackarie.

He did make the catch, but he's down inside the one.

Nice roll out.

He was going to get Hotlzclaw on the move.

Good job.

By Zackarie going down to get the ball.

I think that thing might have hit the ground.

Very close to hitting the ground.

Let's see from this angle.

Good job of going down there and grabbing it.

But the ball is on the half yard line here.

You can't challenge in the last 2 minutes.

So let's see if the replay booth stops this game.

I thought it might have hit the ground anyway, it's fourth and goal from the one.

And now.

Yep, here comes the official.

But this might be a time-out call by Carrollton.

Yeah, coach King.

Time-out Carrollton.

That is Carrollton first charge time-out of the half.

Coach King right there.

Just wants to look at the defense going with the hard count.

I want to see what they're going to put up against that set on the offensive side.

So let's take another look at that catch by Zackarie and see if the ball hits the ground.

I think he fell on top of it.

So white gloves underneath kind of pulls it up.

You see the point right there.

Maybe he held it.

Maybe he cradled.

Like he did have control of it.

Even though a piece of it touched the ball on the ground.

I think he may have cradled it upon looking at it several times.

I think he maybe made the catch.

I thought I saw the ball slip out of his hands momentarily, but maybe not.

That right arm is securely under the ball.

Good job of turning with it as he.

Is a great.

Catch.

By Dayton by Peyton Zachary.

Yeah, absolutely.

Going to go out and play for Dan Mullins and UNLV.

Yeah, that's a great catch.

There's a good look at it right there.

And you don't see the ball hit the ground.

My eyes are tricking me.

So it's fourth down and goal from inside.

The one with 55 seconds to play in the half.

Zakai in there to block.

And look at that run by the freshman Nick Archer takes on Deion Miller head on and drives him back into the end zone for the touchdown.

Deion Miller played this perfectly, stepped up into the hole.

The young freshman 510, 195 being inserted in this game in the first half, usually in clean up duty.

Nice job right there.

And then just the leg drive.

Miller cannot get him down and you can see the frustration right there on his face as he lays on the ground.

Young freshman driving into the end zone.

What a run by Nick Archer to finish the drive.

And Carrollton takes a 6-0 lead.

Wow.

Powerful run.

And here's Jewlyen Vargas to try to tack on the P.a.t.

And he does it with ease and a 7-0 lead for Carrollton watch Nick Archer again.

Good job.

Kick out block there by Helton and then it's just an individual effort.

As you can see Dre Quinn trying to get into the legs of Archer, but that looked like an old school drill right there.

Great block as well.

By Kam Wood a holding kind of pulling him into the end zone.

Everybody's doing dirty duty but a nice job right there.

That's one of those drills they used to set up where the linebacker and the running back just find themselves there one on one, and that time, Nick Archer winning that battle against Deion Miller.

Yeah, I didn't like those drills.

That.

I like the drills.

Seven nothing.

Carrollton.

Great catch there by Zachery to get in that position.

And a beautiful run to finish there.

Individual effort by Nick Archer.

Let's see if Julian Vargas gives him anything to return.

Typically does not.

And he booms this one towards the end zone and it's going to go out of bounds.

Wow.

That's going to be a penalty.

So that's going to open the door here for Buford.

That's going to give him the ball at 30:05.

Typically with that kind of leg he drives the ball into the end zone.

As Vargas right there.

He wants that one back.

As you can see the special team coach going to catch him there on the sideline.

Hasn't been his best night yet.

Missed a 40 yarder on the field goal and then kicks one out of bounds here on the kickoff.

You see Coach King even walking down there wanting to talk to him.

And.

Free kick infraction against Carrollton.

Buford has elected to take the five yard penalty and have a Rekick.

Oh wow, they're going to make him rekick.

Interesting coach out looking to try to get even more field position.

And why not when you have a guy?

Yeah, you don't.

See that Ty boogie back there.

You want to get a chance to.

Maybe he can take one to the house for you.

You see that less and less that they make him rekick when you're going to get the ball at the 35, most coaches would say, man, 35 is pretty good.

We'll take that.

Ty green is that difference maker.

Only one right here.

You have to keep your eye on the four star headed to UGA.

He got Nuckles back there to and I think it's Jamir Cantrell who's standing in the middle.

So you got three very dangerous guys back there to return that ball.

Let's see what.

Carrollton likes to do.

Will even try to kick it off that deep.

Instead they're going to line drive it and it's going to be taken by Nuckles at the 14 yard line.

Nuckles going to the far side and nice tackle in the open field.

Stops him at the 34 yard line.

And that's where Buford will go on offense.

That was Tyler Boyd.

The corner playing on the kickoff coverage.

Beautiful tackle there by Tyler Boyd.

If he doesn't make that tackle there's a lot of green grass out there.

And you Coach Appling in that situation.

It was a great call to make them rekick, but the kind of returners that he has.

, so 43 seconds for Raiola and the Buford offense, they have two time-outs remaining.

Helton already inserted best pass rusher over there 52.

Raiola in the pocket.

It's clean and incomplete.

Easy catch.

There should have been for Thomas.

Should have been caught right there by Thomas took his eyes off the ball.

First play is always so key in a two minute drill.

Having some some positive yards.

So second down and ten clock at 38.

Raiola to this side this time long throw and catch as ace Thomas redeeming himself going out of bounds at the 46.

Good job getting out of bounds.

Good catch here.

By ace Thomas here.

Good throw by the lefty.

Great confidence by Raiola to go right back to the guy after he dropped one.

So first and ten from the 46.

Ivanciuc got a good leg so they can get it in field goal range here.

Raiola wanted to load up and throw deep instead of throws in the middle, and it's caught at the 35.

And that's Chafin with the first down at the 31.

Nice job here.

Raiola is pocket presence stepping up into the pocket, keeping his eyes down the field and delivering the ball.

And a Time-out on the field.

Buford Buford calls the.

Time-out.

Charge time out of the half.

So that leaves him with 20-5 seconds and they're pretty much on the edge of field goal range right here.

As we take a look at Buford's road to the state finals.

It's their 22nd all time state final.

Pretty hard to believe Richmond Hill.

They wiped them out in the first round and Newton was pretty tough in the second round.

That was a close game into the second half.

Same thing with the Douglas County game in the quarterfinals.

And then Buford went down to Valdosta.

First time ever for the Wolves.

First time ever for coach Bryant Appling went down there to Bazemore Stadium and took care of the Wildcats 39-7 So they offered a lot of southern hospitality.

But he didn't right there with that score going down south would get the big victory there against Valdosta.

That was the lone remaining team out of that tough region, one that was still in the running for the state championship.

Got stopped in the semifinals.

And it's first and ten from the 31.

Good job so far.

Keeping working the ball down the field.

Raiola Tolar command here.

This two minute situation.

Raiola sprint out throws.

It's complete to Costin.

He stays in bounds and then finally steps out of bounds at the 28.

He only picked up four on the play.

Three on the play.

Big pressure once again.

Zykie Helton just bullying Ben Mubenga back watch 52 as he just pushes the pocket right there, forcing that throw and Costin just could not keep his balance right there on the edge.

He's got great looking shoes.

Though.

Second down seven.

Raiola pocket.

Now Zykie Helton got him.

Are we sure that he's an offensive lineman?

I'm telling you, there's something about him and his hips.

That explosion that lets him be a center.

Watch him right here as he work on Mubenga.

He swims in and then he beats.

Also Graham Houston as well.

He beats two guys here.

Watch 52.

He beats, swims Mubenga and then just gets off the block of Graham Houston to make that sack.

They'll be talking about that in Athens.

Hey man, you remember I got that sack on you?

Good job there.

And each and every game we've seen him play just dominates in his pass rush ability.

And the conditioning as well.

To play offensive tackle.

You know he's out of position.

Something that you know he's going to move over to center.

The coach Searles up for Georgia.

Cody is that signing day I asked Zykie Helton just that.

I said hey is Trey Scott the defensive line coach?

Is he trying to pull you over at Georgia?

He said Stacey is fighting tooth and nail.

He's not going to let the offensive line.

Coach Stacey is not going to let him get away.

He's a great story.

When he was a sophomore he was up to 330.

Then he suffered a bout of Crohn's disease, lost a ton of weight, lost over 100 pounds and it was at that time when he lost that pounds and started putting them back on.

They figured out how athletic he was, all the weight that he was carrying earlier, they didn't really know that, but they found they found out now.

Third down Raiola to the air and it's going to be caught at the 30 yard line.

Going to be short of the first down clock continues to run down to one.

Did they get a Time-out.

Clock runs out.

Buford Wright.

They're not having any time-outs after that sack.

No time-outs left.

Yeah, they had to use that Time-out on that sack by Helton.

And so they miss an opportunity to get into field goal range right there.

And we'll go to the locker room with Carrollton on top 7-0 Just a physical first half by both teams running the ball.

Carrollton finally been able to crack with Nick Archer getting in the end zone.

All right.

Time now for our halftime interview.

It's brought to you by Johnny's New York style pizza.

Down to Cody.

Here with Carrollton head coach Joey King.

Your offense had two interceptions and then the defense kept them off the board and then bowed their back again right there.

What can you say about the defensive effort.

Defense is playing.

They played a great half of football.

You can't turn a turn the ball over against a really good team like Buford.

Or you'll definitely be in a dogfight.

Luckily we got one in there and our defense held them right before the half.

So we got to regroup a little bit and play clean.

Second half.

Talk about the decision and the trust to have Nick Archer your freshman on fourth and goal and the way he just pushed his way in the end zone.

He's a man child, you know, big, big, strong kid works his tail off.

He deserved that moment right there.

It feels like a heavyweight fight.

What's your message to the team in the locker room?

We got to keep swinging.

You know we got to keep swinging.

We knew it was going to be this way.

22 great programs duking it out for the state championship.

So we got to regroup and come back out and play a clean second half.

I appreciate it.

Good luck in the second half.

Joey King, Carrollton head coach as his Carrollton Trojans try and get their first state title since 19:98 First national title ever.

We'll see if they can do it.

Leading 7-0 at the half.

We will catch up with Coach Bryant Appling after the half, but for now, on the other side of this break, it'll be Nick and Nelly on the set.

Get you updated with everything that's happened inside the bins so far today.

Let me know if I can help you with anything.

Just looking.

I only buy local and sustainable, so.

Oh well, that shirt's not local.

You should be wearing cotton.

George is a major supplier of cotton worldwide, so if you'd like to buy local to support Georgia, buying cotton is a great place to start.

It's renewable and sustainable.

Naturally.

Thanks.

That's a polyester fiber made of oil, by the way.

Where's your dressing room?

Sir?

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh hey what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free, and save lives.

Heads up Georgia.

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Welcome in to Mercedes Benz Stadium.

We're live on GPB.

Welcome into our halftime show.

I'm Nicki Noto Palmer.

This is my sidekick and Jon Nelson Nelly.

Is halftime of the 6-A heavyweight title game between Buford and Carrollton.

I'm giggling because we've been chirping off camera about stats.

What's going on?

Just go ahead, take us to our Georgia EMC scoreboard and then we'll talk about it.

Yeah, there's a bunch of different numbers that we'll talk about here at halftime as we get it ready to go back to Cody, Matt and Wayne.

But that is the important number right now.

7-0 And my gosh a freshman Nick Archer gets the run into the end zone.

A lot of trust.

You heard Cody talk to Joey King about it.

One score on the board.

That's all you need right now.

That's incredible.

But let's go back to the net yards for Buford.

Tell us that number.

Plays 19 yards, 52 yards per play, 2.74.

That's where we are right now.

With Buford.

Compared to 34 for 165 for the Carrollton.

Trojans.

Who knew.?

Boys and girls.

I don't know.

Wasn't me.

I know, and how about Cam Wood out there playing against his former team?

I mean, that story line alone has been so interesting to follow, but I bet he's going to go back and watch tape and go, I don't know if I should celebrate before I hit that red zone.

And.

Down.

All right.

It is time to catch up with our friends at Georgia EMC and celebrate their relationship that we have here, GPB and celebrate the Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award.

Here's a here's a quick look at the entire season.

One, two, three.

The 36 participating Georgia Electric membership cooperatives would like to congratulate all the winners of the GHSA Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award in 2025.

This award honors schools that exhibit exemplary sportsmanship during competitive events.

Only one school in each region in each classification is chosen to receive this annual award.

The GHSA takes into consideration all aspects of sportsmanship, making the award a tribute to the entire community.

Introduced in 2006, this award reinforces the GHSA philosophy that everyone associated with high school activities, from athletes to spectators, should adhere to the fundamental values it represents.

Georgia EMC in the 36 participating Georgia Electric membership cooperatives are proud to sponsor the Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award.

Congratulations to all the winners this year.

And congratulations to all of our winners!

John.

We have had so much fun with all of these winners.

All of these stories that we're sharing.

What else do we have coming up in half?

We have stuff.

You save it, we get to catch up with our friends at USA pharmacy with one of the great features that we got to see this season.

And around the corner, see, we usually go into the principal's office.

I don't know what you call the executive director's.

Office.

Dr.

Tim Scott is hanging out here.

He's got his he's got a warm beverage.

He's ready to go.

We're going to catch up with him to wrap things up here at day two.

We got numbers, we got stats.

We got all the things.

And folks want to know what this notebook is all about.

Before we go, we'll have answers.

Coming up around the corner.

It's halftime on the great GPB stick and stay.

We'll be right back.

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And welcome back into our halftime show on GPB.

It is currently halftime of our 6-A title game between Buford and Carrollton.

Now, thanks to our friends over at USA pharmacy, we've been able to share some incredible stories of student athletes with you guys over this championship weekend.

And Maddox story is no different.

He is a football player from Pike County High School.

He's tough and gives relentless effort.

Take a look.

He's coachable.

You tell him something, he's got it.

He's the kid that you want everybody else to be.

He comes to work.

Perfect attitude every single day.

I think the wrestling and football kind of complement each other.

You know, mental toughness is a real ingredient in both.

Combine his athleticism along with his relentless effort.

That just makes a really, really talented football player.

He's a worker and on the defensive side of the ball, you've got to have that relentless effort.

He's not the kid that makes the same mistakes over and over again.

He corrects things and that's huge.

I don't care what sport you're playing.

Thanks again to our friends over at USA pharmacy for sharing Maddox story.

Now on the other side of this break, John and I were going to sit down with Executive Director of the doctor, Tim Scott.

You're definitely going to want to keep it right here on GPB to hear our conversation.

We'll be right back.

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Com.

He's not avoiding contact.

He's looking for contact.

And the thing that I appreciate about the way he plays as well is he's going to play as hard as he can play.

When it's time to play, he's a he's an animal, you know, and he's able to flip that switch.

Marks does a great job on offense.

He's going to get a lot of reps in the state championship game.

He made a couple of plays that were just sheer effort and want to have nothing to do with coaching, had nothing to do with technique.

It was just him really doing everything he could to make a play for our team.

And you hit somebody and you just feel their whole body just shock back and you hear the crowd go, ooh, that just makes me hungry.

Want me to do it again?

Welcome back into our GPB halftime show.

And we'd like to welcome in executive director of the GHSA doctor Tim Scott.

Dr.

Scott, first things first.

I personally think you need to join me on set tomorrow because you've gotten really comfortable and good on the mic down there for those trophy presentations.

Listen, I just follow John's lead.

He's doing great.

That's your first problem, man.

First problem.

Following me.

Now you were talking about tickets and it's a fantastic crowd out here as we expected.

But what was the number that you were telling me coming in?

Well, we were able to check go fan.

I don't know, maybe 15, 20 minutes before game time.

And I think they said so far it was a little over 11,700, something like that, just for this game.

That doesn't count.

Anybody that stays, you know, from earlier in the day and or anybody that walks up after that time.

Wow.

What do you think the Max has been when it comes to matchups in Mercedes-Benz Stadium?

I don't have any idea what those numbers are.

I know last year, over the course of the three days we sold right at 50:06 thousand, a little over 56,000 tickets.

Do you think this has the biggest crowd that you've seen so far for a matchup?

It looks pretty close to it.

It's a great crowd.

Of course a great ball game and two great teams.

When you got 7-0 after one.

I mean, the defenses have shown up really, really well so far.

We were going through some of the numbers.

We might go through some more in a sec, but when you look at defense, are you an offensive guy?

Are you a defensive guy?

I'm a defensive guy.

So when you see something 7-0 And you see the two defenses out there, what's what's going through your mind?

I love a good defensive battle man.

And just I mean, they're hitting each other and they're playing hard and they're hustling around.

It's a great ball game.

Absolutely true I like this circle gets the square.

He's absolutely right when it comes to, you know, weeks like this preparation like this.

It is a way for the GHSA and us here at GPB to showcase the number 3 state in the country when it comes to talent playing football.

That goes to the next level.

What's it been like for you to to see the state evolve from, say, top five, top six to now being a solid number 3?

Well, I'll tell you, it's a it's happened over a few years.

And of course, Dr.

Hines I get to follow him and he's one of my mentors.

And the build up the GHSA has had and the work that they've done and trying to continue, that means a lot.

But again, I'm going to go back to what I said last night.

We're an education based athletic association, and that's where we go first and foremost, and teaching kids how to make it in life.

That's what's important in those lessons.

But I think we do it better than anybody else in the nation.

And I'll say that any time.

And and it's a credit to our coaches, it's a credit to our administrators and schools and then our partners like you guys.

And I mean medical staff.

This Mercedes Benz, I mean, I could just name a ton of them.

It's a big team effort and I appreciate it.

I was going to say, do you think that the GHSA student athletes understand what they have going on for them in the state of Georgia?

No.

And I'll tell you this, I've had some kids.

You know, I spent 14 years as a high school principal.

I've had some kids come back and say, hey, my facilities are not as good at my, you know, maybe a D2 school or something as we had in high school.

And if you look, I mean, take a look at Carrollton and Buford what kind of facilities they have.

And I don't know that they fully understand until they, you know, go somewhere else and see because that's what they that's what they have every day.

When you go to the national meetings and you catch up with your fellow executive directors, I guess that's the proper plural.

When you when you catch up with your peers around the country, do you guys share notes?

Do you trade notes?

Do you do you give advice to one another about how to get to the next level when it comes to it?

Yeah, not just at those meetings, but they call on the phone, you know we've had a few little issues of late, and I got calls from all over the nation.

Hey, can we help you?

What can we do?

You know, we're here if you need us, so it's like a brotherhood.

There's only 50 positions, and so we know each other, and we get to talk to each other, and we do text, and we, of course, at our meetings, we do share and try to, you know, how to help each other and send surveys out.

Or somebody may send a question out, hey, guys, does anybody having this what can we do?

And so we communicate a lot and it really helps.

Dr.

Scott what's an area that you want to see the GHSA experience growth.

I think and I think we've took a step taken a step toward that.

I don't know if y'all know we started a GHSA Foundation, so we just started that and it won't happen this spring.

But next spring we're going to work to give out $25,000 scholarships.

And so as an organization, we already give back to the schools money in terms of what their dues would be and that kind of stuff.

They're catastrophic insurance, but we want to continue to work so we can give back more to our schools because they give us so much throughout the year, and they put so much on the line and they work so hard.

We want to continue to give back and provide that organization that helps our young people continue to get better, and showcases our state as being the best.

Did you get to catch your breath on your way up here because you've been here like from the absolute beginning?

You got to you got to race back down there for the second half, right?

I'm going to go back down there.

Yeah.

You can't miss this, man.

That's a great game.

Always great to see you, my friend.

We'll catch up with you down there on the field.

Thank you.

Absolutely.

And we will see you again here at this same time ish of the rundown.

Not like like not tonight.

He can come up on.

51.

Once again tomorrow night.

Once again, my friend.

Good to see you.

Thank you John.

Appreciate it guys.

All right.

So let's run down everything else that you need to know before we go.

That's your Wednesday rundown right there McEachern and Polk, two top 15 teams.

Flag Division five.

That will start things off at 11:00 A.M.. So it's brunch with GPB in the midweek on a Wednesday, 106 GPB time.

It's the private division Calvary Day in Hebron.

Christian 406 GPB time Jefferson and Sandy Creek, Thomas County Central in Gainesville.

Both of those teams were here looking at the action going on behind us.

736 GPB time.

That is the rundown tomorrow.

You still have a half here with this particular game coming up, and folks have been asking and literally they've been asking from around.

They've been asking from around the state what this large notebook actually is.

And I will tell you what this notebook actually is.

It is my guidebook.

It is my Bible for this entire three days.

Look, look at this.

This is outrageous.

It's all cardstock too.

And it's only one of two books I have.

I have the book that got us here and the book that will keep us here.

So it's two separate days for two separate books for me.

Two separate days.

You got 24 minutes of football in the Intergalactic Championship ready to be decided.

One team is up by seven.

Can the other team close that margin?

Cody and Coach app, Matt and Wayne coming up in a bit on GPB.

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Back at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Start of the third quarter Carrollton on top of Buford 7-0 And time now for our halftime interview.

It's brought to you by Johnny's New York style pizza, down to Cody Chapin's.

Here with Bryant Appling, the Buford head coach.

Coach, your offense is not found their stride yet.

Running game in particular struggled to get going.

How do you evaluate that first half?

I just got to finish.

I mean, we see the looks we've seen all week long.

You know what I mean?

It's 0-0 crazy.

Just got to win some blocks here and there., I mean, we're doing a good job in a lot of places, just not doing them all at the same time.

Your defense is giving you two takeaways, kept you right in this thing.

Only down seven.

How do you feel like they've done so far?

Really really good.

I mean, it's not a whole lot of, you know, craziness in the locker room that we got to talk about.

You know what I mean?

Just keep playing their game.

You know, make something happen.

As as we get started on the second half and get the ball rolling our direction.

Yeah.

As you said, you guys have been in these tight games, especially down in the playoffs, fourth quarter games.

What was your message to the guys in there.

Just calm down.

You know what I mean.

Freaking out a little bit.

Just worried about you know, making a play.

And I'm like guys it's a four quarter game.

It's a half.

You know they got one play on us.

They got the ball close to the goal line.

That's how they got seven points.

But in the end we got the ball coming out.

We got to do something with it and make a play on defense and get the play back.

Get the game back even.

Okay appreciate it coach.

Good luck in the second half.

Brian Appling in his Buford Wolves trying to get that offense going here in the second half.

They'll get the ball first.

Thank you Cody.

So Wayne how do you calm down and not freak out when you're playing in the biggest game of your life?

Well, this is a Buford kind of game.

They like ugly games.

They like to get it late into the game, start running the ball, play a physical brand of football.

I just think that both teams are kind of tight there.

That whole half, they really didn't let the ball go until that two minute situation with Raiola.

He made some plays down the field.

All right.

Let's talk about those last couple of minutes there in that first half as we take a look at the highlights.

Big play.

Got him down there.

Close on the double pass Peyton Zachary found Kam Wood open.

Pointed to the gun.

Pointed to the crowd.

He thought he was going to score the touchdown there.

A little celebration in here.

Hotlzclaw rolling out.

Great catch here by Peyton Zachary to get him down to the half yard line.

Take another look at it.

He held on to it.

And then on fourth down and goal, the freshman Nick Archer bulls his way into the end zone, taking and pushing back an outstanding linebacker and Deion Miller to get the score.

A great job there by the young Archer.

What do you think about the stats?

What jumps off the page.

Right here?

When you look at a game where Buford played a whole half of football and only no yards rushing, I mean, that really just stands out as the biggest thing.

Not able to run the ball, not able to get any movement.

And then when you look at the first down Carrollton ten first downs, only three for Buford time of possession.

Carrollton dominating, not Buford really has to get something going here early.

Get some energy in this offense.

So a seven nothing lead for Carrollton 24 minutes away from winning their first state championship since 1998.

No team has won more games in the 2000 without winning a state championship than the Carrollton Trojans.

They've been close twice in the last three years.

They got to the state finals under Joey King, but that's why they hired Joey King.

Joey King was the great coach at Cartersville that won two state championships, had Trevor Lawrence as his quarterback.

He went to the college ranks.

He was at Coastal Carolina, and then he was at South Florida in Carrollton brought him back from the college ranks to do exactly what they're trying to do tonight.

And finally, in that state championship drought.

Trying to finish the mission.

That's what Coach King focused on.

He's not listening to the outside noise.

He wants a championship for this city.

Well, that's the resume.

Fifth season at Carrollton 65-3 three region titles, three state finals, five straight ten plus win seasons, a 915 winning percentage, an overall record of 130 2-10 including the two state championships at Cartersville, and they got to the state finals twice there as well.

Beyond those two state titles.

It's really breathe life back into this program, doing a great job.

And right here, half away from maybe a national championship.

Just feel good for that coach right there to bring that to Carrollton.

Second half kickoff is brought to you by Heads Up, Georgia.

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It saves lives and Vargas sends it into the end zone.

It will not be returnable and they'll bring it out to the 20 yard line.

Offensive line has to get going here.

Too many third and long situations.

Buford is usually trying to dictate.

They like to run the ball, to throw the ball.

They like to play action fake.

And that's not something they were able to do.

Zero rush yards in the first half, just never really part of what Buford is built around.

They're called the moving company.

They beat you up at the offensive line with so many talented backs and big plays down the field, come through that.

Raiola eight of ten for 52 yards passing.

Very little offense as you saw in the stats for the Wolves handoff goes to Dylan McCoy and McCoy gets up to the 20 1 yard line.

Just a 1 yard pickup for McCoy on his first carry of the game.

The speed of Carrollton is really affecting this offensive line.

They're getting off blocks Undersize shorter defensive line.

That's great with their hands and just give out, give great effort.

Now the rushing stats are a bit misleading in that you subtract the 15 yards on quarterback sacks and runs by the running backs.

They actually have 16 yards.

Not a lot, but it's better than zero.

Second down, direct snap.

And that's Ty Greene breaks out into the open.

Watch out Ty Greene one man to beat gets away from Boyd that then gets tackled by Mcmillan on a big run by Ty Boogie Greene.

Ty Boogie low snap.

Getting the ball off the turf right here.

Great job.

Counteraction.

Just the balance strength and speed right here out in the open field.

Good job there.

By Tyler Boyd being able to stay into that play and keep him out of the end zone.

Just a great individual effort here by Ty Greene.

Handoff goes to Cantrell Jamir Cantrell getting his first carry of the game.

Good job tackling by Carrollton.

Did I know they bust on that last run.

But right there once again Tyler Boyd the young sophomore stepping up and making a play.

Second down, first time Buford has really had a scoring threat in this game as they have it at the Carrollton 27 yard line.

And that's what you got to have in a state finals when your big players got to make big plays.

Big name, the brand names have to show up and lead this team.

Raiola on the rollout, looking downfield and throwing.

Got a man in the corner of the end zone.

Overthrew him.

He was wide open down there.

That was Cameron Hurst.

Right there.

Raiola got a man underneath, decided he was going to go for the big play down the field.

Lockette he's wide open right here, as you can see.

As he rolls out, he has a man wide open right there and now trying to go for the big play.

Just didn't set his feet as the defender fell down right there.

Shim Miller Mcmillan.

Excuse me.

Fell down.

It's just not a good throw there by Raiola.

Third down and eight from the 27.

Raiola guns.

It broken up.

Jermichael Simmons coming from that safety position, separated the receiver from the ball.

Big free safety.

511200 pounds.

Senior.

Here a missile overthrow trying to squeeze it in there.

Torre Costin and just a good hit to knock the ball out there by Simmons.

And pause in the action as I believe it was Costin got shaken up on that play.

You see Simmons with his 40 tackles on the season.

Play action, fake gunning in right there.

Just looked like maybe he got the air knocked out of him on that hit there by Simmons Edmond right there in the stomach.

The breath away.

Simmons not a big receiver, but known for making those tough catches and moving that right leg.

Like maybe got banged up.

They need him.

He's their leading receiver.

Looks like Buford is going to try a field goal here.

Andrew Ivanciuc this will be a 44 yard kick or thereabouts.

Raiola is the holder.

Dawson Wittke is the snapper.

Kicking from the right hash.

Kick on its way and it gets in there.

Ivanciuc gets him on the board with a 44 yard field goal.

And it's 73.

Jake finishing off this drive will drive the.

So Ty Green break a long run.

But then this Carrollton defense got tight on them.

Good execution.

Good ball there.

Good hold by Raiola.

Ivanciuc Echols 4.5 star kicker.

Four star punter.

Put it right through.

So the big run by Ty Green gets him on the board with a three.

Here in the first 2 minutes of this third quarter, your red ribbon 365 curriculum DBHDD scoring drive six plays 53 yards 2 minutes.

Booms this away Nonreturnable 7 yards deep in the end zone fielded by Welch, who's one of the top kick returners in the entire state.

Let's check in with Cody.

Tory Costin.

They went into the tent for a minute.

They looked at his left leg and he walked out.

And he's now sitting on the bench.

Looks like he might return.

He's their top receiver.

Statistically, he's been their number 1 receiver all season long.

Been offered by Gardner-Webb and Morehouse.

Senior wide receiver did not sign on National Signing Day, but there's a second national signing Day coming up.

Now, can this Carrollton offense a couple of more explosive plays down the field?

They've been running the ball very well.

Cypher overthrows his man.

Right there.

I'm not sure that's car McCoy getting away with a little tug on Ryan Mosley.

That ball was not intended for Peyton Zachary right here.

Trying to hit Mosley.

He just turned him right there with that left hand.

Well, the crowd just.

Saw it.

You could hear the.

Reaction to.

It was up on the halo board, and everybody saw it.

Got away with a little tug.

Definitely pass interference.

Just didn't get called.

There.

Second down.

Handoff goes cam Wood cam Wood trying to weave his way through the defense.

Trying to run inside.

Just big bodies in there.

Doing a good job here tonight.

Simmons Bryce Perry-Wright just won't be moved as Carrollton team offensively they've got to get a little more going on first and second down here.

Once again, find themselves in third and long.

14 carries 58 yards for Cam Wood most of that game in the first quarter.

Flag can have a procedure penalty on Carrollton.

And this is kind of how Buford they lull you to sleep, they come out.

Next thing you know, they get a little momentum.

Coach app said get some points on the board, then the defense goes out and make a play right here trying to get a three and out hit the offensive short field here.

Got to be very careful.

CJ Cypher throwing this ball down the field.

This this secondary is playing great zone defense keeping everything in front of him.

Already got two interceptions for the Carrollton passers one for Cypher one for Hotlzclaw tonight and only four the entire season.

Coming into the game.

Cypher spins and throws.

It's complete to Mosley and Mosley fighting for the first down and a big hit coming in there late and he's close to the first down.

It looks like, according to the spot from the official, he got it.

He did.

Great individual effort, all the strength, the size six, 22, ten.

Just get it out quick.

Good catch in traffic and then Mosley just driving.

As you can see towards that first down marker.

That was Jax Pope who decommitted from Mississippi State.

It looked like coach App is going to challenge.

The challenge spot.

Yeah.

Looked like it was a little short.

And Tolar angle.

It did look like maybe he did not get.

I didn't think he got there.

Quite frankly.

I thought the spot was a little generous.

And so did Coach Bryant Appling.

Take another look at it.

Markers at the 30.

And just right here trying to fight this last hit very close.

But Jax Pope.

Jax Pope put that big hit.

Keep him short.

Ball.

Just at least from our angle.

Didn't look like it got to the 30.

And maybe they were fortunate that targeting crown of the helmet Jax Pope coming in there late.

Looks like it could have been a call right there.

Of course they can't deal with that on the replay, so that has to be made on the field.

And I think they are short.

Let's see if the replay booth confirms this.

What is Coach Cane for?

Carrollton thinking right here three and out.

Seems like it will give the Wolves that energy that coach app is looking for.

So tough call here on fourth down.

We saw Danny Britt and Benedictine go for it on fourth and longer than this.

It was fourth and one at their own 24 last night and convert.

Yeah totally based on he felt like Creekside had too much energy after just one drive.

He felt like he was in a situation where he needed to keep the ball, and he was able to convert it.

Waiting on Todd Downs to give us the signal.

He got called back.

He got called back.

He's getting ready to tell.

Somebody called somebody threw the the red flag for him to come back.

From last game.

No difference yet.

Okay.

Probably sure.

Discussing what time on the clock.

After video review, it was determined that the runner did make the line to gain at the 30 yard line.

First down Carrollton Buford has used their one challenge for the half.

Tough call right there.

And a lot of times what happens, as you know, Matt, it's about the call on the field.

And do I have enough evidence to take the call on the field away?

That was a risky proposition there by Bryant Appling, because not only does he lose his challenge, he loses the Time-out with it.

It might be a very valuable time-out that they're missing.

As we get deeper into this game.

But I did think that they were short.

But the replay officials did not concur.

So first and ten ball at the 30 yard line.

This offensive line has to get something going.

Be able to block this seven man front.

Cypher whips it out there to Zackarie Zachary with a man blocking for him, comes back and gets 8 yards on the play up to the 38.

Nice job right there.

Getting the ball out quick.

Buford defense playing soft.

They're going to give up these little short passes and feel like they can come up and make the tackle.

Good job right there.

Being elusive by Zackarie.

Yeah Mosley out there blocking for him.

That's one thing.

They go back to Zackarie on the other side.

He does get the first down right there.

Rontre Welch was out there blocking that time.

That's one thing that Joey King has consistently talked about.

When we've talked to him over the course of the season, about how his blockers do, how his wide receivers do a great job of blocking on the perimeter.

Even regardless of who has the ball.

They are dedicated to making those blocks right there, trying to climb the ladder.

Zackarie kind of took his eyes off the ball.

He felt Ty Greene barreling down on him.

Watch right here.

Just a little quick stop route and kind of felt like his head turned to see the big body there of Todd Greene.

Second and ten.

Cam Wood on the carry up to the 50 yard line.

Nice job once again.

Brady Wagner stepping up in there and making that tackle.

Tough sledding today for Kam Wood this this Buford defense.

They're built on defense.

This is what they like to play.

They have some outstanding linebackers that can tackle in open space.

Third down and five ball at the 50.

Cypher steps up in the pocket in trouble.

Gets away from Bryce Perry-Wright being chased by Dre Quinn.

Throws downfield and incomplete.

Not sure right there if Cypher should have worked underneath to Ryan Mosley.

He was right there in his face as he got out of trouble.

Decided to go and try to get the big play down the field.

Not sure how he got out of this sack.

Bryce Perry-Wright good protection initially, but here just showing you the strength to get out of that sack and then deciding to go for the deep ball.

Mosley was underneath trying to get a big play there as a young freshman.

Cypher is a strong kid to get out of a sack from Bryce Perry-Wright and the punt by Vargas.

It is a boomer and a rainmaker and it goes into the end zone a little bit too much of a Boomer and Rainmaker.

We'll step aside with 7-16 to play in the third and Carrollton on top 73 in the 6-A state championship game.

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Matt Stewart Wayne Gandy Cody Chafin.

Our entire fabulous Emmy Award winning GPB team with you here at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Wrapping up day two of the three day GHSA State championships and possibly national championship here.

Between these two nationally ranked number 1 teams in separate rankings.

First and ten Buford as they take over at the 20.

Jamir Cantrell gets hot, tied and thrown to the ground.

Big time penetration there by DJ Logan, almost taking his hand off.

Watch 97 go underneath the block.

There.

Great job penetrating there underneath.

Justin Thomas.

Day Logan signed with Georgia Southern on signing day.

Over seven other offers.

Carrollton team does a great job penetrating.

They're undersized.

They play with good technique, great leverage.

Second down and 12 Raiola out to the edge and it goes to Costin and he gets wrapped up and thrown down by Barney, who's had a spectacular game.

Once again, just beating the block out there and making the play.

Not able to get the block.

Ian Chafin trying to block Barney, but with so much momentum and a bigger corner.

Six feet, 170.

Great job right there and forcing this third and long in this situation.

If you're Buford, you have to find Zykie Helton, get a couple of bodies on it.

Barney has five tackles and one and a half TfL tonight to go along with the Pbu, and it's going to be third down.

Raiola looking left now, scrambling to his left and throwing downfield and incomplete.

Cameron Hurst was open but the pass was off the mark.

Great job running a stunt t stunt inside Ziggy Helton forcing Raiola out of the pocket trying to lay it up.

Just can't watch the T stunt right here underneath.

Coming.

Forcing Raiola out of the pocket, not able to set his feet.

Missing his mark.

Ivanciuc is going to punt and gets it out of there.

Peyton Zachary fair catch called for and made at the 43 yard line.

And that's where Carrollton will go back on offense.

They're up 7-3 and now 539 to play in the third quarter.

This offensive line has to challenge itself to get this run game going.

Carrollton we've seen them be explosive because they can run the ball at anyone inside or outside.

And right now Cameron Simmons Dre Quinn Bryce Perry-Wright they're winning the line of scrimmage and defeating this run game.

Carrollton offensive line this season has allowed only six quarterback sacks.

They've done a marvelous job.

Helton Wells, Sheffield, Ball and Fielder Ball goes out on the edge there, complete to Peyton Zachary gets driven out of bounds by Ty Greene after a short pickup, and it's probably the best offensive line we've seen from Carrollton since Joey King got there in 2021.

You got Helton going to Georgia, Wells and Anderson University signee Sheffield got five offers.

Ball signed with Sanford Fielder is a four star rated as high as the number 3 offensive tackle in the class of 2028.

64, 320 sophomores.

Fielder bright future for him, offensive line is very versatile, great in the screen game.

Intercepted by Simmons and Cam Simmons all the way down to the 29 yard line.

Great job of seeing this play develop.

Cam Simmons just didn't feel comfortable being let go by the offensive line.

You could see him just stopping his tracks right here.

Watch how he reads this.

He stops backs up having to double catch the ball.

And a great job there by the nose tackle.

Getting an interception.

The son of the former NFL star Clyde Simmons, who played 15 NFL seasons, including two All-Pro and Pro Bowl seasons and currently assistant coach at Tennessee State.

We've seen Cam Simmons have some big games this season and a big interception right there.

Third interception thrown by Carrollton quarterbacks tonight.

They had only four in their first 14 games.

Raiola heavy rush got him on the ground.

Quarterback sack Kadan Spratling.

The splash playmaker.

The three star Memphis signee coming off the back edge just never saw him as Raiola.

You can see 34 coming with the pressure beating the block right there by the fullback.

No chance by the fullback to take on Kadan Spratling.

Spratling was probably the biggest single reason why they beat Buford last year in the semifinals.

He played like a madman and had a huge game in that semifinal victory for the Trojans.

This defense has really stepped up three interceptions, only three points on the board for Buford.

Off of those three interceptions.

Second down and a flea flicker, Raiola hit as he throws and it's incomplete.

The pass rush for Carrollton forced him to get rid of that ball too soon, and could not get it to Chafin.

The flea flicker Kadan Spratling watch 34.

Keep working to this ball right here.

A little late rip move.

Big hit.

Kind of hit the ball right there.

Looked like he hit the throwing arm of Raiola.

The defense did not buy that flea flicker one bit.

Now trying to get the crowd going.

The defense burden forever here for Raiola going with the empty backfield.

This is usually when Zykie Helton steps up and supplies the pressure for Carrollton.

Clean pocket in the middle.

Caught short of the first down, but ace Thomas comes up with the catch and now it's going to be fourth down.

Let's see what Coach App does here.

He looks like he's just going to take the three points here.

It's a tight ball game getting late.

Good field goal kicker here.

Ivanciuc this will be a 39 yarder.

He's already hit a 44 yarder.

And he hit the 44 yarder from the right hash.

And this is also from the right hash.

Got the distance and got the accuracy.

76.

Once again supplying the points getting his team closer.

And this is the Buford way.

They're just a team.

They have a lot of talent.

They have a team that just figures out ways to win games.

You know I didn't really think about it, but did we think it would be 76 late in the third quarter?

No.

You came in here.

You thought this game was definitely probably going to be in the high 20s.

Even though both teams sport good defenses, they do have the offensive talent right now.

It's a defensive battle and a great game.

Or as some of the kids are probably saying right now at six, seven.

Don't get me started.

On that.

I'm sure.

We did.

I'm sure we did dumb things, too when we were kids.

So.

339 to play in the third.

And kick is going to be returnable from the one Rontre Welch they got him bottled up.

Welch, who leads the state in kick return yards for kick return touchdowns this season, gets stopped right about the 20 yard line.

A full last day of state championships here at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Day three kicking off at 11:00 A.M.. The flag Division five championship McEachern and Pope.

Then at 1:00, the boys private championship, Calvary Day and Hebron Christian.

At 4:00, the boys three a championship.

Jefferson and Sandy Creek, and then the 730 class 5-A championship.

Thomas County Central in Gainesville should be another great day in that last one that you and I will be working will be a fun one.

The horns, they're going to be here tomorrow.

They're going to figure a way to get them in.

They're going.

To sneak them in.

Sneaking in the horns.

So first and ten for Carrollton.

Cam Wood up to the 27 yard line.

And just a word, a best of luck to my cousin, Jeb Stuart.

He is on the coaching staff of Calvary Day, so they'll be going up against Hebron Christian.

They'll have their hands full Hebron Christian.

I've seen a number of times this year.

Outstanding team.

So the Stewarts will be representing here in the state finals.

On the field and in the booth.

Second down and four ball at the 26 yard line.

And a quarterback sack is Cypher gets nailed and the ball comes out.

Was he down or was he a fumble?

They're still fighting over it.

Big pressure coming off the edge here by Brady.

They say that Buford's got it.

They do signal from the field.

Fumble by Cypher.

Is a fumble that was recovered by Buford.

And an uncharacteristic fourth turnover by the Carrollton quarterbacks here tonight.

Quarterbacks only four interceptions right here.

The pressure beating the tight end right there.

Key Miller.

And that ball is out right there.

Zion Benyard with the quarterback sack and the fumble the forced fumble.

You can see no part of the body is down.

The ball clearly is out right there.

Good job.

By Benyard.

He did a great job of stripping that ball from Cypher as he was taking him to the ground.

And now Buford in scoring position already and a chance to grab the lead in this game for the first time all night with 251 to play in the third.

Momentum play here usually dictates offense.

Tries to get greedy and go over the top.

They have only 67 yards passing tonight and only 42 yards rushing.

Yet here they have a chance to grab the lead.

Going to the Wildcat with Ty Green.

Works before their biggest play of the night was on the legs of Ty Green.

He gets a short gain right there.

Carrollton defense has answered consistently tonight in these tight situations.

Can they hold this Buford team out of the end zone once again?

Got to be a frustrating night on that Carrollton sideline.

They have done such a great job of protecting the ball all season long.

Their quarterback split their senior and their freshman.

And they have not had a good night controlling and taking care of the football.

A team that really just does not beat themselves.

They don't turn the ball over.

They don't create a lot of penalties.

Right now on the ropes.

As far as momentum.

, and you got to give a lot of credit to the Buford defense.

They have forced those turnovers.

Handoff goes to green.

Ty green trying to get to the corner.

And he does.

Inside the ten.

Ty green touchdown Buford.

We talked about Ty Boogie in the open and his ability to affect the game in all three phases.

This time like earlier providing the big play getting to that right side good blocking no penetration and just the speed right there.

Looked like maybe a block in the back.

Let's see if they they're going to review.

They review all scoring plays.

Let's see if they go further review here.

Did he step out of bounds on that sideline.

They're saying that it's good.

The replay booth has already looked at it.

Now they line up to go for two.

Pass to the end zone.

Touchdown two point conversion.

Boy with the swinging gate right there a little shift over showing a rollout.

Formation.

Just catching the backside tight end.

What great execution up there.

Especially when you're shifting the offensive line like that.

Watch how the line shifts.

Little rollout action.

Nice throw and catch there.

Good execution for that two point conversion.

That was Braden Watson who threw the pass.

Trying to see who caught that ball.

Was it 38.

It was somebody that we typically don't ever see.

Against defense.

Personal foul against the offense.

Those penalties will offset the results of the two point conversion are good.

Yeah, it's 38.

That's a name that I have not called all season.

It's a sophomore Roland Bradley isn't it?

And Braden Watson who's a backup tight end I don't think we've called his game all season at all this entire season.

And this is the third Buford game we've worked, haven't called either one of those names all season long, and they spring him for the two point conversion.

Sure, that's what we're going to do in that situation in a tight game, but what a great touchdown and a great play call here by Coach App and his staff.

Nice pool action right here.

Bounce it outside.

Little bump in the back there by Costin.

But not enough to get called.

And then the acceleration into the end zone by Ty Green.

And that's Tank Watson Braden Tank Watson who threw the pass for the two points to Roland Bradley, who's listed as a sophomore running back, and DB.

That can't be right.

Let's see if we can get the.

They're going to say Dawson Wittke the long snapper.

It's the snapper.

It's the snapper.

Dawson Wittke Wittke the snapper who caught that.

Which makes sense.

The snapper would be the one who goes out on the pass route, because no one's paying attention to him.

Sneak him out.

Nobody's has that assignment and a great job of him catching that ball.

Good execution, good play design up there.

Now, can this Carrollton offense, has really struggled here for the last two quarters.

Got to get the run game.

They feed off the run game.

Cam Wood having no effect in this game so far.

So first and ten Carrollton now playing from behind for the first time tonight.

Cam Wood on the run.

He's kind of disappeared after getting close to 50 yards rushing in that first quarter.

He's kind of disappeared from the game plan.

Nice job right there.

Just getting off the field, getting behind the Helton and Wells on that left side.

Try to stay out of second and third and long.

Cypher back to pass.

Looking firing.

It's caught by Miller the tight end.

Miller out of bounds at the 44 yard line.

Nice job settling CJ Cypher Mitchell.

He looked like he was about to run and then went through his progression.

Found Miller down the field.

Back to live action.

Cam Wood another short run.

Kind of interesting that they got away from cam Wood I don't know.

Was it something that Buford was doing defensively?

Not sure, but they hit.

They hit him with the big play on the big pass play.

But that's really the last time we've seen him until now.

Yeah he kind of disappeared.

The run game.

They're stifling them at the line of scrimmage.

And we saw early rotation putting Nick Archer in there.

Substitution infraction.

So that's a five yard penalty replay.

The down.

You felt like that move in certain Nick Archer was more of trying to keep him fresh for the second half because they used him so much right now.

They got to get him going, get him some touches.

He's a good running back, catching the ball out of the backfield as he's already shown.

Wood gets it again and now Cam Wood back in the game plan.

Gets it across the 50 and down to the 43.

Nice job.

I like the way the plays are coming in and out, playing with a little better tempo, keeping the pressure on, not being as stagnant.

Got a little momentum, got to ride it.

If you CJ Cypher.

First and ten ball at the 43 Cypher looks throws it deep.

Got cam Wood out there and he makes a spectacular catch.

Talked about him being a guy that can catch the ball out of the backfield right here.

Just leaks out.

Just running right down the seam.

Beautiful throw.

Good delivery.

And that 58 stretching all of that out to catch that ball is Cam Wood.

Where has he been.

It's time for him to shine here in this tight game.

Finally being down by seven.

Cypher on the run Cypher down to the six falling backwards.

Just really like the momentum.

I love the way that the plays now are coming in.

Playing with some rhythm.

Personnel.

In and out.

Plays being delivered so the guys can just get up on the line and don't have to think.

They do not have to snap it.

As the clock reaches eight in the quarter, 16 on the play clock, they will snap it.

However gives it to cam Wood cam Wood battles down close to the first down yardage.

Think he's got it inside the three yard line and the quarter is.

Over the end of the third quarter.

We are headed toward a fantastic finish here at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the 6-A state championship game, and most likely the national championship game.

Buford leads 147.

And he's in.

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All right.

What do you think, Jasper?

Honestly, I think that polyester shirts affecting your game.

What?

I think cotton would have been a better choice.

Cotton.

Yeah it's come a long way.

You know, nowadays cotton breeze and wicks moisture.

Great.

But buying cotton means supporting Georgia farmers.

I think that's wonderful.

Okay, sure.

But what do you think about the putt?

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Heading to the fourth quarter at Mercedes Benz Stadium.

Carrollton led 73 at the half.

7-0 at the half and Buford with 14 points in that third quarter, has grabbed the lead.

But as we come back for the start of the fourth quarter, Carrollton on the doorstep.

Finally getting their MVP offensively going cam Wood the big pass play down the field.

Kind of disappeared there for about two quarters, but now it's time to get him the ball.

Start setting the tempo in that offensive line.

Settle these quarterbacks down by getting the run game going.

Carrollton trying to win their eighth all time state championship and first since 1998.

Buford trying to win their 15th all time state championship and their first since 2021.

I'm sure they're having a time getting the cows, the Chick-Fil-A cows off the field down here.

Matt.

They still holding the game up.

Well, important things.

Here.

Eat more chicken wing, eat more chicken.

So third down and one as we start the fourth quarter.

Jameer big bodies in there for Carrollton.

Hurst going to get the ball to cam Wood.

They give it to him and he gets into the end zone for the quick touchdown.

And it's 14-13 He's been their guy in these situations.

Just hard to get leverage on him.

The explosiveness to the line of scrimmage.

Good job by the offensive line over there.

Fielder 54 Ball good execution.

Nice job by the tight end.

Just holding that block there as well.

CJ Gamble in there at that tight end position.

Good execution, good run and good touchdown to get in this game and tie it up.

Vargas for the p.a.t puts it up.

And in 14 14.

Good execution.

And you can see just hard to get underneath cam to have any leverage right there.

Good job finishing that run.

90 yards rushing for cam Wood tonight.

So he's approaching 1,600 yards for the season.

That was his 34th touchdown.

And he is on the verge of his tenth 100 yard rushing game.

All from a guy who was playing JV football a year ago.

Transferred in willing to sit out and just exploded on the scene.

And truly, the guy that sets the tempo, the offense and defense feeds off of his style of running.

Grew up in the Buford program, moved to Carrollton.

His grandparents live out there and lived with his grandparents and joined the Carrollton football program.

But because of the sit out rule, because of that transfer, he had to sit out a year, play JV ball last year and stood on the sideline in the varsity games, Vargas.

Nonreturnable.

So Buford brings it out to the 20 yard line and we're now tied 14 14 with 11:57 to go.

Can this Trojan defense step up, stop some of this momentum of Buford Dillard Raiola moving around in the pocket, completing passes and ty green making big runs?

You imagine they're going to try to get Dylan McCoy in this game as well here?

Well, based on what I've seen so far here tonight and all season long, if I'm Buford, I want Ty Green with the ball in his hands.

And if I'm Carrollton, I want cam Wood with the ball in his hands.

Only 11:57 to go.

Got to get it to your best players and they got to play big here to get this.

Win the tie.

Green on the sideline as they start this offensive series.

And the pass is incomplete.

Trying to get the ball to their H-back Owen Muraski it's going to be second down and ten.

Pressure in his face right there by Jermichael Simmons.

Not a clear pass to deliver that ball.

And this is the down and distance that Carrollton wants to get you into.

Second and long.

They can bring that pressure.

Backfield set here for Buford and challenge these receivers to make some plays.

And really surprised Tigers is not on the field right now.

Second down and ten.

Raiola loads up for the long pass.

And it's caught over the shoulder at the 30 yard line and down to the four big time play as Buford goes to Malikai Speed.

Speed the corner in this game at receiver.

Just a go route using his speed.

Great protection at pocket to step into just airing it out is Raiola and a great pass there by the cornerback coming over to play receiver in Speed.

Buford showing all kinds of things in this game that they have not shown on film all year long.

McCoy.

1 yard game.

And that's something Buford has always specialized in their skill position.

Guys just rotate so many times, you see they'll be one position at Buford and something else in college.

But they all are talented.

Good job right there.

Getting off the block CJ Gamble Jahmir Harris making the play.

We've seen Tank Watson throw a two point conversion pass.

We've seen Dawson Wittke the long snapper.

The snapper catch the ball for the two point.

We've seen Malikai Speed catch a long pass of 75 yards.

Lined up in the backfield.

Green stopped at the two.

Nice job there by Mason McLendon to make that play by green.

So big and physical.

Running behind his pads.

And he comes off the field again.

He got the idea.

Buford coach is in a four down mindset right here.

You're not going to give up.

You're going to run this ball.

Most likely two plays in a row.

They got McCoy back there.

They got Deion Miller blocking.

McCoy crashes down to the one and he's down at the one.

Did not get in.

Once again.

Big penetration there.

Zykie Helton in the backfield.

Watch 52, get a arm on him.

And let's see right there falling short.

Oh wow.

Very close as his knee touches.

Is the ball over the goal line as his knee touches.

Well they're back up to the line.

Fourth down handoff McCoy didn't get there.

Ball fumbled recovered by Buford in the end zone.

Let's see how they rule this.

They have not shown touchdown yet.

Touchdown.

The ruling on the field is a fumble that was recovered by Buford in the end zone for a touchdown.

Let's see if he was down before.

Let's make sure this is a fumble right here.

As you can see Raiola kind of stumble out.

And.

Ty green fighting for the yard.

He was definitely lunging for the goal line.

Ball is.

Out.

And it was Deion Miller who recovered it in the end zone for the touchdown.

He was lunging for the goal line.

So a legitimate fumble.

And it's 20-14 Ivanciuc on for the P.a.t.

21-14.

Wow.

Fourth quarter is already crazy and we still got 9:34 to go.

McCoy fumbles into the end zone.

Deion Miller in there to block, recovers it for the score.

21 14 9:34 to go.

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Now, one of the things that's probably confusing people here, Wayne is in the NFL.

You cannot fumble forward into the end zone.

The ball would return to the spot of the fumble, but that is not the case in high school football.

Right here.

Once they recover this ball, the ball would have been placed wherever the runner was at the time.

So just a different nuance in the high school level.

So if some of you are watching, that is the rule.

So kickoff coming from Ivanciuc you see the score, the short scoring drives for Buford here in the second half as they've come back to take a 21-14 lead.

And again, they have rendered Rontre Welch pretty much ineffective in that kick return game as they kicked the ball consistently Ivanciuc into the end zone.

What an answer there.

By Buford being able to Carrollton got the ball tied the score up and Buford instantly go down the field and take the lead back.

Finally, the offenses have decided to participate in this game, and now we're going to have a thriller here.

Going down the.

As the clock winds down.

I'm just wondering who else they're going to give the ball to that we're not expecting them to give the ball to.

Everybody here.

Geared to play right now.

Big plays all around.

Buford certainly has gone to the back of the playbook a number of times here in the second half to reclaim the lead.

Ball comes out here to Zach Zackarie Peyton Zachary with the catch and driven out of bounds at the.

Let's see where they spot it.

Looks like the 25 a five yard pickup.

That's just been one of those plays.

They've been using.

Kind of like an extended run.

Get it out to Zackarie and let him get upfield.

Ball was fumbled right back there to Cypher.

He was knee on the ground when he covered that ball.

So it's down right there.

They lose 4 yards right back.

Good decision there by Cypher just getting that ball and getting down I know you lost the yardage.

You don't want to play all that pressure right there.

Now another third and long for this young man to try to come up with a big play.

Buford bringing blitz.

They get it out of there quickly.

Pass complete to Miller.

But he's driven backwards immediately by Pope.

Pressure there coming off the edge.

Dre Quinn watch 16 had to force this.

Quick throw here.

Good tackle in the open field there.

Nice job.

That's the kind of defense Jax Pope makes right there.

The senior been around a long time.

Played a lot of football.

He was committed to Mississippi State then Decommitted from the Bulldogs.

Still has 25 other offers.

He's a consensus three star safety 2026, so he will not sign until the second National Signing Day, the first Wednesday of February.

Vargas.

Wow, what a boomer that is.

All the way back to the 20.

Ty Greene on the return gets dragged down at the 26.

That thing was a mile high.

Great punt by Vargas.

Great job there by Vargas.

Flipping the field taking away Buford's idea that they were going to get the short field.

Now this defense for Carrollton is going to have to come up and make some plays once again and build the offense out.

Well, we've seen this movie before with Buford.

This is where they put that ball into the hands of their running game and try to grind out the clock.

Right here.

They've inserted Jamir Cantrell in there.

The three star.

Offensive line.

Time to go to work up front.

Showing pressure there.

Jay Hagan off the edge.

Working off that slot.

Got to keep your eye on him.

If you're Raiola.

Hagan creeping up again and coming with the blitz.

Then pulls off of it as they give the ball to Cantrell and Cantrell not going anywhere.

Good job there.

Not staying blocked.

Jay Hagan left tackle saw him coming.

He was able to roll back into the play.

Cut that gap down and force that tackle for a loss.

Number 50.

Demetrius Carter the 56, 260 sophomore little bowling ball right there in the middle of the defense made that tackle.

Maybe not a little bowling ball a big bowling ball.

Takes up a lot of space in there.

As Carter.

Like a boulder.

A sophomore.

Second down and 12 Hagan again coming off the edge.

Raiola looking, looking, running, throwing and nearly caught by Chafin and broken up by Peyton Zachary, who's playing defense now?

Zackarie getting a little tug of the jersey there of Chafin as he tried to pull away.

Watch that left hand right there on his back, kind of pulling him to him.

Good job of hiding it, just not able to link up there as Dylan Dayton Raiola.

Carrollton has both of their great wide receivers, Zachary and Mosley in the game, playing in the secondary.

Now.

Third and long Carrollton Trojans got to get off the field in this situation.

Get the ball back to their offense.

Zykie Helton this is his time.

Him and Cade Spratling bringing the pressure.

Muraski in motion, sprinting to the other side.

Raiola a deep drop, pressures coming.

He steps up to avoid it.

Pressure is coming from behind and Zykie Helton gets him and tackles him.

Strips it.

It's picked up.

Touchdown!

Harris!

The question here is, is he down?

But once again a big play needed to be made.

Zykie Helton is the guy continuing to hustle to the ball.

The Buford sideline is signaling that Raiola was down, but as you can see, Zykie Helton, as we keep saying, he's going to play center.

Let's see, as he hustles, did the ball start coming out?

That ball is out.

It's not even close.

It's not even close.

I'm sorry.

Coach app.

That is called a fumble.

That's a strip sack right there.

A fumble by Zykie Helton.

He's rated the number 1 center in the country.

Signed with the Georgia Bulldogs.

But I swear he's one of the best defensive linemen in the state too.

This is all all out effort.

And we're talking about and raving about this young man's conditioning.

He's working over there off of the right tackle.

And watch how he just continues to work.

It's late in the game.

He's going both ways knocking that ball off Johnny on the spot right there.

Jamir Harris for the touchdown.

The big play that the defense needed to give this team some momentum and tie this game.

Kind of surprised and glad that they did not throw the flag for the spike right there.

They certainly could have done that within the rules.

But they showed a little discretion for the celebration of the moment.

21 21 with 7:00 to go.

Who will be left standing when the bell rings?

Both fan bases trying to cheer their teams on?

Tight game.

State title, National implications as well.

Took us a while to get around to it, Matt, but we are here.

Vargas and Ty Green will not have an opportunity to return that one either.

Both kickers so far in this second half, they're not going to let anything be returned to dangerous return.

Man.

Everybody playing at such a high level right now.

Everybody is focused and tuned in and starting to sense with 7-0 one left.

Starting to get chill, bumps wane.

Their dreams are about to come true.

So first and ten for Buford Ball at the 20 yard line.

As good as advertised, the two number 1 ranked teams battling it out for the 6-A state championship and 7:00 to go in regulation as Ty Green gets the handoff and Zykie Helton makes the tackle.

Still trying to get it to there.

Oh, it was not I'm sorry that was not Zackarie that time was it.

No, it was Mike Thomas.

Trying to establish the run game, going with the empty backfield here.

Buford calling a time-out.

It seems like.

The the game is being stopped for the Carrollton band cannot play by the quarterback is calling his signals.

Not a popular announcement.

And now the crowd is going to try to make enough noise to make up for the band.

Good job there.

By Dayton Raiola of going to tell the official that the band is playing.

Ty green cut down.

CJ Gamble.

Big players need to step up, right?

They're playing downhill.

Good read here.

Watch Gamble just kind of sneaks in there and make that play on Ty green.

Signed with Georgia Tech on National Signing Day, picked the Yellow Jackets over 20 total offers.

Consensus three star linebacker.

Third and long crowd loud over here for Carrollton.

Got to be careful with this.