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

It saves lives.

As we welcome you to Grayson Community Stadium in Loganville, where tonight the defending national and state champion, number one ranked Buford Wolves have come to take on the Grayson Rams.

And good evening.

I'm Matt Stewart, joined by former Auburn Tigers All-American NFL first round draft pick and 15 year pro Wayne Gandy and Wayne.

Between these two teams, they've won 19 state championships.

But tonight they meet in the regular season for the first time ever.

Yes, the University of Buford versus the University of Grayson.

It's going to be a trench warfare with all these O and D linemen going to the next level.

Can't wait to watch this one.

Yes, this is a college football game disguised as a high school football game.

The biggest recruiting game in Georgia high school history.

Maybe the nation 72 total players have offers on these two teams 45 for Grayson, 27 for Buford.

Let's start with the wolves.

And they have the number one overall prospect in the country.

Jaylen Brewster five star number one rated defensive lineman in the country.

He's already committed to Texas Tech.

He's only been with the team for less than a month.

And he's a dominant player, young man that can play inside and out.

He has speed.

He has move.

Coach app talks about how slippery and explosive he is six, three, 300 pounds.

And I think you said it all when you said number one defensive lineman in the country.

I want to see it tonight.

Offensive side of the ball.

First time in forever.

That Arriola has not taken the snaps for the wolves.

It's now DJ Hunter three star rated as high as number 12 dual threat quarterback in the country.

He's committed to James Madison.

62, 205.

A physical presence out on the field.

He's getting the system tonight.

His legs are going to be important when you're trying to get first downs against this Grayson team.

He's going to have to do that.

And his coach feels like he can get it done.

All right let's talk about Grayson.

You're going to love this because we're going to highlight offensive linemen.

They got two guys on the offensive line.

The book in that offensive lineman at tackle.

And they are both committed to Nebraska.

Katie Jones at left tackle and Jordan Orgbon at right tackle.

Yeah.

Katie on the one side he's violent.

And on the other side he is nasty.

And together they're very dominant and they're going to be the key tonight.

They're going against a talented Buford team.

So they're going to have to hold up.

And they're going to have to get this running game going.

Do you think those guys are big.

Let's switch over to the defensive line.

And Big Lood three star nose guard.

He's committed to Georgia.

Aggressive plays with great leverage great energy.

He's the anchor of the defense.

Maybe the anchor of the entire team.

He's going to have to take advantage of the young Buford Center.

And he's a dominant player to do it.

Buford 3-0 Grayson started 0-2 They're now 2-2 For more on that, let's send it down to Jon Nelson.

Good evening.

Good evening.

Good evening to all of you accessing us.

However you are doing so large device or small.

Back on August 22, I'm sure a lot of folks are probably kicking dirt on the proverbial Grayson grave coming out of the blocks at 0-2 losing to North Gwinnett and then losing to Sandy Creek.

Then from there you get some folks back from injury.

You get a lot of younger players adjusted to life at full speed, and you have a first year head coach in Greg Carswell, who is finally getting adjusted to game speed himself in his first ever head coaching gig.

And you could pretty much take these first four games and cut them in half.

They've already they're already in their second season, 0-2 Then a stifling defensive effort against Langston Hughes winning by 19 and then going to Brunswick and battling Mother Nature and Brunswick to come out on top.

So season A, if you want to call it the preseason where they started back on August the 12th, they're 0-2 Since then, Matt and Wayne, they are 2-2 and ready to take on Buford tonight.

Not afraid of anyone and take it from an offensive defensive lineman like Greg Carswell.

He's ready for it to go into the trenches.

Go ahead and light a very large candle because this is a large game to set a marker early here in 2026.

Back upstairs to you.

Absolutely Nelly.

This one's going to be fun.

As you watch tonight's game on GPB TV, go to the QR code on your screen to keep up with the scores from around the state.

By downloading the GPB sports app.

Wayne Grayson won the toss.

They deferred to the second half.

So we're going to see Buford on offense to start this game.

Yeah.

Buford is just a steady team.

And when you look at them it starts with the offensive line up front.

Trying to get the run game.

Their quarterback efficient learning the system right now.

They're going to have to establish the run because you just don't really want to throw against this secondary.

Both of these teams, they have a lot of stars in these secondaries.

Got to be very careful throwing the ball.

The opening kickoff is brought to you by Heads Up Georgia.

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Ricardo Martinez has it teed up and ready to go for Grayson.

They're all in black tonight.

Three men standing deep for the wolves.

And we are underway in Loganville.

Kick's going to be taken at the five yard line.

And from there, here comes the return.

A slip on the cutback as Silas Knuckles was trying to make his way back into the middle of the field.

And that's where the wolves will start on offense at the 24 yard line.

This Buford team has already played top level competition, so you imagine they already are gassed up for the.

Compete against this Grayson team.

The last two state championships.

This classification.

The highest level.

You're right here Buford in 2025 and Grayson in 2024.

Meeting for just the second time ever.

The only time they've ever played prior to tonight was in the 2023 state quarterfinals.

On this field in Grayson beat Buford 19-14 So there's DJ Hunter, your quarterback, 62, 205 senior.

As we told you a few moments ago, he's committed to the James Madison Dukes.

And we'll have movement on the offensive line to get things started.

And a five yard mark off coming up against the Buford Wolves.

A little nerves in there already.

Everybody understands how big a game and where this game is going to be.

One little discussion of who, which side of the ball jumped right here.

I thought it was 56.

Christian Wolcott, the left tackle for the Rams.

But we'll see.

Still still.

Yeah.

You know we have never seen a game like this.

I don't think with this kind of battle on the lines of scrimmage.

Yeah.

When you look at the names and the commitments where they're going.

They flipped the coin and just decided to put it against Buford.

But so it is against Wolcott and that offensive line or somebody on that offensive line, if not Wolcott.

So it's going to be first and 15 for Buford as the ball pushes back inside the 20.

Keep your eye on Zane Dyer, the center young freshman that is just growing on the job.

He's going against Waylon Wooten inside.

Yeah six foot two, 70 freshman handoff goes right up the middle.

Look at that big run on the very first snap going to Jamir Cantrell, who also doubles and starts at the safety position.

He's committed to Arkansas.

Nice execution.

Nice pull right there by Williams.

Kick out.

And then the explosiveness the speed once again coach app has one of those two way stars in Jamir Cantrell.

Yeah they've got four players that are starting both ways, which is kind of unusual for Buford.

That's a big number for anybody in seven.

A quick pass comes here to Ace Thomas and Thomas gets knocked down after a 1 yard gain.

Let's take a look at the impact players.

When Buford has the ball.

Jamir Cantrell the three star Arkansas explosive on both sides of the ball.

Zane Dyer, the young freshman, has a big task against Wade woolen.

Uh, cam Jones on the other side.

When you look at him filling in for Tyler Atkinson a sideline to sideline linebacker, and Logan Goggins, who seems like he's been here for all 12 years of school.

But what a dominant safety he is.

Impact players brought to you by Breda Pest Management, the official pest control of high school football ball up in the air.

And was it picked or did it hit the ground?

They're going to rule.

That's an interception and Grayson's got the ball at the 48.

Right here.

Ball just a little behind the DJ Hunter Braylon Williams.

But a catchable ball just bounces off right there going to the turf.

Not real sure.

Real close right there as the ball.

Cam Jones bailing back.

Let's see if the ball hit the ground right.

Yeah they got.

A break right there is.

If we had replay like we do in the state championship game, that ball is going to come back.

But as it is that is an interception for Cam Jones who's filling in at that middle linebacker spot that once was held by one of the greatest defensive players ever to play in Georgia.

Tyler Atkinson, now a freshman at Texas.

What a dominant player.

Atkinson was right there.

Can't use the ground to control the ball.

So on a replay that would have went back to Buford.

And now here's Duce Smith.

The quarterback would have been a first year starter this year but got to play last year after the injury to Travis Burgess.

Ball goes on the outside to former Buford Wolf.

Cam Hurst, who has the catch and run.

You can tell he's excited.

Cam Hurst right there getting up.

Helmet off.

He wants to beat his whole team.

He knows what he's facing.

Buford so first and ten on the catch and run by Cameron Hurst in his first year with the Rams.

Smith quarterback 63% of his passes has had a solid career game.

Poise manager just a natural leader.

Has to play mistake free tonight.

Smith throws to the sideline.

It's going to be incomplete.

Some pressure there.

And let's take a look at the impact players.

When the Rams have the ball.

Ashton Turner the number one running back downhill with great vision.

Bin Farhan the young receiver.

Just a big play.

Take the defense down deep with him.

Josh Echols Josh the body.

Echols can make all kinds of plays playing inside this year.

And Silas Knuckles, the man who likes to play on the corner pass complete.

Out on the other edge to Xavier Younger.

Jones and Younger.

Jones comes up with the catch about a 56 yard gain inside the 40 yard line.

So third down now third and five line to gain is the 32.

Grayson with the ball in plus territory.

After the interception by Cam Jones.

Pressure coming off the edge.

They go the other way to Ashton.

Turner and Turner are going to be dragged down from behind by Will Wyatt.

Nice job by Will Wyatt right there.

Like a missile.

The three star coming from the middle.

Just a little swing route trying to get on the edge with Turner and a good tackle right there.

He doesn't make that tackle.

He's going to pick up that first down.

Fourth down.

And the Rams going to go for it here.

So Grayson rolling the dice early in this first quarter.

Smith on the rollout to his left throws has the first down marker.

And that's a first down catch by Jones down to the 29 yard line.

Second catch of the game for Xavier Younger.

Jones who's been offered by Sacramento State.

Great confidence in his quarterback.

His Carr coach Carswell showing.

And Deuce Smith a little rollout.

Nice of coming back to the ball there by younger Jones to pick up that first down.

Inside run.

And another nice gain by Brandon Gray as we take a look at your starters for Grayson on offense.

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

Jones Jones and they're back to action really quick here.

They're running fast.

Offense pass is thrown by Smith.

Complete bin Farhan inside the ten yard line.

Get this Grayson team.

Looks like they've been practicing practicing the scramble drill right here.

Just getting out on the edge.

Playing with pace.

Felt the pressure.

Is Drew Smith delivering a great ball there down the field to Ben Wahhaj.

Yeah playing with great pace.

First and goal to go with the ball at the nine yard line.

Handoff.

Turner down inside the five yard line as he gets slammed to the ground by Brady.

Wagner.

A little tangle up there on the sideline.

That ends up rolling on to the track.

Nice running finishing the run.

That's what you expect from your senior Ashton Turner.

Almost a direct snap to him.

The ability to get outside.

Watch how he finishes his run.

Takes for white jerseys to get him out of bounds.

Listed at 5:91 84.

But a physical runner is Turner.

Second down and goal ball sitting on the four handoff.

Turner.

Turner up the middle battling for the goal line.

Going to be stopped at the 1.5.

And why not run behind this big offensive line.

We talked about Cade Jones adenoma up there.

But also Simwa Weidler inside at 330.

Temile got to get behind that big right guard.

Third down and goal from the two.

Back to back carries by Turner.

There's been offered by Colorado State f I u Miami of Ohio Middle Tennessee.

Pistol formation.

Handoff goes to Turner.

He got met in the backfield.

That's going to be a TfL and a loss big.

And there's Echols who got there in the backfield and threw him for a loss.

Big pressure there off the edge by Echols.

Looked like some confusion there between Smith and Turner.

Not sure if he's going to hand the ball a little late with the snap behind him, white jerseys rallying.

What a big stand to force a field goal after having given up so much yardage.

That's what you have the little bend.

But don't break.

Ricardo Martinez is one for two with a long of 41.

This is going to be a 28 yard attempt from the right.

Hash kick is up and the kick is good.

And so the Rams turned the interception into three points as Martinez converts.

And Grayson has the early lead 3-0 here in Loganville.

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Welcome back to Grayson 705 for the first Rams, for the first three on the board.

Time to catch up with our friends from.

And the donation that they're giving to our friends from Grayson Ryan DeBerry, the ad hanging out with us.

He's winded.

Thanks for being a great partner with us all week long and for Hice Football Fridays all year long.

I appreciate it.

And thank you to Cigna.

A tremendous sponsorship to our school and our community.

And thanks to our friends at GPB.

Welcome anytime.

We love what they do for high school sports here in the state of Georgia.

Go to the Mr.. It's over there.

You got to find a way to cool off.

You are thick, man.

Right there with you, Matt.

Where it's not as thick upstairs.

That's our donation to our friends from Cigna here in the first.

Absolutely.

Coach to Barry was moving as fast as that Grayson offense on their opening possession.

Playing with pace, putting a lot of pressure on Buford.

You imagine that's how they want it to come out.

Not a lot of thinking.

Just executing there.

Good job.

By the quarterback moving around.

Duke Smith throwing the ball escaping pressure delivering the ball.

Good drive to start the game by the Rams.

Absolutely great start for Grayson as they go on top here against Buford 3-0 And Martinez will kick it off after connecting on a 28 yard field goal a few moments ago.

And that came off of the interception by the linebacker cam Jones.

Kick is taken at the five yard line and knuckles comes towards the near sideline, gets dropped at the 24, about the same spot as his previous return.

As we take a look at the Johnny's New York style pizza starting lineup for Buford on offense, Walcott, Nixon, Dwyer, the freshman Williams and Thomas up front.

The running back is Cantrell, with Chafin and Watson as the tight end.

Williams is the split end Chaffins the flanker.

Muraski is the Hvac.

So this Buford offense.

Wayne has not been lights out in the first three games.

They're averaging only 238 yards per game.

Yeah, they have a lot of new faces in there.

Last year they lost a lot seniors as far as going to the next level.

D.J.

Hunter getting the system down.

You expect him to start making some plays with his legs here in this game.

Hunter on the quarterback run.

He is their leading rusher and that's a 1 yard gain.

Good job right there playing downhill.

Cam Jones talked about Tyler Atkinson and the speed and size.

Cam Jones brings that same kind of 63, 220 presence in there.

No doubt about it.

This is just his second game.

He missed the first two games because of injury.

He's been offered by North Carolina and Maryland.

Chaffin and Thomas pass in the backfield.

And now they're passing the backfield again.

Looks like a little confusion here.

DJ's get him right.

Quick pass goes to Ice Thomas and ace gets slung to the ground very quickly.

After a 1 yard gain.

And that was D.J.

Parkes, the linebacker.

As we take a look at the Grayson defense brought to you by Johnny's New York style pizza, Remy Wooten and Tillman up front.

Flock, Jones and Parkes all brand new linebacking corps.

Watson and Lynch of the corners.

Goggins, Welch and Drew are the safeties.

Goggins and Drew have been playing since their freshman year, and that means they were on the team in 2023 when they beat Buford in the quarterfinals.

Third and long watch the battle inside this great offensive line against this defensive front.

Hunter scrambling to his right, throwing downfield high throw, and Thomas cannot come up with.

Got broken up by Riley Drew.

We were just talking about Riley Drew.

He's committed to Wake Forest.

What a competitor is.

Drew a guy that played a lot of football.

The three star.

Started as a corner, probably as a corner at the next level, but is really doing a great job playing safety.

And that drive right there is all about creating third and long and making D.J.

Hunter in this receiving corps prove that they can make plays right there.

Coming up short.

Valentino, Lorenzo on the punt.

He's standing at the 11 yard line and now official steps in.

And a Time-out is going to be called by Grayson.

So Grayson calls the time-out.

They're about to get the ball back.

They have a 3-0 lead here.

Early in the first.

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So coming out of the time-out, it's fourth down punting situation.

Fourth and eight for Buford as they have not been able to generate much offense yet in this ball game.

And Matt, you usually don't see a punt return team call a time-out right there.

Typically it's the punt team.

Grayson wants to be lined up right Yafet imagine they might be going after this punt.

Lorenzo here comes the rush and Lorenzo rugby style kicks the ball away from the rush.

And it is a short kick.

Let's see where they spot this.

It's going to be spotted at the 40 yard line.

And the Buford defense is going to be in a big backs against the wall situation here as Grayson is going to take over.

On the plus side of the 50.

Here is the Buford defense as brought to you by Johnny's New York style pizza.

Walcott, Thomas and Dillard up front.

Hauser.

Wagner, Echols and Tharp are the linebackers and in the secondary.

Knuckles and Davis.

The corners.

Cantrell and Williams, the safeties.

So again, great field position.

Wayne for Grayson as they take over at the Buford 38 yard line.

Got to take advantage of this field position here.

Smith to the air and fires over here to the near side.

Complete to Hirsch.

Looks like we'll have a face mask as they try to get Hurst to the ground.

Smith getting the ball out.

Quick.

Out on the edge right here.

Just delivering the ball.

Getting it to his players.

Cameron Hirsch and you can see the tug right there as he was by Junior Norwood pulling him down.

The crazy thing about this is out of all these players, 72 players on both sides that have college offers, do Smith has the biggest and best career stats.

He has no offers.

And some of that is, as we know, face mask 15 yards.

Resulting first down.

A lot of that typically is just the measurables that everybody wants to go by.

If you're not 63 or at least 62, they don't really pay attention to you, especially in today's climate.

So Smith is doing a great job for his team, especially in this game to start.

Yeah.

Deuce is 510, 190 pounds straight drop back now a heavy rush.

He gets away from Dillard and gets to the outside.

And Duke Smith meets Wagner head on at the 19 yard line.

We talked about both of these quarterbacks with the pressure that these deep fronts can put on.

They're going to have to extend plays.

They're going to have to get out the pocket here.

Pressure.

Big pressure in his face there by Dillard pushing him out the pocket.

Escape trying to put put the ball away.

Takes a big hit.

Don't want to take that right there deuce.

Just step on out of bounds.

Deuce has thrown for 3,401 yards in his career.

Coming into tonight.

Roll out to the left and slings it.

Low incomplete at the 20.

Make that the 16 yard line again was looking at younger Jones.

And it's going to be second down.

You can see offensive coordinator Charles Allen is focusing on keeping deuce on the move.

He's not really sitting back there.

Yes some of it has been improvising, making plays, but they're keeping that rollout alive and making him throw the ball on the run.

Deuce Smith would have been a first year starter this year, but last year's quarterback, Travis Burgess, a four star who's now at North Carolina, got hurt early in the year as a result.

That was unfortunate for them last year.

The silver lining is Deuce Smith is now a quarterback with 14 career starts under his belt.

Coming into tonight.

Experience, and that's what they need, especially with this receiving corps.

Coach Caldwell feels like this receiving corps as good as anyone in the state.

They've kind of reset after those first two early losses to.

You see Brian Aplin out there talking to the officials at the 20 yard line, and they just announced on the PA, if you have a whistle, you're going to be thrown out of here.

If you don't stop doing what you're doing.

So apparently that's what, uh, Brian Aplin might be talking to the officials about right there.

They might hear a whistle down on the field.

So third down and long for Grayson.

They have it at the Buford just inside the 20 yard line.

Smith on the rollout to the left.

A heavy rush makes one man miss.

Now he's going to run.

Do.

Smith gets close to the yardage.

He's got the first down inside the ten yard line.

What a big run by Deuce Smith.

Great job of improvising once again.

Pressure.

Early pressure in his face not letting him set his feet as he tries to roll out.

You can see right there just slipping as Jaylen Brewster and then just making something happen.

Picking up the first down.

Handoff goes to Brandon Gray and Gray down to the seven.

Brandon Gray the junior running back offered by Colorado State F I U and Arkansas State much like Buford Grayson is going to use about a five man running back by committee rotation.

Everybody gets a touch and everybody so far, even down to Terrelle Smith.

They've done a great job.

The young sophomore.

We talked about both teams having to establish the run, stay out of third and long.

The quarterback's going to have to use their legs.

Do Smith doing that so.

Far rolling to his right gets rid of it heaves it out of bounds.

The rush was coming at him.

And so Deuce Smith just wisely got that ball out of his hands.

So now it's going to be third down and goal.

Good job.

Once again making a decision right there.

Not taking the sack getting the ball getting out the pocket throwing it away.

Coach Carswell says that deuce is a poised kid who comes to work hard every day to get better, and said even before Travis Burgess got hurt, he was one of the leaders on this team.

Even when he was a backup quarterback.

Called it his superpower.

Uh, making guys better is his superpower.

He's just a guy that everybody loves.

He can communicate with everybody, and they play for him.

He's five of seven passing so far for 43 yards.

And a time-out has been called by Grayson with 3-43 to play in the quarter.

Let's take a look at the Grayson Rams resume.

We touched on it off the top a little bit.

They've won four state championships.

They've all come since 2011-15 region titles 21 playoff appearances, 12 straight 18 seasons with ten plus wins, 12 straight with ten plus wins.

It's a program that started just 26 years ago.

Back in 2000, Little Country school Mickey Kahn, who's now on the Clemson coaching staff with Dabo Swinney, started this program.

And boy, has it grown.

They've won four state titles, most recently in 2024.

And we talk about Buford being ranked number one in the country.

Don't forget that going into the state quarterfinals last year, Grayson was ranked number one in the country.

And the coach said Bryant last year.

And that's the thing about this coaching staff.

Coach Carswell may be the new head coach, but he's been here.

He's tasted that victory.

He was here when they last beat Buford, when they won that state title.

So he knows how to get this team focused.

He took over the job, didn't change much.

He just keeping the engine running.

And right now he is pouring into this team.

We saw him helping the guys warm up.

He's pouring in acting like he's still an assistant.

He coaches the bigs.

He coaches the line of scrimmage.

He's got a wall of bigs.

Hall of Fame on his office wall.

All the guys, 27 guys that have come through this program now playing college ball from that offensive and defensive line.

Smith's going to run it now.

He's going to throw it.

Caught.

Touchdown bin Farhan in the corner of the end zone.

And Grayson has a 9-0 lead.

But we might have a penalty flag.

There is a flag on the play once again.

Deuce Smith playing big.

Nothing open.

Good initial protection.

Did Benoit go out of bounds then come back in.

It looks like he dropped his hat.

That might be the call right here.

Benoit might have gone out of the side of the end zone then came back in.

Which makes him ineligible.

Renee Good participation on.

The offense 15 yards, third down.

So that will wipe out the touchdown and be a 15 yard mark against Grayson all the way back to the 23.5 yard line.

Tough break right there.

Tough break.

Great job by Smith.

Once again understanding what it's going to take to take down Buford.

If they have a chance.

Moving in the pocket making plays.

What a good job of awareness.

Know not to go across the line of scrimmage there to throw that ball.

I thought he was running, did a great job.

You're right.

You know and that's what you get with a quarterback who's making his 15th career start.

Poised understands this kind of neighborhood battle.

A rivalry in a sense because of the locations of the school and the familiarity that the players on the lower leagues, when they play against each other.

So you can see the Grayson players, Coach Carswell, they're all signaling touchdown, but it can't be a touchdown if the call is correct.

If you go out of bounds side out of the side of the end zone and come back in, you're ineligible, which was the call on the field.

Taking a lot of time here.

I'm not sure they understand.

The play clock is running here for for Duke Smith in his offense.

Yeah it's at three right now.

It's at two.

And he gets it off.

Smith runs caught throws deep to the end zone.

Caught over the shoulder by Hurst.

Does that count.

That is a touchdown.

What a job by Cameron Hurst to get the toes down.

And it's a 9-0 lead for Grayson.

Once again Smith can't find anything.

Stepping up in the pocket.

Look at the head down the field.

The awareness airing it out in the corner.

Just turned into a corner route.

It wasn't necessarily kind of scramble drill 1 ft in right there.

Only 1 ft in.

Yeah.

I think he only had 1 ft in when he had his hands on the ball.

But that will not come back.

Remember we don't have replay during the regular season.

That was close.

I'd like to see it again one more time.

Cameron Hurst with the touchdown and the p-a-t makes it 10-0 Grayson Cameron Hurst staying alive.

It's talked about transferred over from Buford seeing his quarterback go to scramble.

Moving around finding some open areas so he can deliver the ball right there on that touchdown.

And as we talked about with the replay the state championship right.

They only had one put in.

But a great job of him adjusting and giving his quarterback a chance to deliver the ball.

Okay.

So let's take another look at it.

When he has his hands on the ball right there, there's one.

And I think the other foot, the right foot was elevated off the ground and came down out of bounds.

I think if they had the the fine tooth comb of instant replay, they probably would have called that one back.

But as it is, it's a touchdown on the pass from Deuce Smith.

On this Grayson team is humming taking advantage of that short field overcoming a couple of penalties.

Duke Smith shining making plays for his team keeping plays alive.

Getting in the end zone that time.

Yeah so my correction I think it's just 1 ft down.

I'm getting my NFL rules confused here.

It's two in the NFL, one in college and one in.

And so that would have counted.

So it is a 10-0 lead.

It was a 10-0 lead.

Regardless here's the kick return coming from the five yard line.

And Ford up to the 30.

A little bit better return that time as DJ Ford brings it to the near sideline.

And now Buford goes back on offense.

Now they're down ten points as you take the lead.

Take a look at the DBHDD red ribbon 365 curriculum scoring drive.

Seven plays and 40 yards.

It came after the poor punt.

So they've benefited twice now.

Wayne from great field position.

And they definitely haven't adjusted to DJ Hunter and his I mean excuse me, Duke Smith and his scrambling ability so far something they're definitely going to have to address the way he's moving in the pocket and delivering the ball down the field.

Can they settle down offensively, start trying to control the line of scrimmage.

DJ Hunter out of these third and long situations.

So again Buford trying to get that offensive started.

They have not gotten much offense going so far.

Trying to get to the running game right here.

And the play gets blown dead.

After the handoff to Cantrell.

You got to get on your whistle.

And I don't.

5 yards.

Another presnap penalty on the wolves.

And it's going to be first and 15.

They've perpetually played behind the sticks so far in this first quarter.

There are some penalties a turnover bobbled catch.

Right now they just have to settle down.

We understand they've been in these big games.

They know how to overcome.

They just got to settle down, start getting back to Buford football.

So first and 15 Thomas goes in motion behind the line.

Handoff goes to Cantrell.

And Big Luke got him.

Waylon Wooten committed to the Georgia Bulldogs.

Actually that was 94.

Christian Hunter yeah.

Christian Hunter the transfer from Milton.

Playing down the line.

Ethan getting 98 is in there as well.

Yeah both of them getting is committed to Bryant.

And Hunter has 13 offers including Georgia State Kennesaw State and East Carolina.

And Coach Carswell told us he plays 12 13 defensive line.

He loves to keep him fresh and loves to rotate.

Play action Hunter to the air, over to the other side overshoots his target.

Nearly intercepted.

Trying to force that in there.

Not really sure what he saw.

Try to squeeze it in that gap.

Fortunate the ball was a little high right there but nowhere really to go with that ball.

And once again with the penalty and the tackle for a loss.

Not facing a third and long.

Bryce Thompson was the intended target right there.

So third down and long for the wolves.

Quick pass out to the edge and Thomas goes down.

Immediately.

Slip trying to get away from the pursuit.

And that's going to be another big loss here for the wolves.

Another punting situation for Buford.

Kingston.

Moore right there reading that all the way.

What a season he has had.

We talked about Goggins and Drew and Welch Moore kind of being that fourth safety came into this game with 20-4 tackles right there, doing a good job reading that and reacting to the ball.

So Lorenzo is on to punt again, just 23 yards of offense so far for Buford here in this first quarter.

Grayson is about to get the ball back again.

Let's see if they get better field position.

Or maybe Buford is going to get better field position out of this one as they finally get it on the other side of the 50, and it rolls dead at the 25 yard line.

And that's where Grayson will take over for the third time here in this quarter.

Let's check in with John.

Spent some time looking at the defensive coaches for Buford going over the last scoring drive that Grayson had.

Their biggest concerns, making sure that the defensive line was getting the play calls in a timely fashion.

They might have been getting them late and reacting late.

In turn, they also want him to wrap up when it comes to tackling and make sure that they can get around defensively and work the edges to pin in the quarterback and all of that running attack that we're seeing so far.

With the speed from Grayson here in the first quarter.

Guys.

Thank you Nellie.

This Buford defense has been extraordinary in the first three games they've scored six defensive touchdowns in the first three games 13 total takeaways.

But so far here tonight it's been the Grayson defense and Grayson offense.

In this first quarter.

You get that feel that that's what they need.

They need the defense to create something for them.

Another time-out here by Grayson.

And I think they just used their last time out of the first half.

They burned through him here in less than 12 minutes.

As we take a look at that Buford Wolves resume 15 state championships, most recently last year when they went 15-0 for their eighth all time perfect season, 34 region titles, 27 straight seasons with ten plus wins in a program that started back in 1942.

Just an amazing resume.

Not only 15 state championships, Wayne, but they have played in 22 state championship games.

Yes, they are winning it or losing it.

It seems like.

And we know, not just with that national championship.

They had already just become one of those teams that was, uh, known everywhere.

When you mentioned the state of Georgia and football.

Yeah.

Well, Coach app says, look, the national championship finally winning that championship in the highest classification.

It's great.

We love it.

It just means for me a whole lot more distractions.

But it solidifies in his mind what they've done over the last 25 years.

Being able to finally win that seven a title.

It was the one classification they hadn't won one in yet.

Now they've done it.

Nothing doing on the handoff.

Ashton Turner you might remember him a couple of years ago in his sophomore season, when he had a spectacular game in the state championship victory over Carrollton.

Yeah, he's a special back with great vision, the ability to cut speed, burst everything you wanted in a complete back.

We talked.

You heard John speak about the defensive coaches.

For Buford.

This defense has to pick up the pace.

They have to start making some plays, get the ball back for their team.

Second down and nine.

They try to set up a screen to Benoit hard.

And Benoit is going to get about 3 yards on the play.

And no more than that.

Brady Wagner the linebackers there and a bunch of other Buford Wolves as well as we are now under a minute to play here in the first quarter.

Grayson is kind of going away from that pace they was playing with in those first two drives, taking a little time to get the play call in, see if they get back to that.

As this first quarter ends.

Yeah, it seems like once they get on the plus side of the 50, they speed up third down.

Smith to the air over other side.

Throws it short for younger.

Jones being the target.

And for the first time actually Cameron Hirsch was the target.

And for the first time they're going to be punting.

And that's what this Buford team needs.

They have to be led by the defense.

That's how they win championships.

They play defense.

They run the ball.

Quarterbacks play mistake free right there three and out.

Get some energy going with the wolves.

So Martinez on to punt.

He handles all of their kicking duties.

Braylon Williams is standing deep for the wolves and the punt is blocked.

Martinez took way too long to get it off and the punt is blocked.

And that was Lowe Brock Lowe got in there and almost took it right off his foot.

Great job.

Not sure why Lowe didn't just pull it out of his hands.

Got there before he got in his kicking motion.

Really watch how he's taking a long time to kind of double clutch there as he went to kick the ball as Martinez.

Just excellent job.

By Brock Lowe.

He uses that speed typically to rush the passer right there.

Getting underneath and fortunate there for Grayson.

He didn't just pull the ball off the run into himself.

Yeah great job by Brock Lowe to get the blocked punt.

And now Buford takes over with 9 seconds to play here in the first quarter at the Grayson 19 yard line.

This is what Buford has done this season.

They've used their defense.

They've used their special teams to win games.

Handoff goes to Cantrell and Cantrell going to be thrown for a loss.

And there is Christian Hunter again.

And that was the final play of the first quarter.

But the first quarter belongs to the Grayson Rams as they try to knock off the number one ranked Buford Wolves after 12 minutes.

Rams on top as former Wolf Cameron Hurst hauled in the touchdown pass.

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As we begin the second quarter here in Loganville.

And number one, Buford trailing Grayson 10-0.

Rams with ten first quarter points.

Matt Stewart Lowe.

Wayne Gandy.

Jon Nelson and our entire Emmy Award winning GPB Football Fridays in Georgia team.

And it's second down and long for the wolves as we begin this period.

But they're on the plus side of the 50.

After getting that blocked punt by Brock Lowe.

Similar to Duke Smith, JW Hunter you feel has to start making some plays with his legs.

Getting out in the open, getting down the field.

Make something happen.

Hunter to the air caught on the slant route.

The ace Thomas Thomas into the end zone.

Touchdown.

Buford.

Nice throw and catch.

Quarterback to receiver and it looks like it may be short here on the touchdown.

But from our angle it looked like he kind of got thrown into the end zone.

The back judge signaled touchdown.

But the side judge comes in and says the knee hit the ground at the one.

So first and goal to go now for the wolves from the 1 yard line.

Wow that looks like a touchdown.

To me.

Looks like a touchdown from.

Handoff goes to knuckles and knuckles.

Or was it Cantrell one or the other?

It was Cantrell and that time it is a touchdown for Buford as Cantrell takes it in from 1 yard out and it's 10-6 Great job right there.

First and foremost DJ Hunter hitting Ace Thompson in that slant.

And here just getting your pads down.

Swear up.

Drive into the end zone as Cantrell for the 1 yard touchdown.

But just a great series of Buford Wolves type plays.

Defense goes out.

Get three and out.

Special teams comes in makes a play and then the offense punches it in.

Let's see if they go for two right here.

Nope.

They're going to line up and go for the single point.

And Evan Griffith will return to the traditional kicker spot and try it.

Griffith six for six on his Pat so far this season.

Ian Chafin is the holder.

Zach Kerkhoff is the snapper and everything works.

And it's 107.

So Buford gets back into the game.

Scoring off a blocked punt and turning it into a 1 yard touchdown run by Jamir Cantrell.

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Back in Loganville.

Grayson on top of Buford.

107 38 seconds into the second quarter, the DBHDD red ribbon campaign scoring drive three plays 14 yards after that blocked punt by Lowe and turns the game back into a game.

Yeah, it started with the defense getting out, finally getting the three and out, kind of giving the team some energy.

Brock Lowe goes in and basically tackles the punter before he can get the ball off and then the offense.

And that's how this Buford team gets its energy from the defensive side of the ball.

Getting on the board and tightening this game up.

Kickoff going to be taken from the six yard line slip on the cutback attempt.

And so Grayson with their worst field position of the game so far is Jojo.

What's slipped.

Trying to make a cut in midfield.

And they'll have the ball at the 15 yard line to start this possession.

And we've seen a couple of slippage on these return.

When the guy goes to put his foot in the ground, something they have to look at.

But this Grayson offense, let's see if they pick up the pace again.

It seems like when they were just in and out of the huddle, they were doing what they wanted to to Buford and Kim Buford adjust to Duke Smith moving around in the pocket.

So Duke Smith, so far in this game, seven of 11 passing for 69 yards and a touchdown to Cameron Hurst rolling out throwing.

That's complete to younger Jones.

And he gets slung forward to the 28 yard line.

That'll be a first down.

That's been the the theme of this first half.

Now they're playing with a little pace in the huddle.

Just roll out throwing the ball on the run once again delivering the ball.

Duke Smith.

Third catch of the game for younger Jones and bin Farhan gets tackled out there on the edge.

And now a flag.

Two of them now go down.

Looks like they got his face mask.

It looks like another face mask.

Silas knuckles as he came up to make that tackle.

As you can see, getting the ball out quick, trying to test the edge again.

Hard and right there as he's getting blocked, that left hand he pulled and pulled that face mask down.

Personal foul.

Defense 15 yards from the end of the run will result in a first down.

Nice block out there by Cameron Hurst.

Forcing that Houthis knuckles trying to make a play.

But Hurst is blocking him.

We talked about them getting back to playing with some pace.

I think you're going to see that because they slowed.

They slowed down actually when they slowed down as an offense.

Let's see if they continue that here.

That's now four penalties 40 yards against Buford.

Blitz is coming right up the middle as they beat it on the handoff.

Going to Terrell Smith.

The sophomore running back picks up the first down.

Nice job.

Right up the middle.

Similar in their pushing the Powell.

Quinton Jones.

Not quite a first down second down and one.

The pump fake by Duke Smith.

And that is a first down on his run right there as he gets knocked out of bounds by Cantrell.

But really like what we've seen from Duke Smith so far tonight.

Yeah you can see he's a gaming right now.

He's game for this game.

He's out here moving around making plays.

They're rolling him out.

He's delivering the ball.

He's feeling the pressure.

And the thing you love about it he's making quick decisions.

He's not sitting there waiting.

He's making a decision and getting up in the pocket and hurting his defense.

Smith quick to the outside and Hurst has it for a five yard gain inside the 40 down to the 39.

And you hit the nail on the head.

Quick decision.

He gets that ball out quickly.

And they're testing the edge of this defense.

They're forcing these corners and safeties to make plays.

That's been a theme here.

Consistently getting out on the edge.

Get as many yards.

Nice job.

Once again picking up three or 4 yards with a quick pass.

Are you surprised how far off they're playing.

The wide receivers.

Very very surprised.

Big pressure off the edge.

Wagner gets in there for the quarterback sack and help coming as well.

Wow big pressure right there from Buford to sack Duke Smith back behind the line of scrimmage at the 45 yard line.

And that's what you get with Wagner and Echols.

They're inside.

They have that ability the speed the play.

Nice job here.

You can see he's letting him know I was there.

Brady Wagner making a play.

Third down and long back at the 45.

Third and 12.

Line to gain is the 33 117 yards of offense so far for the Rams tonight.

85 through the air and 32 on the ground.

No time-outs here.

Yeah they have no time-outs.

To call.

They have any time-outs.

They use them in that first quarter.

Third down.

And you can see Buford is very aware.

Never seen a delay of game where the whole team jumps up.

They very aware they don't have any time-outs.

They're going to have to get the plays in and out.

Burned all three time-outs in the first quarter.

And that's when they had a 10-0 lead.

And Smith has to be very careful with this ball right here.

Don't want to make a mistake.

Stonewall gets back to the original line of scrimmage.

Gets pushed out of bounds by knuckles.

Silas knuckles right there finishing the play.

But you got to be careful when you're out of bounds.

Didn't slam him down to the ground.

So I think that's why you didn't see any yellow in the air.

But playing on the edge is Silas Knuckles the physical corner as we know.

Jeremiah Stonewall, the senior.

Knuckles is driving right there.

Even if he didn't try as he pushes him down as he falls over the chairs, playing on the edge.

That could have been a first down, easily given to Grayson.

That was the first carry of the ball game for Stonewall, who transferred to Grayson from Chicago Heights, Illinois, and now a punting situation.

Martinez low snap goes down to get it.

And did they rule his knee down, or was the play blown dead before the snap?

He may have another play clock back yards to the flag.

Another another.

Penalty.

Clock ran out on him again on the back end.

Play game offense.

Five.

Penalty still fourth down.

That might have bailed him out there because Martinez went down to field that low snap, and he was close to having his knee down.

That might have actually been a break for Grayson.

Snap gets back there.

Martinez.

Taking it.

The 13 yard line.

Immediate tackle.

Great coverage.

Braylon Smith or Braylon Williams had no place to go.

That was Dylan Morris on the punt that time, replacing Martinez, who had his previous attempt blocked.

Great coverage downfield by Grayson on special teams to pin Buford deep back at the 13 yard line.

Let's see if the offensive Buford can play with that energy.

We just saw them after that turnover.

Long fill ahead of him right here.

But you want to More out of DJ Hunter as his game goes on.

That was Avery Newsome, by the way, who made that big special teams tackle for the Rams.

Hunter on a deep drop, looking deep.

And the ball is going to be caught at the 37 yard line.

The super sophomore Jackson Patterson runs under it.

Nice job the reverse fake.

And then just airing it out.

DJ Hunter right there.

Nice job of adjusting.

By Jax Patterson as the ball is in the air beating two men on the back end right there.

Jet Watson just not able to knock the ball down.

Nice job adjusting to the ball there by Patterson.

We saw Patterson get some significant playing time last year as a freshman.

He is going to be a big time prospect as he rolls through his high school career.

Hunter on the run right up the middle and Hunter carrying the defense downfield, getting on his back gets him on the ground.

Finally at the 20 yard line.

And this is the aspect I've been waiting on in this game by DJ Hunter.

Very capable big body 62 quarterback draw all the way.

Nice job.

Smooth runner.

Pulling through tackles.

So first and ten for Buford as they have it at the 20 1 yard line.

Chance for them to take the lead after Grayson got out to a 10-0 advantage in this first quarter.

Hunter backpedaling throws up for grabs and it's caught at the goal line then dropped.

They're going to rule that a touchdown.

Jalen Williams comes down with it right there on the goal line.

Sims Jackson Patterson feeling the pressure.

DJ Hunter just airing it out.

Nice job by Braylon Williams adjusting to the ball.

He catches the ball with his knee on the ground right here.

But feeling the pressure right here in his face.

Big pressure there by Ethan Gidden as he catches this ball.

His knee is on the ground right there.

That is a touchdown at that point.

13-10 Buford has stormed back to take the lead.

Hunter was very fortunate right there.

He just kind of threw it up for grabs.

And while the ball was in the air Williams came back for it.

The defense ran past him and he caught it right there on the goal line.

Talked about D.J.

Hunter having to show more energy, start opening up, run the ball a little bit right there.

He'll be half the distance.

Ask him if he wants.

So I think we have a penalty after the play.

You can hear the officials yelling to the sideline.

At least we can saying that it's illegal substitution on the defense.

Receiving team.

That's half the distance.

Untimed down.

Right here.

Don't be surprised.

Go for two.

If coach app goes for two in this situation and move the ball down to about the 1 yard line.

Still has his field goal team on the field.

But you can definitely run a two point play out of this formation.

And they're going to try that.

And the ball went direct.

Snap to Wagner.

He does not get in.

So Buford gets stopped on the two point conversion and the score remains 13-10 Here's a look at the touchdown pressure in the face.

Just kind of airing it up throwing off his back foot.

This is all about.

And that is a touchdown right there.

You can see the judge on the side right there putting his hands up.

But a nice job.

Braylon Williams adjusting to that ball and bailing his quarterback out.

Yeah.

Braylon Williams the rivals three star athlete in 2028.

He's a junior.

Nine offers including Georgia Tech, Duke and Boston College.

As you take a look at the DBHDD Red ribbon, 365 curriculum scoring drive, three plays and 87 yards.

A big catch by Patterson and then a big catch by Williams.

Finally going vertical, trying to get behind the defense there with Jackson Patterson.

And then just answering the prayer.

Braylon Williams making a play on the ball for his quarterback D.J.

Hunter.

Kick taken at the one.

And bin Farhan makes it back to the 16.

And that's where the Rams will put the ball in play.

Braylon Williams 511, 175 junior good looking athlete in the 2028 class, two way starter not only at wide receiver but also at safety.

Always impressed is this Buford back end.

When you look across Davis, Cantrell, Williams, knuckles all her three star Division one power four.

What a comfort that is as a coach to have that kind of talent in the secondary.

No doubt about it.

So now Grayson playing from behind.

Nothing doing it.

The line of scrimmage as the first down run gets stopped in its tracks.

Nice job.

Christian Wolcott switching over from left tackle.

Get in there and make a play.

And this is how it's kind of the Buford formula where the defense starts making plays getting three and out, forcing third and long, getting the short field.

And then offense is finding its groove.

So right now the defense is sparking all of this for Buford.

And there is Brosius, Beck, Brosius coming from that linebacker spot gets the quarterback sack.

See ball get ball right here.

Just playing downhill.

Great job getting into the wheels of Turner.

No chance on that play.

Once again defense making a splash.

Play.

Beck Brosius a good looking ball player.

Second quarterback sack of the season.

His sixth TfL.

And now it's going to be third down and 16.

Play gets blown dead.

And another penalty here on Grayson costar.

Offense 5 yards third down.

This is truly been like two different quarters.

When you look at this game these kind of things Grayson were not doing in that first quarter.

They were dominant.

Now it's kind of flipped over to Buford breathing another third and forever.

Here.

You imagine they're going to throw a quick screen or just run a draw.

In this situation.

Throw against this secondary this down and distance.

Seems like it took a moment for the wolves to wake up, didn't it?

They're howling right now.

Grayson Ram team.

Yeah.

That blocked punt really changed the dynamic of this game.

Another big tackle right there on the edges.

The body.

Joshua Echols comes up to make the stop.

The body Dean Ford can do it.

Watch eight go to work.

Working from the inside.

Scraping to the outside.

Go get it.

Big hit right there.

Textbook.

That's how they draw it up right there, scraping to the outside, getting outside leverage and delivering the hit.

We call him the body because he always posts on social media, you know, photos of himself after he works out.

And flag is dropped on the play.

That's a good thing for Grayson.

False start.

Okay.

And again, the number two punter is in there.

Half fourth down.

Dylan Morris.

After Martinez had his punt blocked.

Now they got Dylan Morris.

This will be his second attempt.

And Buford seems like they taste blood in the water on these punts.

They're coming.

Left foot kick.

Williams has it bounced once and twice and will not field it.

And it's going to be down at the 40 1 yard line.

And Buford is going to have great field position to start this possession.

On the plus side of the 50.

Let's check in with Nelly.

The long snapper and the punter.

That relationship was worked on kind of on the fly, coach Carswell told them after the last drive to go down and work on the snap, catch all of that stuff so you don't get the short snaps and things like that that we've seen early.

So you're kind of seeing a relationship build on the fly with a second punter and long snapper.

We'll see how this develops.

And there's still some hiccups that still have to be figured out.

Yeah.

Nelly, I would think it's not a good time to be working on that relationship against the Buford Wolves.

No.

Short field.

Can this Buford team take advantage of it?

This is when you start putting pressure on Grayson.

Watch him go up top here.

Cantrell gets the handoff.

Cantrell gets a couple of yards on the play.

Logan Goggins comes up from that safety spot to make the tackle.

Goggins the leading tackler on this Grayson defense.

62, 200 pounds.

Experience as you can.

Been playing since he's a freshman.

Yeah, three star safety.

He's committed to Kansas State.

Second down under 4 minutes to play here in the first half.

Buford on top 1310.

Hunter on the roll.

Heavy rush gets away with it.

Throws on the run.

Incomplete.

Was looking for seven.

Rashad the 65 tight end wide receiver.

You might remember his brother dream who played tight end last year.

Now at North Carolina.

Dream was about 68, so they both.

A. Big, tall family can make plays seven.

Coach app really raves about him.

He feels like he can do something at the next level as well.

I wonder if they called him seven because they thought he was going to reach 7 tall.

He might six, five and just a tenth grader.

He's a junior.

He's an 11th grade.

Third down.

Hunter drops it off to Thomas.

Ace Thomas down to the 26.

And a first down for Buford.

Once again.

Ace Thomas working out of the slot.

Just a little post route right here.

Staring him down all the way.

Waiting for that route to clear out for him.

Nice throw and catch again.

That was the fifth catch of the game for Ace Thomas.

He came in as their leading receiver with six catches for 87 yards in their first three games.

Pitch on the sweep.

Thomas and he gets driven out of bounds and thrown to the ground.

Out of bounds.

No flag drop.

Buford coaching staff thought there should have been one.

I don't think so.

I thought it.

Was just like they're just going to let him play tonight.

And I love that kind of football right here.

Nice job ace Thomas making something happen.

Physical.

That's definitely something that could be called right there with the dumping right there.

Uh, but they seem like they're going to let them work it out themselves on the football field.

That was Corkey Lynch.

Now, even though this is the first time they've ever played in the regular season, this is a rivalry game.

These kids have been playing against each other and with each other in the Gwinnett Football League, the Amateur Youth Football League here in this county for a long time.

So they all know each other.

And the run by Cantrell down to the 11.

What a finish right there by Cantrell as he hits that line of scrimmage.

He's running through this tackle out on the edge.

Nice job of blocking it on the left side by Nixon.

Nice pull there by Eli Williams.

Good block by tank.

Watson as well.

But love the finish of that run there by Cantrell.

Sixth carry of the night for Cantrell.

He's their number one tailback but also starts at safety.

He is a three star safety committed to Arkansas.

Hunter on the rollout firing into the end zone.

Broken up at the goal line.

Riley drew shoots across right in front to break up that pass attempt.

Very dangerous.

Throw right there by DJ Hunter.

A lot of black jerseys right there standing on the goal line.

As you can see trying to make something happen.

Really don't want to go back into the middle of the field that late pass breakup, trying to force it in there to Bryson Thompson.

Fortunate that that ball wasn't picked off.

So they're tending to Riley Drew right now over here on the sideline a little bit off the field.

Field.

Got shaken up on that pass break up.

And so now it's going to be second down.

And the teams head to the sideline where they're still tending to the injured player.

Looks like drew was up got shaken up.

Riley drew three star cornerback playing the safety position for the Rams.

He's committed to Wake forest shows the Demon Deacons over Kansas State 34 total offers.

Trust me, playing that safety position and then going to the next level with that kind of physical mindset at the corner.

That's what catapults you to make a difference at Wake Forest, because you already have that temperament that you're going to need when you compete against bigger receivers.

Riley drew.

Man, you look at that entire secondary for Grayson, the five across.

Watson Goggins, Welch, Drew and Lynch, all of them with major offers.

Then you throw in Preston, Glasgow, who's committed to UConn.

But he just picked up an offer from Georgia and Alabama.

So bye bye Huskies.

Right.

0-6 4193 so why lead the South and go to UConn when you can stay right here and get some home cooking?

If you're Glasgow.

So we'll wait and see what happens with Glasgow.

He's a senior.

We haven't seen him out on the field or at least have not called his name yet here tonight.

But what a specimen at 64 and playing corner.

Two 0-2 to play in the half on second down.

Ball goes to Silas knuckles.

He bounces off the middle, tries to get outside and there is the tackle made by Elijah Tillman.

Tillman.

Wow, what a specimen.

At 67, 240.

A four star rated as high as the number 14 edge in the country in 2028.

And definitely has a frame as a junior that you can easily add 25 pounds to and get him up to 265 wherever he chooses to go.

So that body transformation will be easy.

Number 41, Elijah Tillman.

He has 40 offers.

Third down.

Pass to the end zone.

Overshoots his target.

Looking for Braylon Williams there on the back line.

And it's going to be fourth down.

Definitely just a tough secondary to continue to throw against Jay Hunter.

Trying to keep it high.

Make a play.

Good job right there of Grayson.

A lot of momentum against him.

So forcing a field goal is a great job on that drive.

So they bring in Evan Griffith to try the field goal.

He's three of five on the season with a long of 47.

App tells us he's good 50-55.

This is a chip shot for him.

Then this is 25 right in the middle of the field.

Kick is up and the kick is good.

Griffith sticks it through and with 1-12 to play in the half, Buford extends their lead to 16-10 Football Fridays in Georgia on GPB is brought to you in part by Georgia's EMCs.

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0:72 to go before the intermission.

The margin is now six for Buford.

Coming all the way back here in the second quarter.

And when we come back, we're going to go to halftime show.

We'll talk to you.

Save it.

A student athlete of the week.

We'll take the tour, catch up with our friends at Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

And there's always Matt, your and my favorite part of the halftime where you get everything all squared away and stretched out because we get to make that kid an offer after we catch up with coach app coming up in a bit.

Yeah, Nelly, I think we got some.

Make that kid an offer nominees from this game on the Buford side.

Beck Brosius, I think is a guy that would fit into that category.

Maybe Ace Thomas a little bit.

The wide receiver.

Both those guys, as strange as it is in a game with 72 players with college offers, here's a couple of guys that don't have those offers.

So we want to make that kid an offer.

Kick goes into the end zone.

And so Grayson brings it out to the 20.

So Grayson outscored Buford 10-0 in the first quarter.

Buford has outscored Grayson 16 to nothing here in the second quarter.

As you take a look at the governor's red ribbon 365 curriculum DBHDD scoring drive and Buford nine plays, 31 yards.

And the field goal by Griffith.

And it all started after John told us that the defensive coaches of Buford was over there giving a little lesson, uh, to get their defense going.

There's no doubt the, game changed after the blocked punt by Brock Lowe and Benoit had makes the catch, but he gets dropped right away by Brandon Davis.

Luke Smith, who had a great first quarter moving around.

And as this team and I'm quite sure the coaches will discuss about pace that first quarter.

The plays were coming in and out.

This offense was moving as the plays come in slower.

They kind of have been dragging Don Smith still trying to make something happen for his team.

Handoff goes to Stonewall.

Stonewall shoots through the hole and that's going to be Brandon Gray.

Pardon me.

27.

Brandon Gray on the run.

And that's going to be a first down carry for Grayson.

But the clock works against them.

They have no time-outs remaining now less than 30s to play here in the half.

And still looking at the sideline.

First down you you would think they would at least maybe kill the clock.

Try something deep right here.

It looks like they're just going to take.

I think.

This is going to kill the clock.

It's going.

To just yeah they're ready to get to the locker room.

And that's going to do it.

It's going to be halftime.

The Grayson fans aren't happy about it.

They're booing them.

They're letting them know they they wanted them to go into two minute mode right there.

And for a moment I thought we were in Philadelphia or something.

They were booing Grayson then.

Grayson has played a pretty good first half, being down 16-10 after jumping out to that 10-0 lead.

And so it's Buford on top as the teams head to the locker room.

And I tell you what this wolves team Wayne looked like a different team in the second quarter.

And it's time now for our Johnny's New York style pizza halftime interview.

And Nelly standing by with coach app.

Thank you very much, Matt.

Let's catch up with coach app.

And it really was a tale of two quarters out there.

First quarter they had your number.

Then you've got some deep shots to get on top of the board.

Yeah, exactly what I was thinking the whole second quarter.

I'm glad we stole the momentum back.

But I mean they're a good team just like we are.

You know what I mean.

So it's going to be punches thrown back and forth.

And we just got to find a way to respond.

We got to stop them.

Go three and out after halftime and see what we can do on offense.

So then defensively I know that they were getting some activity to the edges.

And it was a little hard to keep contained.

What adjustments did you make other than just making sure that they wouldn't get to the edge?

We did change some calls, you know, change up the front a little bit and gave some issues.

Got a TfL down here on that last drive, you know, I mean we just trying to give him a different picture every time.

Trying to confuse him a little bit and see if we can get on that side of the line of scrimmage.

Thanks for your time Matt.

Appreciate it man.

There he goes.

Ryan Appling and he is going to commercial fans coming out on the field.

I feel like Cal Stanford Darrell we got halftime to do halftime show coming up.

Buford up by six here on the great GPB stick and state.

We'll be right back.

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Is your phone really more important than someone's life?

When you take your eyes off the road, you're not just putting your life in danger.

In fact, two out of three people killed in distracted driving crashes in Georgia were not the distracted driver.

It could have been.

This family, this college student, this little girl.

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Think.

Heads up.

You never know whose life you could save.

A message from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

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Welcome back to Grayson.

And it is 2.5 minutes into the half 16:10 is the margin.

First quarter was all Grayson.

Second quarter was all Buford the heavyweight battle that we figured we were going to get.

We've got we'll find out what happens in the second 24 minutes coming up around the corner.

Welcome to halftime.

Bands are out on the field, but we got a lot of business to take care of, including the scoreboard, a lot of big matchups around the state, and we're getting closer to the end of Non-region play, so it's the fun part of the schedule for those of us that get to talk about it, the hair raising part, because you have PSR, strength of schedule, all those things to talk about when it comes to the teams that you're going to see on the following two pages.

So let's go to page number one.

We'll let you know what's going on with the scores.

Douglas County and Carver, Columbus.

Carver Columbus is defending champ, and they only have seven points on the board.

It's been a bit of a rocky start for Coach Jones and Carver Tigers, Douglas County and Johnny White.

We know what they bring to the table.

Tough region for them as well.

77 is the score in that one.

Westlake and Houston County, Houston County having to recover from the second highest scoring game in history when it comes to the GHSA in central Carroll last week, 17 13 with Westlake, that one is also going on right now.

Troup and Spalding.

That is a big region matchup under normal circumstances.

Another matchup as you go, Troup ranked as high as number two in the standings 217 against Spalding, Hebron Christian and Hart County.

Hart County is up 1510 right now.

Beth Parson and his first year there at Hart County has an offense that's averaging about 50 points a game they've been held.

And yes, I just did use air quotes to 15 here in the first half against Hebron.

Christian Fitzgerald and Worth County.

That one is 7-0 It's another big battle down in South Georgia with two very highly ranked teams.

Marietta one of the surprises early on here in the season 143, leading North Paulding.

Roswell leading Archer by the score of 217 and Marist shutting out Campbell by the score of 32-0 Reason we have Marist on the board is because we have Marist.

Next week we get to go to Hugh Spalding for the matchup with Marist and Blessed Trinity, two high ranked teams of their own, two great coaches in Alan Chadwick and Ed Dudley, GPB zone.

Johnny soundbite.

That is the scoreboard.

We'll keep you posted on all of that action going on around the state, with a lot of other action going on.

Now it's time to go and catch up with our friends from Georgia EMC.

We go down to Forsyth Knott the county, but the city and catch up with our friends at Mary Persons for another presentation of the Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award.

Central Georgia EMC and 35 other participating Georgia Electric membership cooperatives congratulate Mary Persons High School on winning the GHSA Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award.

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.

Georgia's EMCs Central Georgia EMC and Southern Rivers Energy congratulates Mary Persons High School on the Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award for last year's season.

This award not only goes to the the football team, but it goes to every team that Mary Parsons has.

It goes to the parents, the coaches and all the fans.

So congratulations on the award.

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 that represents.

What we always strive to do is to be able to compete and play with class, and I think that's what this, uh, this trophy and recognition actually means to us.

Last year was one of the few years where we were able to actually win the athletic Director's Cup.

And we won the sportsmanship trophy.

So we, we counted that as a as a double win, uh, because we were able to accumulate the most points in the region while also being able to do it with the most class.

And so when we win a recognition like this, it actually shows what this community is all about.

I'm glad that we can be a role model to people and the younger generation, and making sure everyone's friends at the end of it.

Um, and I think that's something that's been passed down through generations before.

And we learn from coaches before, and hopefully we continue it on for many persons.

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

Congratulations to the Mary Persons Bulldogs community.

Thanks as always to our friends at Georgia's EMCs and our friends at Mary Persons.

The band is playing Buford on the field right now, but it's time to catch up with our friends from Cigna and our signature moment for this week.

Let's go ahead and roll it.

Teens are dealing with a lot of stress, and that can be overwhelming.

Kirk Erickson, Cigna Healthcare general manager for Georgia and Alabama, is here to help parents spot the signs.

Kirk, why is it so important to talk about teens and stress?

Well, Hannah, our teens are really struggling with mental health issues.

That's not unusual right now.

Cigna actually conducted a report on loneliness, and we found that Gen Z is the loneliest generation that there is.

And here in Atlanta, 60% of teens are reporting increasing stress and confusion about things like school.

Think about sports tryouts, exams, tests.

So they're constantly trying to keep up.

Social media pressure, all the things 100%.

What are the warning signs that your teen could be struggling?

Well, as a parent, you know what's what's normal for them.

So if you start to see them pulling back or doing things differently, a different friend group, maybe they were outgoing and now they're more reclusive.

Whatever the situation might be, if you see a change in normal behaviors, have the conversation with them.

Just see how they're doing, make an open line of communication and make sure that's constantly available to them.

How can we support our teens mental health?

Well, again, it's essential to talk openly and honestly.

And in this day and age, I think what's great is that behavioral care has really been destigmatized.

So there's access to care, even from the privacy of your own home.

If you feel like your teen is struggling with something, let's, let's talk to a doctor.

Let's get some behavioral support for them because unfortunately, suicide rates continue to rise amongst teens.

There's no more important topic that we could be talking about.

So this is life saving information.

Absolutely.

Kirk, thank you so much for being here and sharing.

Thank you.

If you would like more information on this topic, please visit cigna.com.

Buford High's band is coming off the field and the hometown band is coming in the Grayson Rams band.

They're about ready to perform, but it's our time to focus on those that need to be focused on.

It's time for Make that kid an offer.

Starting off this week, CJ Frazier, middle linebacker at South Gwinnett, north of two dozen tackles as a middle linebacker here early in the season at six foot two, 15 junior year, named second team all region dual sport athlete, baseball, all region first baseman.

Outfielder makes CJ Frazier an offer.

QB Calvin Johnson of Griffin, 65, 235.

Stevenson in the web game of the week 150 8-3 threw for 103.

Your starting QB all region 35 GPA Meink Kelvin Johnson an offer.

Atticus Curtis two way player out of Centennial at 6:01, 180.

Defensively, 34 tackles, 29 solos so far this season.

A bunch of other categories he's impacted.

Also 47 yard fumble recovery for a score, 67 yard kickoff return, two rushing TDs last year, first team all region defensive back All-State, honorable mention, dual sport athlete in football and lacrosse.

Verbal to Wesleyan.

Looking for more offers.

So Meink Atticus Curtis an offer.

Caden Ivory, the QB at Peach County, 511, 164 Marquis Westbrook, 166 yards, 13 TDs in eight games last season over 500 yards, three TDs, special teams, wide receiver taking over the starting QB doesn't have an offer.

Make Caden Ivory an offer.

Ronnie Williams, Baker County two way player 63, 166 last season nine receiving touchdowns, two picks, triple sport, athlete, basketball and track and football.

Currently offers Georgia Knights Community CC, Talladega College Meink Ronnie Williams an offer.

That's it for Make that Offer for this week.

And Peyton Peyton tonight.

Let us know.

Send us notes.

Send us stuff on social media at gpb.org.

Give you my email.

Follow me on Twitter at Jon Nelson or on X. Let us know who we need to focus on for.

Make that kid an offer we're going to go to break.

When we come back, it's time to catch up with our friends from you.

Save it.

Our friends from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

But on our way into catching our breath, let's find out about one of the folks that played high school football in Middle Georgia.

As we celebrate 30 seasons on GPB.

And I want to congratulate and thank the Georgia Public Broadcasting for the effort they made in Georgia high school football that's brought these young people an opportunity to showcase their talents on Friday nights.

And I've virtually enjoyed for years now.

So thank you.

GPB, for working and showcasing our high school football on broadcast.

She is a competitor for sure.

She's smart, she knows the game.

She can predict things that are about to happen.

She makes good decisions.

She's really good at blocking, framing, picking girls off, throwing girls out, stealing.

It's not often that you get somebody who's that great of a catcher, that great of a shortstop, and then also that great of a hitter, but just brings a lot of power and then a lot of speed around the bases as well.

He's tough, and that's what you have to have back there.

Somebody who's tough going to give it 100% every time and just no quit.

My favorite memories first got to go state championship.

You know winning that my freshman year was you know anytime you win a championship, all the hard work that goes into it was just surreal.

Big hole man.

He shot through that thing in a hurry.

Justice Haynes.

Was a great moment and just all the memories that I made with my closest friends that I got to play with, um, and that would be my brothers for the rest of my life.

And then I would say the Mill Creek game we played Mill Creek that was a tremendous game, but that was the craziest game I've ever been a part of, because I've never seen so many people at a high school game.

I think we have the record for the most people out of Georgia high school game.

Thank you GPB, for all you do for high school football.

You know, in Georgia, football in general, just covering us, uh, putting athletes out there and just always supporting the athletes.

So thank you and God bless.

Welcome back to Grayson.

Band is going on.

It's the home band with Grayson Rams.

We're not going to waste any time.

We got a lot of places to go and a short time to get there.

We're Governor's Office of Highway Safety bound once again.

Catch up with our friends from the governor's office about the message for this week.

Words of wisdom from our friends here at the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

Time to find out about Child Passenger Safety Week with Anastasia Espada.

Thanks for dropping by.

Thanks for having me.

So what is Child Passenger Safety Week?

It's a national observance.

Um, across the nation in order to make sure that parents keep their children in the right seat, in the right place in the car and that they're buckled in and they're safe for any drive anywhere.

So why is it important to have it inspected on a regular basis?

Um, you want to make sure that there are no issues with the seat, with any components of the car.

The child could outgrow the seat.

So you want to make sure that it's the right seat for the child at that age and that height.

And there are inspection stations throughout the state.

Someone will come out and make sure that your child is in the appropriate car seat for their height, weight, and size.

They will instruct and educate the parent in how to install the seat so that moving forward, the parent will always know how to install a seat in that vehicle.

What about other resources that parents can use to make sure that they're making the right choices?

A list of available inspection stations is found on our website, which is Georgia highway safety.org.

Words of wisdom from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

When it comes to Child Passenger Safety Week.

The heads Up Georgia Student video contest is back.

If you're a Georgia high school student, we need your help to spread the message.

Make a 32nd PSA about the dangers of distracted driving, and you could win a MacBook Pro.

Thanks, as always to our friends at the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

Now it's time to catch up with our friends at you.

Save it.

And Abby Brooks is our focus this week.

Abby Brooks always happy, always smiling.

Her infectious personality is just as big as her heart for the game.

Started playing U12 softball at just 9-years-old.

Despite being a quarter of the size of a lot of her teammates.

Never short on fight.

Now a junior from Valdosta, she makes an impact on and off the field as a catcher.

She sees the entire game, always knows where the ball needs to go, even as a younger player, she turns time with friends into a chance to play softball.

Whether they played it or not.

Dedicated in the classroom.

On the field, Abby is all heart, hustle and love for the game.

She is a competitor for sure.

She's smart.

She knows the game.

She can predict things that are about to happen.

She makes good decisions.

She's really good at blocking, framing, picking girls off, throwing girls out, stealing.

It's not often that you get somebody who's that great of a catcher, that great of a shortstop, and then also that great of a hitter, but just brings a lot of power and then a lot of speed around the bases as well.

She's tough, and that's what you have to have back there.

Somebody who's tough going to give it 100% every time and just no quit.

Once again, as always, great to catch up with our friends from you.

Save it.

We get to find out from them.

They like to focus on.

They've got some great student athletes and we get to make sure to focus on them on our You Save it player of the week.

All right, let's go.

Let's go back and recap our scoreboard brought to us by our friends at Georgia's EMCs.

Once again, so much more than electricity.

You look at what's going on right now.

Carver and Douglas County.

That one is in the third quarter now tied at seven.

Houston County Westlake.

That one is in the second quarter at 17:13.

Troop leading Spalding 7-0 Second quarter, end of page one.

Hart County leading Hebron Christian by the score of 15-10 Second.

Paige Fitzgerald, leading worth County 7-0 Marietta leading North Paulding 143.

Also in the second.

Roswell leading Archer 167.

Morris leading Campbell and that one is a three score game.

Once again.

One quick note there's someone who is being thought of and remembered tomorrow.

Southwest DeKalb legend Buck Godfree, Renaissance man, writer, poet, multiple sport coach and a legend in Southwest of cabin, not just in DeKalb County, but also here in the state of Georgia.

Setting a lot of markers that a lot of coaches behind him have to follow.

If you are anywhere close, and even if you're not, once again, think of Buck Godfree Tomorrow pass and left us far too soon.

At the age of 83.

The remembrances tomorrow for coach Buck Godfree.

That's it for halftime.

We're going to catch up with Coach Carswell.

On the flip side, as we get you ready for the second 24.

The margin is six to Buford.

That's the halftime here on GPB stick and stay.

More from Grayson on the other side.

Is your phone really more important than someone's life?

When you take your eyes off the road, you're not just putting your life in danger.

In fact, two out of three people killed in distracted driving crashes in Georgia were not the distracted driver.

It could have been this family, this college student, this little girl.

So when you're tempted to scroll, don't pick up.

Think.

Heads up.

You never know whose life you could save.

A message from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

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.

Georgia's 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?

In addition to grade school.

The grade school.

High school.

Back at Grayson Community Stadium in Loganville.

Halftime score.

Buford on top 16-10 Matt Stewart along with Wayne Gandy up in the booth and Wayne 10-0 lead for Grayson after one quarter, but that blocked punt by Brock Lowe really changed the flow and direction of this game.

As we take a look at the first half highlights and Grayson jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter.

A lot of energy, a lot of pace.

Getting the big touchdown.

Deuce Smith making something happen with his feet.

Airing it out down the field to Cameron Hurst.

That made it 10-0 late in the first quarter.

But then really kind of the play of the game right here when Brock Lowe just takes it right off the Punter's foot.

Yeah.

Big three and out by the defense.

And then Brock Lowe with the punt and then punching it in.

Jamir Cantrell for the 1 yard touchdown.

First touchdown of the night for Buford.

That made it 107.

And then DJ Hunter just throws it up for grabs.

And Braylon Williams comes back at the goal line to make the catch for the touchdown.

Really came alive in that second quarter with DJ Hunter.

What jumps off the page as you take a look at those halftime stats?

Well it really was just a tale of first quarter versus second quarter.

And the penalties.

It seemed like in the first quarter the penalties were going against Buford.

And then in that second, as you can see, six penalties for 34 yards for Grayson, just untimely spots.

But when you think about it, the rush yards for Grayson has to go up in this game.

Buford is starting to get a little pace.

They're going to have to run the ball and keep their Don Smith out of all those third and longs.

So what we saw in that second quarter, Wayne, what does that mean for the third and fourth quarter coming up?

Well I think you have to get if Grayson offensively get back to playing with pace.

They got stagnant when the play started dragging.

And the defense was trying to hold his own really.

It started getting playing against the short field.

And for Buford just continue to play with that energy.

DJ Hunter finally making some plays to various guys down the field, taking chances with the ball but moving around in the pocket.

So that started being a positive thing for him in that first half.

DJ Hunter eight of 14 passing for 102 and a touchdown.

Also did throw an interception.

Deuce Smith of 11 of 15 for 91 yards and he threw a touchdown.

Leading rusher in the game is Jamir Cantrell.

Just six carries for 29 yards.

Brandon Gray leads Grayson three carries 18 yards.

That's a little surprising on both sides of that ledger.

Uh ace Thomas the leading receiver.

Six catches for 31 yards.

Cameron Hurst four catches for 4 yards for Grayson and a touchdown.

Yeah Cameron hers really was playing with some energy trying to make some plays for his quarterback.

Uh but both of these teams some of the big names we're still waiting to call waiting.

Wooten, Jaylen Brewster those names has been guys filling in making plays for both teams.

Cam Jones making some plays.

DJ Parkes Bradley, drew, Landon Goggins.

So other names are stepped up.

Let's see if the big name players come alive here in the second half.

For these teams, especially on that offense and defensive line.

Yeah leading tackler in the game is Josh Echols.

Six tackles, three solo including a half TfL.

He's been the leading defensive producer for either team so far in this game.

And Brady Wagner has 1.5 TfL and a half sack go along with his three tackles.

So an interesting first half.

Tale of two quarters as John Nielsen talked about it with Brian Appling going into the locker room, Grayson won the first quarter 10-0 Buford won the second quarter 16 to nothing, and Nelly still waiting to catch up with Greg Carswell.

Carswell, the head coach of the Grayson Rams.

And time now for our Johnny's New York style pizza halftime interview.

And let's send it down to Nelly.

Taylor two quarters for you.

Think about the second one.

What'd you talk to him about at the half?

Just find our groove.

Be ourselves.

Be Grayson Rams.

Let's go win this ball game.

I'm gonna let you go.

Yes, sir.

Thank you.

See, man of few words.

Especially since we're up against it.

Right, guys?

Absolutely.

That's what I thought.

Ready to get this third quarter started.

That's about all you get from defensive coordinator.

That's head coaches.

They don't like to talk.

They like to play football.

Yeah I think he did his talking in the locker room.

Oh I'm quite sure he almost lost his voice.

Probably can't share some of that with us.

Uh on family television.

So tensed guy is Greg Carswell and that's how his team played in that first quarter.

Can they get back to that here early in this game and try to get back on the board and, uh, but Buford is playing with a lot of energy.

That's scary.

Buford 3-0 on the season victories over Gainesville.

Mallard Creek on the road, one of the top teams in the state of North Carolina then beat Miami Central, one of the top teams national power out of South Florida.

Last week.

Grayson 2-2 in your second half kickoff is brought to you by Heads Up Georgia.

Park your phone while you're driving.

It saves lives.

So the good news for Grayson here is that they received the third quarter kickoff.

So they're going to get the ball first here to start the second half.

128 total yards for the Rams in the first half.

151 for the wolves.

And the second half kickoff is going to come down in the end zone.

Be nonreturnable.

And so the Rams will bring it out to the 20 yard line.

Really feel like just getting the plays in and out is what saddled this offense.

Let's see.

Offensive coordinator Charles Allen if he can get back to that rhythm he had.

You know they got to do a better job.

They can't burn through three time-outs in one quarter.

Yeah he definitely can't do that here in the second half because you got to have something down the stretch if you need a time-out.

So let's clock management getting plays in Don Smith finding that rhythm early.

Yeah.

Deuce was the guy in the first quarter.

After one quarter I would have said he's the clubhouse leader for the Georgia Cotton Commission player of the game.

But you play four quarters in this game.

So let's see what they do in the second half.

Crick Smith going to hand off to the sophomore.

Gabe Butler.

Butler getting his first carry to start this third quarter.

They really felt like Butler energized them in their 22-3 victory against Langston Hughes.

High snap right there.

Good job of bringing that ball to Smith and Butler getting something out of that on that high snap.

Uh those red zones are about timing.

And the snap is part of it.

So they've used five different running backs so far here tonight.

Two seniors, a junior and two sophomores.

And Butler gets it again.

And Butler gets met by Brady Wagner.

That guy is the consummate Mike linebacker isn't he.

Yeah two plays two tackles right there making that first tackle there.

Brady Wagner six feet 215 has five offers one of them being Boston College.

Uh but what a football player.

Downhill big time hitter.

Heavy rush.

Smith gets away from it.

Runs to the near side and steps out of bounds.

That was Jaylen Brewster number 29 the number one defensive lineman in the country.

First time we've called his name.

He was in pursuit right.

There trying to find his stride.

Missed action in those first couple of games.

Rounding into shape.

You expect the talent and the ability is there.

Now he's just learning how to fit in and lead and dominate from that inside position.

Transferred from Cedar Hill, Texas High School.

His dad played for the Dallas Cowboys with the third round draft pick in 2009, wanted to move to Buford because he had the heard the reputation.

The wolves prepare their players, get them ready for college, and he felt like Jaylen was not getting that there in Texas.

He definitely read the right report when he said, Buford gets you ready, coach app.

They have a philosophy.

They start from the defensive side.

So great choice.

Never wrong with going to Buford and learned a little small little things that you can use on the next level.

Yeah.

And app told his dad.

Robert said, look, he can come here, but nothing's given.

He's going to have to earn everything.

He's got to earn all his playing time.

We don't care about the recruiting rankings.

He's welcome to come here, but he's going to have to earn his way on the field.

They have a successful format in Buford, Georgia that has produced championships year in and year out.

Coach app is holding to the standard and asking Jaylen Bruce to fit in with that.

Start of the third quarter and first possession here for Buford.

After they force a three and out for Grayson.

Tight pass and it's broken up by the corner.

Corkey Lynch trying to get the ball to Braylon Williams.

Corky Lynch ten offers Kennesaw State being one of them.

Big body six feet 180 right there.

Tight coverage on Braylon Williams.

He's one of the three returning starters from last year's team on the defensive side of the ball, along with London Goggins and Waylon Wooten.

Second down and ten ball at the 34 across the line.

And we might have encroachment right here on Grayson.

Defense 5 yards.

Take it down.

Catching Waylon Wooten playing outside on the end over the nose guard.

Used to being over the ball.

Big hungry just wants to eat right.

He just wants to make some plays.

When you see him.

Definitely has the physical size and strength.

He's committed to.

Kirby Smart's Georgia Bulldogs.

Hunter in the pocket stands in there.

Fires too high for Braylon Williams.

That's one of the things I've noticed about D.J.

Hunter's passes.

They've been a little too high.

Yeah, they're a little high.

He's kind of aiming the ball and he's taking off on him right there and that kind of really throwing in rhythm, kind of staring down the receiver.

Let's see if he can get alive.

We saw though when he moves around in the pocket he can throw the ball on the run.

Similar to Duke Smith.

Yeah.

Third down and five.

He's a transfer from Knoxville.

Burton uh, Bearden High School.

This is his second year in the program, though he transferred over a year ago.

And he sat and played behind her, sat behind Dayton Raiola last year.

Dayton's now at Oregon.

Hunter on the run, tries to get around the corner.

Can't get there.

And I think that was Ethan Gidden who got outside and made the tackle.

Yeah, big kid and he's making some plays 98 62, 280.

That's how he gets off of this block and pursues down the line of scrimmage there to make that play.

Nice job by the big fella.

Closing speed right there by Gidden.

Yeah Ethan is committed to Bryant which is an FCS program in the northeast.

Fourth down.

And, uh, Buford was lined up to go for it.

And a time-out called by Grayson.

They forced the Rams into a time-out.

Tonight's memorable moment is brought to you by Georgia memory net.

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After becoming head coach in 2019, Bryant Appling reestablished Buford as the state's dominant program.

Appling became the first coach to win state titles in his first three seasons, all coming on the last play of the game.

Maddie.

Looking to throw.

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High snap.

They get it down.

Buford first state championship since 2014.

Going for the end zone.

Got a man out there.

Touchdown Buford.

Here is the game ending play.

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Coming out of the time-out.

So Buford lines up a punt.

Now, Wayne, do you think they had the intention of punting all along and just forced Grayson to call that time out?

Yeah, I think they were going to just try to hard count and see you and Grayson had to call a time-out for personnel, and that's a big time out early in the second half.

Yep.

Only have two remaining here in the second half.

And the punt coming down at the 18 yard line.

Oh wow.

Big hit downfield.

And that was Brock Lowe who had the blocked punt earlier in the game.

And Lowe comes up with the big hit on the punt return.

Big time explosive hit there by Lowe.

The senior.

I loved how Coach Appling described and said he was flexible.

Uh, right here.

That's why he's working to the ball here.

Boom.

Nice hit.

Legal hit.

You can see he's engaged.

I think Brock is another one of those.

Make that kid an offer guys.

He's a senior who's getting his chance to play here in his final season with the wolves.

He and Brock Brosius have been really good.

Beck.

Brosius, pardon me.

That's Brock Lowe Brock and Beck Brosius, both of them kind of play that same outside linebacker position.

Both have had nice games so far here tonight as as has ace Thomas.

Heavy rush Smith got away with it.

Gets his helmet knocked off as he tries to get to the 20 1 yard line.

That was a tank.

Watson coming up to make the stop.

Initial pressure here by Josh Echols.

You can see the speed can run step for step with any quarterback.

Just able to get out of that tackle.

Luke Smith and a great job getting off that block and making that play by tank Watson.

Yeah.

Tank Watson is a three star committed to Michigan.

Passed out on the edge.

And Cameron Hearst gets hit by three of his former teammates.

You can see.

They're letting him hear.

About it too.

Former teammates.

Good fun right there.

Great competition.

Another third and long here for Grayson.

Just not the down and distance.

This offense is really built for.

Yeah man.

They really really look like they're dragging on offense don't they.

They're dragging plays not going in.

Not a lot of energy in the body language.

Third down heavy rush.

Smith gets away from it now runs and is going to be run down from behind.

Great pursuit.

This Buford defense is really eating right now.

Tremendous pursuit.

That was Terrance Adkins the corner who ran him down like he was standing in concrete.

Great speed right here.

Initially just missing once again nice job.

Duke Smith showing strength getting out of that tackle by Will Wyatt.

But the speed right there the closing speed.

He looked like a cheetah running down an antelope on the safari didn't he.

Definitely went to another gear and closed the distance to make that play.

So fourth down punt Morris gets it out of there.

Williams will take it at the 45 chance at a return here across the other 45.

He's got a chance he might take it.

Williams down the sideline got a convoy.

Touchdown.

Buford.

What a big time.

I think we have a flag on the 25 yard line.

This hold up the celebration.

That was a 55 yard punt return by Braylon Williams.

But it looks like it's coming back.

Let's see where this block comes in.

Nice job so far.

Not really sure.

I think right there.

Personal foul blind side block on the receiving team 15 yards from the spot of the foul.

First down.

You could see 28.

Blocking back behind the play.

As you can see Jalen Williams get here.

Right here.

Watch 28 comes into your picture.

And these are the kind of plays Knott really couldn't see it from that angle.

But as you know on special teams plays they're trying to make sure guys are safe.

And when you can just kind of body a guy instead of hitting them, they would prefer that big play taken off the board.

Yeah.

Wipes out a 55 yard punt return touchdown by Braylon Williams.

So the ball sitting at the Grayson 45.

Hunter fakes the handoff.

Spin wants to go deep.

Looking downfield.

Jump ball and incomplete.

Jackson Patterson was looking for a penalty flag.

Doesn't get it.

A lot of Jersey there.

Logan Goggins getting away with a little tug there.

You can see airing the ball out as they try to fight for the ball.

Does.

Looks like he's kind of a little early.

That left hand in the front.

Yeah.

He had his arm on him.

You can see the frustration as he got up there by Patterson wants to know where was the call.

Doesn't get it.

Not this time.

So it's going to be second down and ten.

Quarterback run.

Hunter brought down at the 42 yard gain.

Cam Jones the linebacker making the stop.

Cam Jones had an interception earlier in the game.

And when they go to that formation right there they're going to have to throw the ball a couple of times to keep the defense on his empty backfield.

Four receivers kind of like a diamond set to your right.

In that situation here.

There you have to throw the ball, get the eyes of the linebacker on that quarterback draw.

Third down and six.

Line to gain the 35.

Hunter and a deep drop being chased.

Tillman getting after him.

He's got him.

Quarterback sack.

Is that a live ball.

Let's see what the officials rule.

I thought it was an incomplete pass.

But the Grayson players continued to chase after it, as they should.

Elijah Tillman gets the quarterback sack.

66, 240.

Outstanding speed.

And right there as he went to throw the ball forward, you can see his arm conscious effort of trying to throw the ball big time.

Play there by Elijah Tillman.

So this is a big call.

If they rule it incomplete, the ball goes back to the line of scrimmage.

If it's a sack it's about a 15 20 yard loss.

Looks like the indication from the field is it's going to be an incomplete pass, which is going to be a break for Buford.

But you could get intentional grounding in the in this situation.

Yep.

They just dropped the flag.

For that.

Intentional grounding on the offense 5 yards down.

Push off down.

You can't bail yourself out of a sack by just tossing the ball.

The ball never made it back to the line of scrimmage, even though he was outside of the pocket here.

As he tried to roll to the right.

Just the closing speed.

Elijah Tillman and right here.

You can't just now in that motion, if the ball made it back to the line of scrimmage, it's play on.

But right there, that's intentional grounding.

With the penalty.

It ends up being about a 25 yard loss.

And now a punting situation for Buford.

They get it out of there.

It's going to be taken by nobody hits at the 34 and bounces to the sideline and out of bounds at about the 29.

And that's where Grayson is going to take over on offense.

Is that the spark we saw the defense spark Buford in that second quarter to take the lead in this game.

Can that be the spark that Grayson rides right here to offense has been stagnant for about a quarter and a half now where they just haven't had any positive plays.

Can they get back to plays in and out, playing with some energy, playing with some timing?

Yeah.

They have not scored since the 23 yard touchdown pass from Duke Smith to Cameron Hurst late in the first quarter.

But they're still only down 16-10 Could have been worse.

Wagner gets another sack.

Brady Wagner just getting after it tonight.

Has really come alive here.

Ethan Hauser cleaning up duty with him as well.

But Brady Wagner playing downhill.

He's not going to miss this time.

He's going to get his sack right there.

Great job there by your senior inside linebacker.

Big game by Brady Wagner tonight.

It's going to be second down and 15.

Right here.

Play taking a while to come.

Play.

Clock is winding down.

Wagner now with six tackles in the game 2.5.

TfL run downfield.

And Cantrell makes the tackle on gray but knocks him forward for the first down.

Nice cutting ability here by Brady.

Brandon Gray.

Look at the vision.

The footwork right there.

Making yards for his team.

Didn't get the first down.

Now he does get the first down as gray gets the ball again.

Hauser making the tackle at the 45.

But a first down for Grayson.

And now you see they're going with the quick pace.

And this is what we talked about when they had success.

Play action.

Smith to the sideline nearly intercepted as Brock tried to jump the route.

Nice job by Brosius there.

Seeing that all the way kind of staring down that route was Duke Smith.

Second down and ten ball on the 46 under seven to play here in the third quarter.

What a game we've had so far tonight.

Smith fires complete goes to bin Farhan.

That's going to be to the 47.

And be about 3 yards short of the sticks.

Third down.

And in these situations Duke Smith has been able to make some plays with his feet.

Nice.

Just stop route.

There.

Coming back to the ball for his quarterback.

Third down and three.

Backward pass goes to gray and he gets tackled behind the line of scrimmage.

Will Wyatt.

, the three star junior.

Will Wyatt reacting to this play like he drew it up.

I mean he comes from center field.

He sees this all the way getting underneath the block getting into the legs.

There of gray to get him down.

What a big time play.

Great reaction.

Downhill by that young man Will Wyatt.

Another punting situation here for Grayson.

Again a low snap line drive kick.

Williams takes it at the 15.

Backs his way into the 25 yard line gets stopped there.

And that's where Buford will be on offense when we get back.

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Grayson going out.

Defense.

Here's a look at the top five prospects.

This isn't the rivals rankings.

Jaylen Brewster the five star number one overall prospect in the country committed to Texas Tech.

Tank Watson committed to Michigan linebacker Ethan Hauser committed to Vanderbilt running back slash safety.

Jamir Cantrell projected as a safety in college.

Committed to Arkansas.

Luke Nabors, the four star defensive end who's been banged up the first couple of games.

He's still uncommitted.

He's just a junior.

So first and ten ball at the 25.

And overall they have 27 players with college scholarship offers.

Nothing doing on the short run for Buford.

Driven backwards by Jalen Ramsey.

This is when this defense of Grayson needs to step up and start making some plays.

Once again.

Give their offense the short field.

You start seeing that they.

Right now going to need the short field to work from.

Got to go out here and see if you can get you a three and out.

Second down and long for Buford.

Ball is bobbled by Hunter.

He gets back on top of it at the 18 yard line.

Nice snap.

Zane Dyer right here to center this going a little high to young freshman.

Really the first miscue we've seen with the snap tonight by him.

All in all a ninth grader playing center against this Grayson defensive line.

He's done a good job.

He's done a great job.

I haven't really felt like a lot of pressure from that position.

Doing a good job.

Six feet 270 freshman.

That's a big future when you think about it.

Third start of his career here tonight.

He got moved to the center position because they had some injuries.

Hunter nowhere to go with it.

Scrambles out to his right.

Still nowhere to go with it being chased now throws on the run and overthrows his target here on the near sideline.

It's going to be fourth down.

We talked about this defense coming alive.

They got a little break there with the high snap.

But this is just what your offense needs.

The ability to work from about midfield here.

If everything goes in your your way the defense taking control right there and helping the team.

I think that was Caden Giddens who's got 19 offers.

He's just a sophomore.

Included in those 19 offers.

Georgia Tech rugby style kick by Lorenzo.

And look at that great bounce they get out of that rugby style kick.

And it's going to be downed at the 46 yard line.

47.

Check in with Nelly.

Coach Carswell over here on the Grayson sideline.

Got into the faces of his offensive line, basically telling them to win the game.

And don't let Buford's defense get the best of you.

No one has put you through more than we have to get you ready for this moment.

So he was trying to talk them up and he was doing so rather loudly.

Yeah.

In the last drive.

Not surprising.

After we had our conversation with Coach Carswell, a pleasant, very informative conversation with Coach Carswell.

You get the idea.

He's intense.

And he feels like his line each and every day gets to go against a defense that can match anyone.

So they should be well prepared for this.

The running back Wendt by Brewster right there.

That was Ashton Turner, you know.

And I said what about your offensive line going up against Jaylen Brewster, the number one defensive lineman in the country.

He said bring it on.

He let's do it.

And I think that's just from.

He feels like in practice each and every spot that Buford can provide.

He has that kind of player that his offensive line has played against.

Yeah, that's number 29 right there in the center of that Buford defense play action.

Smith dumps it out of bounds.

Good job right there.

Late pressure pushing the pocket.

Jaylen Brewster just nowhere to go with the ball being smart.

Get outside the pocket.

Throw it out of bounds.

You know Neely made a great point in his opening commentary tonight.

A lot of people when Grayson fell to 0-2 started shoveling dirt on them.

New coach.

They're not going to be as good anymore.

You know, Coach Carswell said.

I told my team, don't eat that rat poison.

Too much talent, too much football ahead of him for them to take that approach.

You thought this team was going to fade away.

Think again.

Still got work to do here tonight though.

They swing it out here to Stonewall.

Stonewall's got the first and out of bounds around the 40 yard line.

Jeremiah Stonewall he's a great story in Chicago, coach Carswell said.

God blessed him with an opportunity to get out of a bad situation and move to Grayson and play his senior.

Year.

Just a long handoff swing pass right there, trying something deep downfield.

Intercepted in the end zone.

Tried to get the ball to bin Farhan, and it's picked off by Junior Norwood, the son of your former teammate.

Son of Jerious Norwood.

Out of Mississippi State.

Had a pleasure of playing with him with the Falcons.

Nice break on the ball right there.

Just kind of throwing up a 50 50 ball to Wahad.

But we have a penalty flag.

It looks like it might get wiped out.

Jamal 5 yards from the previous spot.

Illegal substitution.

Oh wow.

So the Grayson offense is going to stay on.

The field.

Defense.

It's 5 yards.

That's going to wipe out the interception in the end zone.

You have the illegal substitution in that situation means too many men on the field at that point right there for the defense.

And a big huge break for Grayson.

So first down for the Rams at the Buford 35.

Short gain on first down carry.

That was Brandon Gray again.

Nice job.

Reece Holland the young sophomore stepping in there to make that play.

Stepping up so deep for both of these teams.

You just have to keep the whole roster in front of you because everybody gets in.

Everybody everybody.

Everybody has a star and everybody can make impactful plays.

Only 63 yards rushing for the Rams, only 32 for the wolves.

How crazy is that?

I think that's a testament to what we talked about off the top, that the battle at the line of scrimmage was going to be epic tonight.

Yeah.

When you look at a lot of that rush yardage is coming off the quarterback's legs.

Yeah, they're just taking the run game as far as running backs away just shutting things down.

Just tough sledding inside for both offensive lines.

Got a little momentum here as Deuce Smith.

To capitalize in this situation.

Pass completion gets him a first down at the 26.

Gray gets the Rock steps up there and makes the tackle.

Once again making a play.

Stepping up in there.

Playing downhill on the other side of the ball.

Really like what he's bringing to the field tonight.

Got to love what you've seen from those linebackers.

Wagner, Brosius, Lowe Lowe had the blocked punt had the big you know tackle on punt return.

I mean they've all these guys have flashed some things tonight.

Terrell Smith.

He lunges forward to the 20.

It's going to be third down.

Smith getting downhill.

Coach Caldwell challenged his O-line on this drive.

Push on.

People make some plays here.

Big third and five right here for Duke Smith.

And we are down to 70s left in the third quarter.

Smith play action sprints to the outside throws for the first down.

It goes to Hurst just beyond the sticks.

Another first down here for Grayson.

Once again Cameron Hurst body control here bailing his quarterback out.

Low throw going down to the turf for him.

First 6:21 80.

Making a play for his quarterback.

Under a minute to go.

And a new first down for Grayson.

They've got it at the Buford 15.

Turner right into the teeth of that defense.

Not going to go very far.

And that was Brewster making the tackle.

That's a big dude right there at 63300 pounds wide.

Big body just made for that inside 34 defense type guy.

Second down off the edge pressure.

Smith tries to run away with it and throws it up for grabs to the track.

And it's going to be third down with 18 seconds to play in the quarter.

That's some of that poise that Smith has shown all night long.

Getting out on the edge.

Throw the ball away.

The ball nowhere.

There's nothing there.

Not trying to force it, making sure he finds a little space and then get rid of the ball.

Third down and nine line to gain is the five.

Might be the final play of the third quarter, depending upon the play selection.

Smith scrambling, throwing across his body to the end zone.

Back of the end zone.

Incomplete 8 seconds to play in the quarter.

Now it's fourth down saying I think they're going to try a field goal here.

Just nowhere to go with the ball.

Initially trying to scramble make something happen.

Will throw away trying over the head of Will hard.

Another smart choice right here.

Not losing these points during an interception there by Duke Smith.

This will be a 30 1 yard attempt for Martinez.

He hit a 28 yarder early in the game.

Ball is placed down, the kick is on its way and the kick is good.

And with 4 seconds to play in the third quarter, Martinez sticks it through from 31 yards and it's 16-13 Capitalizing on the defense.

Got you to midfield.

The short field able to make a couple of things happen.

Duke Smith with his legs.

Finding Cameron Hurst to make a play.

Putting some points on the board.

Wow.

Grayson cuts it to three as we get ready to head into the fourth quarter.

Here's a look at the top five prospects for Grayson.

This is according to the rivals rankings.

Jordan Agbonayinma the four star offensive lineman committed to Nebraska Elijah Tillman.

We've seen him the big defensive end.

He's just a junior four star.

Uncommitted has 40 offers, though.

Jalen Welch, the safety who's recruiting, really blew up over the last year.

Four star committed to Syracuse.

We saw them lose to Pitt last night on national television.

Katie Jones also going to Nebraska.

Preston, Glasgow.

Haven't called his name tonight, but he's been a strong player in their three man cornerback rotation.

He's right now committed to UConn, but did recently pick up offers from Georgia and Alabama.

So maybe the final play of the third quarter right here.

Kick off going to be taken from the five.

And Cantrell hits a seam up across the 40.

Never did get him on the ground.

And that's the final play of the third quarter.

Big return by Cantrell.

Headed to Arkansas.

But right now headed to the fourth quarter here in Loganville.

Got a great game on GPB sports Football Fridays in Georgia.

Buford on top 16 13.

Headed to the final stanza.

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We head to the fourth quarter here in Loganville.

Number one, Buford on top, but it's only 16-13 And as we move into the fourth quarter, catch up on all the scores around the state.

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Buford the ball at their own 47 as we start the fourth Matt Stewart Wayne Gandy and Jon Nelson Hunter right there in the middle, Rashad catches the ball.

That's only going to be a two yard gain.

And just feel like the intensity went up a level here in this game.

Grayson, just what you want to be tight game going into the fourth at home.

A lot of energy still left in this defense as its picking up its pace.

Grayson turning a lot of heads tonight.

A lot of people thought this program was in for a bad season after they started 0-2 Hunter out there to Thomas Ice Thomas has the first down.

Just really love that explosion that Thomas brings.

Once he catches the ball, he gets up field right here.

Just a little quick out screen.

And then he just explodes up the field for the first down.

That's his seventh catch of the night.

He had six catches and was their leading receiver through the first three games of the season.

He's been better than that here tonight in this one game.

They've all been short catches though.

First and ten ball at the 40.

Ball goes to Thomas again trying to set up a screen out there.

And Thomas gets dropped at the 36.

That was D.J.

Parkes the linebacker coming up to make the stop.

Parkes sophomore will linebacker stepping in position formerly manned by Ant Davis, who's now a freshman at Ole Miss.

I guess they got a big game there tomorrow night, don't they?

Yeah, they have a huge game that's going to even make me tune in to two rivalry teams.

Everybody wants to see what's going to happen to Lane.

Kiffin.

It's going to be rocking in Oxford.

Second down.

Granville on the carry.

Flag drops.

Let's check the penalty.

Granville got a couple of yards on the play but there is a penalty flag.

Buford you don't like what that flag is.

It's typically in that holding area.

The holding or face mask.

That's that's all you have right there, Matt.

At that point for that flag.

Personal foul defense facemask defense 15 yards first.

Down and a big 15 yard penalty.

On top.

Of that there's only 22 calls.

When that flag is thrown like that.

Right here at the end of this run.

As you can see nice job getting up there Granville.

The big.

You can see who grabbed that face mask.

So first and ten ball at the 17.

Hunter going to run it right up the middle.

DJ Hunter brought down inside the five by Parkes touchdown saving tackle at least for the moment.

Nice blocking up front by the offensive line right there.

Good job.

Empty backfield.

Nice patience by Hunter.

Reading everything.

That's when that running back size comes into play right there for him at 622 0-5 Man hurt on the play.

Looks like it's going to be Elijah Tillman who's still lying on his back at the 1 yard line.

So they're continuing to look at Tillman right here stopping the clock with 9-41 left in regulation.

Love the environment here at Grayson Community Stadium tonight.

First time these two Gwinnett County Titans have met in the regular season.

A large part of that has to do with the fact that up until recently, they didn't play in the same classification.

So nobody was ducking the other.

Just coincidence.

They've never been able to play.

Yeah.

You know, but now.

In this day and age of the PSR, you can't duck anymore.

You got to play.

Some people.

So right now, speaking of which, right now Buford would be number five in the seven a P sr.

The postseason rankings, even though they're number one in almost everybody else's poll anywhere in the state or in the nation, they'd be ranked number 5-7 a right now, which means in the first round, they would be hosting North Paulding.

Think about that is and you look at they're actually number five Brookwood's number four.

So.

Tillman is up.

Looks like he's trying to walk it off.

Maybe a cramp.

Grayson is right.

Number 17 in the current PSR.

That means they would be on the road if the playoffs started today.

And of course we're a long way away from that happening.

But that's the beauty of the PSR.

You can look at it and project matchups.

They would be on the road at Camden County in the first round, and we talked about that with app.

And app said, you know, in the past you'd be able to look at kind of the playoff bracket and have an idea as you got into that final month of the season where you might be or who you might be playing in the first round now, you don't know.

You could go into the final Friday of the regular season thinking you're going to play this team in the first round, and by the end of the night you might be playing another team.

And it seemed like Coach App was just going to put on his blinders this year.

Figure out how this works and just try to win some games.

And this is the first time using the PSR.

It'll be interesting, that's for sure.

So first and goal to go for Buford.

Handoff didn't get there.

Grayson pushes him back.

Cantrell in there at running back trying to get through that line.

That mass of humanity unable to do it.

And so now it's going to be second down and goal.

And we'll be under 9 minutes to play here in regulation.

By the time they snap the ball again.

Elijah Tillman back in the game for Grayson.

You imagine that they're going to keep this ball on the ground.

You can see kind of lining up in a old school formation.

You got Cantrell as the tailback.

And I believe that's Brosius lining up as kind of the H back blocking back kind of an offset fullback.

He got Tank Watson the tight end.

He's going to line up as a well he's going to line up in the tight end position.

Yep that's 15 lined up in the backfield.

Second down hand off it goes to Brosius.

He gets stopped right at the line of scrimmage.

Play gets blown up.

Grayson was not fooled on the play.

That was Christian Hunter.

Big penetration.

Watch how the black jerseys win the line of scrimmage.

Pushing the O-line back.

Penetration is always the big key of stopping the run right there.

Excellent job by the Rams.

Third down and goal.

They were at the one.

Now they're at the four.

This is where you feel like the legs of D.J.

Hunter comes into play.

Move him around.

Get him on the run.

Let him put the defense in questioning whether he's going to run or pass.

Still an eye formation going from under center is Hunter.

Off set.

I Hunter sprint out to the right, throws to the end zone.

Broken up.

What a play by Corkey Lynch.

Fourth down.

Had to figure it was going to be something.

Get DJ Hunter on the rollout right there trying to feed it.

Nice job.

Look at that right arm of Corkey Lynch using all of that six foot frame to knock that ball down.

So they're going to bring on Evan Griffith.

He's already hit a 25 yarder in this game.

And this is going to be a 21 yarder just inside that right hash.

Chafin the wide receiver is the holder.

Got great hands.

Watch for some kind of a trick play here.

Yep here it goes.

Chafin Schaffner into the end zone.

Touchdown Buford.

Great call.

Gutsy call there by Coach Appling and his staff.

That's all about watching film study.

Recognizing something that you can take advantage of right there.

Good job.

Good execution.

Chafin walking into the end zone right there before he gets hit by Corkey Lynch.

22-13 And now the p a t. Buford being Buford.

You could see it coming.

If you've watched Coach Brian Appling long enough.

You know he's got a few tricks up his sleeve.

And he just pulled out that ace from under his sleeves.

The touchdown by Chafin.

It's 23-13 in Loganville.

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?

Oh, just really hadn't thought about it.

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Under 8:00 to go.

Number one Buford leading Grayson 23-13 Matt Stewart.

Wayne Gandy and Jon Nelson.

As the wolves trailed 10-0 after one quarter, but they have outscored Grayson 23-3 since.

It's all been about momentum and Buford has been riding that wave ever since that blocked punt.

Nine plays, 53 yards on the DBHDD Red ribbon curriculum scoring drive for the wolves and the trick play on the fake field goal score by Ian Chapin.

And now Buford kicking off.

And Grayson's got some work to do.

They're down two scores two possessions Nonreturnable kick.

And so the Rams will start this next possession at the 20 yard line.

And the good thing for the Rams we've seen them play with pace.

We've seen them and produce with getting the play in and out.

Not necessarily under a two minute kind of mindset right here.

But you can feel like you want to get to that kind of offense in this drive where plays are coming in and out.

You don't want to go into that slow mode and find yourself taking four or 5 minutes yourself to score, and putting yourself where all you have is to be able to onside kick or anything.

Do Smith comes back out to lead the offense 15 of 23 passing for 118 and a touchdown tonight.

Sprint out to the right.

Throws complete to hearse.

He gets pegged right in the back by knuckles who shoves him forward and out of bounds.

Man knuckles is a good looking corner three star.

He's got 28 total offers weighing.

He's taking a wait for his official visit.

And I love the physicality that he brings that his size.

He is not afraid to mix it up.

He finishes plays like a linebacker.

He plays on that edge.

Yeah, we really watched this young man develop over the last couple of years.

Goes to Hearst again and again.

Knuckles is there to shove him out of bounds.

Short gain on the play.

And that's going to get them the first down.

And Hearst has been a main focus tonight getting the ball in his hand.

He's done a great job for his quarterback.

Yeah.

Hearst the former Buford Wolf leading receiver for the Rams tonight with six catches.

Claude approaching 7 minutes left in regulation.

And the Rams down ten points.

Smith fires on the drag across the middle.

Benoit hard making the tackle, had his helmet ripped off and the Grayson coaches yell at the officials looking for a flag.

Don't get it.

Yeah good job of coming up making plays, making the tackles.

But good job right there.

Duke Smith once again didn't like what he saw on the left side of the field using his feet, keeping his head down, making himself available right there as well.

Hard.

Yeah.

Safe.

Benoit hard.

His mama is a French teacher in elementary school nearby, and his brother Mumu played for the 2020 state championship team now plays for Dan Mullins at unlV.

Younger Jones with the catch and battles forward to the 50 yard line.

Grayson starting to put together a drive here.

Let's see if they go up tempo.

They typically have done that when they crossed the 50 yard line.

Mike Collins receivers are engaged.

After they catch the ball, they're getting upfield, getting extra yardage for the quarterback.

Nice drive here, good tempo by Grayson.

Smith to his right.

Throwing through Lowe looking for Benoit Hard and Braylon Williams on the coverage.

Penalty flag down.

Let's check the call.

In that area again Matt if Grayson you don't want to see a flag in that area.

Holding offense 10 yards from the previous spot.

Replay first down.

Bring it back.

And those are the plays you just can't have in this situation on this drive.

You can't hold.

Everybody has to be clean.

Everybody has to win their battle.

And really would like to see a little more pace to play is you know, they're having success.

But the clock is draining on him.

Yep.

Coming up on 6 minutes left in regulation.

Heavy rush.

Clean pocket thrown and caught at the 48.

Jojo Watts down to the other 46.

Right there for Jojo.

Watch.

You want to get out of bounds right there.

Once you saw that you were not going to get some yardage, you want to stop that clock.

Clock still running.

Ball at the 46.

First down.

Catch by Hearst.

He gets out of bounds working that sideline working the clock.

Hirsch has just done a great job.

And that might be some of playing against his old team.

He knows what he can do against Silas knuckles.

But no fear as him and Duce Smith shown throwing the ball against the top corner of Buford and Silas knuckles.

Eight catches for Hearst tonight.

He had seven in their first four games.

And the time-out is going to be called by Buford will take it to 5 minutes, 37 seconds left in regulation number one.

Buford leading Grayson by ten.

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Coming out of the time-out first and ten.

Grayson started this drive at the 20.

They've moved it to the Buford 39.

They need ten points over the last 537.

Pocket for Smith breaking down.

Smith in trouble.

Going to take a sack way back at the 49 yard line.

And there is Jaylen Brewster getting the sack for the Buford Wolves.

Pushing the pocket.

Just nowhere to go.

Helmet coming off for Duke Smith.

So K.J.

Simpson is going to have to come in at least for one play.

But right here nowhere to step up.

As you can see the bodies keeping in their pass lane not allowing him to find an avenue to get up in and try to take off.

The play taking a little time to come in.

KJ Simpson's got to come in.

He lost his helmet.

So Simpson the junior quarterback, has to come in because Smith lost his helmet on the play.

Smith they're going to let him throw right away.

He's being chased to the sideline throwing trying to come back and make a catch for him at the 36.

But incomplete was younger Jones.

Nice.

Actually it was Jojo White that was 22.

Jojo Watts Knott 24.

And it's going to be third down.

Right here.

You do see if you want to just get about half of this back.

Yeah you're.

In you're in four down territory.

You're not trying to get all of this one play.

Don't feel that pressure.

Something opens up and you think you can go get eight or 10 yards.

Do that.

Deuce steps away from the rush, hit as he throws jump ball.

Incomplete flag comes out.

Let's check the penalty call here.

The Grayson side believes it's on Buford.

Hearst was the intended target.

Really just flicking the ball up there.

And you could see pulling on the jersey ace Thomas just wouldn't let Cameron Hirsch jump for that ball.

Waiting for the penalty call.

Interference on the defense 15 yards.

First down.

So a first down for Grayson on that pass interference call.

Let's see where they spot this ball.

Not sure it's enough for a first down.

He said first down.

Yeah.

The official the referee said first down.

But it's not first down.

It's third down.

It was a 15 yard penalty.

They needed more than that.

Smith heavy rush eludes it.

Still in trouble.

Spinning goes down.

Quarterback sack at the 39 yard line.

Relentless pursuit by the wolves.

Will Wyatt blowing up this entire play playing downhill runs over the running back.

Just misses the sack.

Watch 22 comes in.

Runs over gray trying to pull down the quarterback.

Yeah that was Myles Stack 45 who gets the quarterback sack at the 39 yard line.

Now it's fourth down.

Let's make sure that Grayson realizes it's fourth down.

Because remember the referee announced it was first down and it wasn't.

And the clock is running right here.

No play seems to be coming in.

Smith is looking for something.

And now they call a time out.

On the field.

I don't know why Grayson.

And they're not in a situation where they want to run clock, but they were letting the clock run.

And we'll step aside while they sort things out in a big fourth down coming up for the Rams.

When we get back.

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Down to 338 left in regulation.

Let's check in with Nelly.

Coach Carswell was talking to everyone in the offensive huddle, and he says, you know, they're going to bring pressure.

So the biggest thing I think once again, talking to that offensive line, make sure that the defense in that front seven that we've seen from Buford here in the third and fourth quarter doesn't blow up any plan that they've got here for this fourth down and ten.

338 big play and they know it.

Yeah Wayne if they can get Malala Logan Jones and Katie Jones and Quentin Jones protect Duke Smith, you give him time.

He's going to make a play.

Watch for the ball.

Maybe to go.

Cameron Hurst.

And rightfully so.

You expect this Buford Wolves team to come out.

Everything.

They're going to give in try to blitz make him throw this ball short.

Trust his secondary can make the tackle on a short pass.

Here you go.

Fourth down might be the game right here.

Smith pocket fires caught no ball out at the 24 yard line.

Incomplete.

Benoit Hyde could not come up with it.

Ball would go over on downs.

Bringing the pressure.

O-line is holding up right there throwing a strike into the chest of Ben Watson right there.

Great job Duke Smith.

Just not able to come up with the catch.

Hit him between the numbers.

There.

Tough break for Grayson.

He had enough for the first down as well.

So Grayson has only one Time-out remaining meaning they don't really have much of an opportunity to stop the clock.

Basically, Buford gets a first down game over.

They should be able to kill the clock if they can get one first down.

A little late of operating, getting out on the field.

They're going to have to call a time-out themselves to even get set up.

So the time-out called by Buford with 3 minutes and 30s left in regulation.

And now about a first down away from putting this one away and improved in 4-0 on the season.

Here's a look at the Buford Wolves schedule after they clear this one.

Second.

You're next Friday night will be their region opener and probably the biggest game left on their schedule.

The Collins Hill and Mill Creek bunch up there in the middle of October, but they will be heavy favorites against everybody else left on their schedule.

And I mean heavy favorites.

Has already taken down elite competition and just kind of finding their way, you know, with different pieces.

DJ Hunter trying to learn the offense.

As we said, a freshman centerpiece in there, the receiving corps kind of they're doing that by committee, as you know.

So they're kind of finding their way and still notching wins on the board.

And as you look to that schedule, traditionally that Collins Hill Mill Creek duo right there, that would be the toughest.

But they're both winless on the season right now.

Uncharacteristically poor seasons for both of those teams that typically are the challengers to Buford in this region.

And Time Out was called by Grayson.

That was their last.

A lot of helmets coming off tonight.

I'm not sure.

Oh no time out call.

Just a flag coming off.

I think it's the hair.

They got a lot of.

Hair.

That's about the sixth time I've seen a helmet come off.

And someone having a key player here, Waylon Wooten, this time is having to miss a play.

So let's check what this penalty call is going to be.

It's going against Grayson.

That's not good for the Rams cause.

Personal foul illegal participation.

And now we got a man down.

The defense.

It's 15 yards.

Results in a first down.

And you can you can hear the Grayson or the Buford coaches kind of groaning a little bit with the uh the sudden cramps coming with with one time-out left in 3 minutes left in the game.

And here's a look at the Grayson schedule.

Unless they're able to pull a rabbit out of the house right here, they're going to drop to two and three on the season.

But after this they've got Carol city Florida coming up.

And then their region schedule starts now the number one by Newton.

Then Newton's number one in the PSR right now.

Now in the polls the rankings.

Buford's number one.

But in the PSR right now Newton's number one.

They got a really good team.

I mean Newton is a serious challenger to the region championship.

In region 47 a. That'll be a big game.

That's coming up on October 16th.

Let's give it up.

So the player is up on his feet.

Clock stopped at 319.

And a first down here for Buford.

And the Rams still have that one time-out remaining.

To be able to use that time-out you got to get them in some kind of third situation to where it would be effective.

Just calling it after the first play does you no good as a coach, especially if if they pick up six or 7 yards calling a time-out, well, he doesn't help you in that situation.

Yep.

You're going to have to come up with a play on defense.

Grayson started strong tonight.

They jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter.

But Buford has stormed back outscoring them 23-3 since a couple of big plays on special teams.

A Brock low punt early in that second quarter changed the momentum of the game, and then the, uh, field goal fake.

And Ian Chaffin scoring from 4 yards out stretch.

This lead back out to ten.

Desronvil on the carry.

He picks up 2 yards.

Clock continues to run.

No time-out called yet by Grayson.

Ball security if you're Buford.

That is key.

No matter who's handling the ball.

It's a little high snap right there.

We saw that.

Get away from DJ Hunter early in the game.

We also have seen DJ Hunter come from under center.

So that's always the safest way in this kind of drive to get the ball to the quarterback.

But ball security is what you have to do here.

If you're Buford.

He'll operate out of the shotgun here.

Falling forward another 22.5 3 yards on the carry.

Third down.

And now Grayson uses their last time out with 1:40 to go.

So now no time-outs remaining.

Even if they get the stop right here.

Buford is effectively going to be able to run the clock down to less than a minute.

Yeah.

Even if they decide to punt.

Yeah, you definitely keep this ball on the ground.

I wouldn't be surprised just to see DJ Hunter not even trying to hand the ball off.

Just run the ball, get back to the line of scrimmage.

If there's some daylight, pick up the first down.

But just run a solid play.

Let the clock run this situation.

You can even take the penalty.

So the air has been let out of the balloon here at Grayson Community Stadium.

It started out very energetic, but Buford has come back and they will hold on to the number one ranking here this week.

Grayson came with the energy it takes you.

You want to go out.

You want to start early against Buford.

Try to keep them.

Uh, get them in those situations.

They don't necessarily have a high powered offense.

Know that if you can get up a couple of scores on them, that you can feel confident they can strike back.

And we saw how the defense and they called on the defense to start playing at the level and get the short field and things like that.

So.

So third down.

Hunter going to run it.

Pick up the first down and that'll do it.

And he gives it the nighty night.

Put him to sleep.

And he did DJ Hunter with that run right there.

Effectively ends any chance that Grayson comes back or even has another chance to get their hands on the ball and a flag out on the play as well?

And Buford will improve to 4-0 on the season.

It's the right call when you have a dual threat quarterback in that situation, you just run the ball.

If it's something open up, you pick up the first down and now you have just what you want.

The ability just to kneel down and kill the clock.

I mean, you can see it.

I mean, you know, if DJ Hunter can work out some of the kinks in his passing game, throwing some passes too high gets that timing down.

Boy, will they be dangerous because he can really impact the game with his legs.

Yeah he has that sneaky speed.

As coach talked about that he possesses big body too, so he can durable and take a hit.

So a first down or is it.

No it's going to be let's see.

So there was no flag on the play.

But this is a first down.

They have not marked it off yet.

Now they will.

I mean Buford if they choose to could kneel it out from here with 1:32 to go and a fresh set of downs.

Yeah.

I think they're in victory formation.

You can see everybody's kind of pulled in.

It's going to crowd around DJ Hunter protect him.

Sure.

Nobody is.

Down your snaps and your, uh, everybody's in victory formation.

So stick around.

Our post game show is coming up.

Our interview with coach Brian Aplin and the naming of our Georgia Cotton Commission player of the game.

Excuse me.

Gentlemen.

Good heavyweight battle here, though.

A lot of great players all around.

I love how.

The other guys in a sense, made sure that we had to call their names.

The plays that they made.

Look at Beck.

Yeah.

Beck.

Brosius.

Brosius.

Brock.

Lowe.

Will Wyatt.

The way he played tonight as well.

Ace Thomas, the wide receiver spot.

Making, plays.

Hunter with the knee.

And that'll do it.

And Buford now 4-0 on the season with a 23-13 win over Grayson.

Rams dropped to 2-3 And a fun game here tonight.

Even though Grayson loses.

I think the Rams showed a lot of people that they saw them in that opening game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Grayson is a much different team than they were a month ago.

Yeah, they're finding their way.

Their coach has a lot of confidence.

They're going to get what they need to be.

I love the energy and the excitement that Coach Carswell brings to his team.

Offensively, you could just see how when they play with that patient, they can make and create some things down the field.

Duke Smith making plays, getting outside the pocket.

But this Buford defense is what really woke up and took over this game and put their foot in the ground.

So I'm quite sure for these last three quarters coach app is happy about that.

So it looks like things are getting a little heated between coaches down there.

But.

Brian Kemp being the consummate professional that he is, he's calming things down.

Heat of the moment.

In a battle like this tonight, you know people are going to get fired up.

But in the end, sportsmanship prevails.

Two great programs, two great environments to come.

Watching high school football game.

Neither one of these programs are going anywhere.

So in a game like this, somebody has to win.

Somebody has to lose.

Yeah.

You're going to see Grayson.

Grayson's going to be there at the end.

Uh, this is a team that I expect to make a deep playoff push.

Buford, of course, is Buford.

And time now for our Johnny's Pizza post game interview with John Nelson.

On all sides.

So it looks like we're having some.

We had a tough road and I'm glad we got through it the way we did.

But, you know, we still got a long ways to go.

So where do you think.

You are right now?

Having your.

You know, uh, I think we've grown a lot, but you probably the same spot we were last year.

But it's all about how these teams lead and how we finish this thing off.

I mean, it looks good on paper.

It's good when you win a game, but it's still a lot of things we can, you know, too much sloppy play.

And I think we got a chance to get better on its when.

We get to dive into the.

Offense.

Yes sir.

I mean, I'm glad every time we get on on on this station, it's always fun.

Regardless if it's down to the wire or or a game like this.

But I respect as well.

I know they're getting better and better every week.

I just told them they're going to be a lot to deal with later on this season.

Down the road, so I appreciate that.

All right.

Time for the hot change Brady if you would please.

It is that time where Brady Wagner is.

Our player of the game, brought to us by our friends at the Georgia Cotton Commission, natural choice for Georgia, our natural choice for player of the game.

Part of the defensive board that was there.

That goes to you and we'll see.

We'll see how I can make it look good.

So that goes here.

All right.

So Brady's our player of the game.

Out there trying Caine to.

Honestly it was just going out there with the guys.

We knew we had to be more physical than them.

And we had a great scheme ready for them.

And we knew where we needed to fit and do everything.

It was just coming out and being physical.

First quarter.

They were being physical as well.

They were matching you.

What was the change?

What was the conversation?

First quarter.

The second quarter halftime?

Well, nobody works harder than us.

So you know, they just ran out of gas and we kept going.

So that's that's usually how it goes with the teams that we play against.

We don't cut any corners.

We do the best of our abilities every day.

Talking to Coach Chapman, he says there's a lot to work on.

You're 4-0 obviously.

Where do you think you are right now as a team?

Um, I would say that we just need to come together.

And of course, I mean, we're close, of course, but we just need to practice more and more and more and just get better at it.

Do your teammates don't tell your teammates that you said practice more and more and more.

I don't think they want to hear that.

Oh, we love practice.

We're not scared of work at Buford.

So you know that's why we can do what we do every Friday night.

Well done.

Tonight.

Georgia Cotton Commission player of the game.

Brady thanks for your time.

Yes sir.

Thank you so much.

See he's.

Got the he's got the towel.

He's got the hat and he's off to the races.

You know that.

Towel has become something that a lot of folks really want.

That has become a desired.

Commodity down.

Here.

Special players that get it send it back up to.

Mike linebacker, our Georgia Cotton Commission player of the game.

I love to give the award to a defensive guy in this day and time.

And Brady Wagner definitely deserved it.

The pressure and the energy he brought to that defense and the defense is the reason the Buford Wolves won tonight.

Absolutely.

Be sure to join us next Friday night at 730 for our GPB sports game of the week.

As the Blessed Trinity Titans travel to Morris to take on the War Eagles, our stream game next Friday night will be Druid Hills at Tucker.

Now, if you missed portions of tonight's game or just want to see it again, you can catch a full replay later this evening.

At about 11:15 or in the coming week at gpb.org slash sports on demand.

Once again, the final Buford, now 4-0 with a 20-3 to 13 victory over Grayson.

And now for Wayne Gandy John Nelson, our executive producer of football, Kevin, Grok, our game producer Glenn Diamond and our director, Russ Aaron.

I'm Matt Stewart, so long from Grayson Community Stadium in Loganville.

This has been a presentation of GPB sports.

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She is a competitor for sure.

She's smart.

She knows the game.

She can predict things that are about to happen.

She makes good decisions.

She's really good at blocking, framing, picking girls off, throwing girls out, stealing.

It's not often that you get somebody who's that great of a catcher, that great of a shortstop, and then also that great of a hitter, but just brings a lot of power and then a lot of speed around the bases as well.

She's tough, and that's what you have to have back there.

Somebody who's tough going to give it 100% every time and just no quit.