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Powering live from the Georgia Dome, it's the.

GHC Double-A football semifinal featuring the Buford Wolves and the America's Patriots.

And everybody, and welcome.

I'm Jim Janaki, along with Clark, Atlanta football analyst Mark Lassiter.

This game is features two defending state champions, Buford from single-A last year.

America's from Double-A is going to be a good one.

This could be a good one.

Jim is cold and rainy outside there.

Our delays at the airport, but inside the team might as well be Russia because both these teams love to run the football.

Americas comes in over 3000 yards on the ground.

Buford 2200 yards.

Both teams have 90 touchdowns between the two big numbers.

Here's the four teams that are left in the playoffs.

Of course, Buford America's Today.

Tomorrow we got Jaycee and early county, by the way, season we lost against Buford really counties only once against America.

So an interesting scenario.

BUFORD Here's our numbers on the air.

BUFORD Incredible numbers on offense.

They do bring some balance as well on the passing game and the START player for Buford today to watch.

No doubt, number seven, Darius Walker.

Darius Walker has the gaudy 9.3 yard average.

But the most important feature of his career, he's an honor roll student, straight A's.

Earlier we had a chance to talk with Buford head coach Dexter Wood.

Our defense has quite a challenge.

I don't know that we've.

Played an offense and maybe my coaching career that has the dimensions of being able to throw plus run the football, being in that shotgun formation.

You got to decide if you're going to rush or play the run.

And it's just quite a perplexity to prepare for that.

However, we put our defense around stopping the run.

We feel like we've got a couple of different defensive backs that can play pretty well, but with them they're so fully dimensional.

You've got to cover the whole field and you've got to prepare for the run and then pass.

And I guess our biggest objective would be prevent the big play, make them earn it, make them move the chains in.

And that's the challenge.

Nobody's been able to do that here.

Fred's won 28 straight games.

America's, on the other hand, 42 and one since 2000.

It's an incredible record for America.

They came in to Indiana last night, actually got themselves settled head about.

We are right there ready to play.

All right.

We got the numbers on America's for this season.

And there you have them Americans coming in.

Look at the passing touchdowns.

This is where there may be a difference.

They have that balance that complements the running game.

And speaking of the running game, the key guys to watch senior running back Michael Terry.

Michael Terry has 3000 yards for his career.

He's going to be the featured back for this ballclub.

Earlier we talked to the head coach, Eric, sounding offensively.

We plan to do what we've done all year, make sure that we train around the pass and try to stay pretty balanced.

We try to use wonder to set up the owner, whichever one it we feel like can can set the other one up if they're going to give us a little bit of running or we'll run it.

If they don't give it a pass, we'll try to take the pass.

Defensively.

We're going to stick with the scheme.

We've been around, we've tried to make sure that we a little bit of 24, three and four, four, one, we mix up coverages.

A little bit but not a whole lot.

We don't get too confused.

I think we've microfiche ourselves more.

Than the other teams.

Sometimes, but we basically just try to get, you know, the length of the football and try to make that America's coach.

Eric Solid.

No, let's go downstairs to our sideline reporter, Anthony.

Right.

Hello, Anthony.

Well, hey, guys.

Many people view this as being the championship game, even though seeing as though both of these teams are the two strongest teams in the class division coach work feels that the wolves have to get out and set the tone early and try to shut down the Panthers high powered offense.

And they feel they're not known for this victory out.

They have to shut down the rushing attack and all the speed of the wolves gathering.

Paul Goodman.

Thanks, Anthony.

To defending state champions coming at you.

Buford and America's Next on TV.

Welcome back to the Georgia Dome.

The GHC double a football semifinals, two defending state champions going at it, Buford and Americus.

Mark Latham.

This can be a fun one.

This will be a fun one.

Both coaches come into this game kind of low key as you get a look down the field at Buford Road to the playoffs.

And there's Dexter Ward and there you see they beat Decatur, Putnam County and of course, Pierce County.

And Coach was telling me about Pierce that, you know, it really wasn't tough throughout the regular season or early part of the playoffs with the jump to Double-A.

And all of a sudden that competition got a little stiff against Pierce County.

Coach would also talk about the fact that there are four teams from Gwinnett County in the playoffs, a very unusual feature, but it's really a statement as far as the youth programs that go on in that county.

You think these guys are fired up a lot, they're ready to roll, busting through that curtain.

Let's get it teed up and ready to go.

And there you see the defending double state champions, Americus.

And here's how they made it to the Georgia Dome.

You see their road to the playoffs.

Coach Chris Holliday commented he never expected this.

This was actually supposed to be a rebuilding year for Americus.

Planning a rebuilding year, we were able to go to the semifinals and go undefeated.

You can't beat that coach solid arrangement.

And the tunnel before the game and you reminds me, it's like you have, you know, before a game.

He said.

You know, I'm just so happy to be here.

One of those very low key coaches actually had a chance to talk to his dad yesterday.

And his dad was talking about the fact that during game week, consolidate is just an even keel kind of guy.

He's the same during the middle of the week as he was on game day.

All right.

So your teams are on the field ready to go.

There you see Dexter word from Buford and what a record he's had.

And that jump from single to Double-A.

You know, everybody thinks that that would be a tough jump.

But, you know, Dexter and his guys have handled it well.

But what they've done is really set up a scheme that they've gotten very comfortable running both these teams in common.

We talked about it in the opening Jim Bank that they like to go run heavy.

If there's any difference in the two teams you could look at the America side is that America's passing attack maybe the difference?

Well, you bet that Coach Holliday is ready for this one.

There you see he's seeking his third straight championship.

They want to play the championship next weekend at home again.

And their goal on both sides of the Georgia Dome.

All the fans are standing.

We're standing we're getting ready for kickoff.

Kevin Marks will kick it off for Buford and as he sees it up, I love it.

The the fans are starting to file into the Georgia Dome.

The crowds just get bigger and bigger as the day goes on.

Mark, Matt, dig for america number nine, Jermaine Allen and number 21, Rodney.

Oh, and here is the kick off and we are underway.

The Double-A football team all finals from the Georgia Dome and Americans will take it first and ten on offense as Torrey Smith had to return and step right out of bounds.

So here comes a high powered offense.

Mark Americus loves to set up the passing game, expect them to go run heavy early in this ballgame.

Cedric Johnson brings the offense on the field to go to work.

And there you see his numbers on the season.

Key factor about said Cedric topping the 49% passer and the sophomore quarterback goes into a shotgun.

On the first play.

The first attempt in the 30 Johnson was right time intercepted again and it's intercepted Buford looking pass all the way Alphonso Stanley on the stick on the first play from scrimmage yet look at the replay Americus goes.

To a spread formation trying to roll to the right side but the defensive back for Buford right there nice pitch and brings it back Brandon Clark with the big interception here it is one.

More time, Johnson tried to thread the needle.

It did not work.

So Buford hit the ball back.

Now it's close to ten.

On the 28 count.

Manley at quarterback.

He picks up a couple of yards.

Talk about Kyle Manley for a second.

Jimmy 64 out of 97 for the season 100 well 12 touchdowns 1009 yards total here you see Manly's numbers.

What an incredible season for Kyle and of course, a junior quarterback.

So he gets to play one more year for Dexter Wood.

Tommy Lee actually went to the sideline to get that last play call.

You got a shot of him coming back into the huddle, second and eight for Buford just underway from the Georgia Dome satellite.

Football semifinal under center, tangling.

And then picks up a few yards and is knocked out of bounds just short of the 20 yard line by number 21.

Rodney Collins also down with the 6.1 yard average.

They tried to get a little action going to the right side, came back to left.

Ready to your living room here, Stanley on the sweet to the outside picks up about seven yards.

Here's your offensive line for.

Buford Brown, Moore, Chandler, White and narrow.

And here's the rest of the offense.

Stanley Woods, Walker, Henderson and Miro touch third and.

Three for Buford.

At the 21 during the quarter.

What went down and Cannonball Walker was finally knocked out of bounds at the seven yard line.

By number 15.

Dustin Walker, the first man to hit a shot.

It was Torrey Smith at the corner, missed on the chapel.

Walker gets to the outside and picks up a first down deep in American territory.

He has a missed tackle watch walker hesitation step that's still a step gets the outside and now the first and goal for the wolves there you see Walker's numbers on the air.

Very impressive.

36 rushing touchdowns for his career and over 2700 yards rushing.

He's back first.

And goal from the seventh.

Handoff down to about the one foot line.

You know, it's interesting.

Mainly Stanley and Walker in that backfield sounds like a law firm.

That's how they gave it to the up, but nothing fancy just right over a tackle.

They get down to the one yard line of America's good run by Stanley.

You know, you don't know who's more dangerous, Stanley or Walker back there.

The trick is that America has to defend both.

Walker is now the deep man and I look how deep he set up and information.

Now he's up for the last.

30 seconds and both of you put handoff.

Samuel touchdown and Buford is on the board just like that Nothing fancy the straight ahead blocking line for Buford able to clean it up Got a good surge on the right side they go up top six nothing And Kevin Marks four come in the game now for Buford to attempt the extra point here's the replay you look at the handoff, look at that hole inside.

Think I could have run through that when Jimmy just really cleaned out the right tackle on the other side.

You're smart to make it seven nothing.

And he does.

So there you have it.

Wolves run the point.

A turnover on the first play from scrimmage by Americus leads to a Buford touchdown in the world with seven nothing interesting this America's decided to go with the pass early here we get a look at another look at the touchdown from ground level really you see the surge offensive but Buford really made a statement on that last drive.

But credit the excellent field position allows them to take this early lead.

So now, Mark, what is coach saying he's saying to his players right now?

I mean, obviously a little shaken up over the turnover.

What's interesting in a game like this where you have two teams that are so evenly matched as you get a look at the scoring drive, the difference sometimes comes down to Jim turnovers and special teams first drive you see the turnover by Americans leading to the big four touchdown and Stanley with a one yard touchdown run to cap it off.

Okay.

Here's one point where a low key coach really has an advantage.

His team will not panic.

Americans will probably stick to what got them here.

I look for them to possibly on this next slide, try to establish.

A running game march to kick it off from before Allen and Coley, the deep man is taking off at the 30 yard line.

Number 82, Stephen Gordon.

And Gordon returns it up near the 45 yard line.

So back to work goes the Americus offense.

You hear of kickers out kicking their coverage.

That's a clearly a case of a kicker under kicking his coverage as the up man took the ball and before you could had a chance to really get into their lanes made a game all the way out almost to midfield.

And here is the offensive line for Americus.

It's Boone Small, Mr. and White.

And then also the center is quiet.

We'll have the rest for you in just a moment.

First and ten and the 44 handoff, Michael Curry and Curry is.

Brought down right away by number 19.

Sean Williams, although he didn't make the tackle.

Watch number 32, Zach Smith, a linebacker for Buford on the surge.

If we get the replay on this, Zach Smith is a player to keep an eye on.

There's the rest of the offense.

It's Walton, Allen, Terry Robertson and Reese, the second down for America's second and nine.

Kendrick Johnson, the quarterback.

In the shotgun.

I got a man in motion and here to throw Whiteside into incomplete.

Johnson incomplete intended for Jermaine Allen Number nine Excellent job by Charlie Gibson Made a nice break on the ball Defensive back for Buford has excellent feet There's your defense for Buford as they line up the front porch Williams Brown Chandler now we'll have more on those guys in a moment.

SMITH, Stanley and Skipper, their linebackers and Back Deep is Strickland, Millsap, Henderson and BURNETT.

Third and nine for the Panthers at the 45 yard line Kevin Johnson under center and the handoff Harris and.

Terry picks up about eight yards on the play.

I think he's going to be short on a first down no mark.

On the last play, Buford had four down lineman, but an unusually large split between the great in where Sean Williams is lined up to the near side.

They just ran inside the gap and picked up control two yards, but it brings up a fourth and short big play of the game right now.

Fourth and one for Marcus Johnson.

What's going on with the run?

And now I believe it's too much time.

You may have motion down on the field.

Big number 77 for America's jumped off side.

That was Cedric Boone, a player who he may call to name a few times today.

Here's your officials for today's game.

Referee Gene McCleod.

Umpire is Cordell Collins, linesman Spencer Smith offense five yards, fourth down good officiating crew for today's ballgame there you see coach solid on the sidelines Oh so a fourth and would be probably six.

46 for America's Houston drop by.

Johnson five Whiteside incomplete in Houston will take over on downs trying to hit Andy Robertson on a quick out try to get Yeah Eddie Robertson on the right side there just a three step drop Roberson was turning facing his quarterback actually coverage once again by the Buford defensive backfield brings up the exchange of downs and they'll take over with excellent field position to start this next drive Buford for the second consecutive possession, Jim will have a drive start inside of America's territory and they'll begin.

It at the 48 yard line.

That's where Karl Manley takes over first and ten from Jefferson Manley handoff.

To Zach Smith, his first carrier of the afternoon.

What you think about the strategy between the two schools America is loading up their defensive line with one extra player.

Unlike Buford, that was happy to go with a four man foot, they're going to sneak those linebackers up to the line of scrimmage and try to get a stop on this Buford running game.

You see the America's front for small Boone and Thomas Boone big at 633 15 and he up Moses, Walker, Walker and Moses and those are two sets of twins Robertson, Kerley and Smith, the remaining defense for America's.

Okay, here we go.

Second and nine for Buford.

That's the 47th time in the year quarterback.

And we have a whistle before the snap.

Talking about Karl Manley for a second as we get the call.

A delay of game Manly's thrown 12 touchdown passes with only four interceptions.

That's quite a good ratio to have as a quarterback coach who had given the play to Manley on the sidelines, he's going to get a little tired going back and forth between the sideline and the huddle, getting that play directly from his coach.

But he's back in the huddle now.

LONG Is that that right hash mark it's a short distance to go to the sidelines.

So here we go, second and 14 now for Buford Handoff Smith powers his way down to the 45 yard line.

What's interesting about the offensive front for Buford, Jim, they really didn't get a lot of control of the forward wall, but they really got enough body on body that allows for that surge, brings up a third and long ball.

They don't have the dummy to make a pick blocks.

And you'll see the stop right here by a number of guys led by number 22.

Jonathan Reese, four and seven.

At the 45 nailing to step trunk.

Fires right side.

Got me that's Michael Henderson.

Good play by Michael Henderson no doubt that that mark it looks like they might be short on this play here's the replay looks like will come about a foot short as we look at the completion ball looked as it may have been tip an excellent tackle by Americus on the far side like they're going into quick formation so a fourth and short and the wolves decide to kick it away.

This is Brian Haskins to kick it away.

And we have a stop in play.

Curious contrast between the two coaches on a fourth.

In short, Buford decides to punt inside of America's territory, where, on the other hand, Americus decided to go for it on a fourth and long on the previous series.

So Dexter Ward is the one that calls the time out for Buford.

Again, it's interesting that the strategy that the two coaches in terms of line play going against run heavy offense is Americus decides to load up the defensive line.

It made a excellent stop on that last series.

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What a great vehicle it is Marc, to bring these games on TV because it's shown statewide.

This is really a football festival, five games, two days in a row.

Yeah.

If you don't like football, this is all right.

Here we go.

Fourth and what a pit bull decides.

To go for his car, mainly at the.

Handle.

Scott Hall.

I don't think he has it.

Excellent tackle inside by America's linebacker Derek Walcott was the first man there to start the runner up.

Stop that for no gain I think a massacre to take over downs Stanley at five nine 200 Walcott at 631 90 Look at it.

Linebacker he's got the neck brace working his shoulders out already he made the tackle goes back to the sideline to get congratulations from the entire sideline What a defensive play by the America's defense so the Panthers will take over on offense first and ten at their own 39 yard line get the feeling this field is lopsided mark rolling on one side of the goal here oh and throwing for a loss in the backfield is Michael Terry on first down great defensive play by the Buford defense led by four No number 33.

Buford is using an interesting strategy Jim.

They're using their forward line to really neutralize the offensive line of America and allow their linebackers to clean up on the tackles.

Here's we can look at the replay.

You see that little traffic jam inside.

Here come the linebackers.

So be second down for America's.

Got a trailing seven nothing as we come up on the five minute mark second and 16 Johnson finally gets caught all intercepted.

By number 20 Yvonne Barnett Magic Johnson had his man at the 45 yard line Excellent throw as you see him in the shotgun formation between two backs goes back three step drop delivers the ball and right there almost intercepted excellent attempt by the defensive back and slams the turf in disgust not being able to come away with it.

Bernie.

Hi, third and 64.

Americus and Johnson is in the shotgun again.

Johnson now runs up to Johnson, tries to go right now he's rolled down.

At the 40 to make that the 38 yard line.

So Jack Johnson did an excellent job that time of stepping inside the rush for Miro we had the contain responsibility for now but I'm not mistaken is the son of Jeff Marrow, one of the former Atlanta Falcons.

But the quarterback does not take the first down.

It was the punt.

So on fourth down.

Stephen Gordon Well tuck it away for America's.

High end over here and kick hits it for three and then takes a great America's bounce.

And this one's going to be spot it down at the 11 yard line.

Nice kick by Stephen Gordon First man down field to cover for Americus Jamison Felton did an excellent job and now Buford.

For the first time in this ballgame, Jim starts a drive with four field position that gives us a 52 yard punt, excellent punt.

And then you see Manley coming back in the game.

Does that offense goes back to work, look up.

You've got to keep it on the ground on this series, here's Manley and the handoff straight up the middle.

That's Darius Walker.

He picks up a couple of yards.

You know, one of the things that is a challenge for schools that are playing on turf really during the season is putting and I notice a lot of players seem to be overrunning tackles.

Astroturf has a tendency to do it, gives you such good traction that you turn out to be a little bit faster then you won't be able to break down and make a tackle.

So you see players early in this game just overrunning, running plays.

They may just have to settle down just a bit.

You think if we had a chance to run on that stuff, we'd look past.

I do a44 here.

Easy kid at eight.

Madly in the pitch.

Darrius Walker tries to turn the corner.

He's got the play and up to the 24 yard line.

Good run by Derrius Walker.

That's the flipside of playing on turf.

You give it to a little step back that likes to make the quick cut.

Darius Walker gets to the outside the first down and a great stop on the play by Dustin Walcott and Charles Smith.

And look at Walker.

Go.

We talked about his numbers at the top of 9.3 yard average just said the tackle gets the inside doesn't go out of bounds it takes on two players, lowers his shoulder and keeps driving.

Upfield here is mentioning the name Walcott a lot throughout the afternoon because there's two of them.

Derek too wears number 51, Dustin 50.

They are twins as we mentioned earlier in the broadcast, high first at ten for Buford at the 24 yard line.

Karl Manley, your quarterback, he stands 62178 manly looks and hands off to Darius Walker on the draw play.

One of the toughest things for a running back is to zip it the pace, take that stutter, step, pause, taking the draw, allowing him to open up Walker that time.

So the patience takes the handoff and picks up about five and he was stopped on the play by the Walcott Brothers and also Chad Moses and Chan Moses.

And yes, they are twins.

More on them later.

Here we go.

Buford with the ball at the 29/2 and five with the handoff to Zach Smith.

And he powers his way over the right side of the line.

He followed that big number, 57, Drew White and a stop by number 77, Cedrick Boone Buford is using Thorpe in their offensive formation.

Jim, as a spy blocker, they sent him in motion that time when in Motion One Direction came back to the left, just as the ball's being stepped.

There you see Smith's numbers on the season.

Good year averaging 7.2 a carry.

I give him the ball every time.

Madley on third and fourth in play for man here is what he's done in the backfield by number 50 Justin Walker get a play by Walker What happened.

For Buford where that play broke down, they just weren't able to get a block on the corner.

Excellent surge by Americus.

At the point of attack, they were able to dominate, forced to punt Rodney Cole back to receive the punt from Brian desk of Buford.

And this one hits the turf and bounces towards the sidelines and is going to be marked down right around the 32 yard line.

That's where Americus will have it first and ten.

You just said the magic word.

Once again, you say turf and the Atlanta Falcons a few weeks ago had some trouble with this very same turf.

They put some cleaning fluid that was mistakenly rinsed off and they hit a lot of traction problems.

So so far during this game, there's been a lot of slipping and sliding.

But that's something that's been a problem in the Georgia Dome recently.

Two teams that have been here, this their third straight year, both for Coach Holliday there and for Dexter Wood.

All right.

Here we go first at ten for Americus at the 32 yard line, your quarterback is seven.

Johnson, just a sophomore, five 117.

Johnson has got to throw a tackle.

He's brought down by number 20, Avon Banana, nothing like the old formation.

Johnson takes the hand off of Terry, who standing to his right, takes the inside hand up about three or four yards.

Terry had an incredible year, scored 31 touchdowns.

Here he is again.

You look at the ground level shot of that inside handoff.

Excellent tackle by Buford and an excellent television crew.

We got cameras everywhere and they're right on top of it, as usual.

Second and five.

Sedrick Johnson.

In the shotgun and it's the corner fullback from Johnson trying to.

Break the tackle.

That's up to about the 41 yard line and the snap made by number 33 for marrow for Burrow got there, put a stop to him and actually hit more off the ball than he had at the body.

Look at a look at the handoff.

Now watch Merle come and catch the ball right here.

Take the quarterback down.

Hits at the 41 yard line.

That means a third and one for Americus Johnson.

Hands off Michael Terry.

And he's got the first down for the Panthers tough running inside by Terry in traffic Looks like he has the first down by about a yard there was wasn't really that much space but Terry was able to get his head turned just enough to get up a field.

We mentioned earlier the Panthers are going for a three peat.

And it's funny, you know, you've got the Panthers down south.

The Panthers down south is known as Americus.

The Panthers up north are known as Parkview.

And they're also going for a three peat later on.

So it's it's just one of those years for the Panthers.

Americus has the ball.

At the 44, and this is it.

That's the end of the first quarter of America seven.

Nothing will have more football action for you after this.

Welcome back, everybody.

Start of the second quarter between Buford and Americus, Jim Tanaka, along with Mark Lassiter and Mark, so far, it's everything we expected.

We expected a close game.

The only difference was one early turnover, and Americus has it at their own 44 yard line and first and ten before that second shot.

Motion is Eddie Robinson.

One quick 1515111 single jump and incomplete.

Johnson tried to take a short drop and throw that deep fade all the way down to the 30 yard line.

Ball seemed to be pretty close to being on target, but excellent coverage by Buford.

Their defensive backs really have been the difference in this ballgame.

As we look at the deep sea to the sideline and the position of the defensive back, and that's Brandon Clarke, great defensive play.

And my mistake on the wide receiver, that was Stephen Gordon, the attempted receiver for Americus.

There you see your total yards on the game so far.

Houston, 58 hurricanes with 21/2.

And ten from the 44 handoff side that Michael Terry.

And he picks up a few yards for the Panthers Michael Terry stands 510, two on five.

One thing he'd love to see is players throwing blocks downfield.

William Clark, big number 74.

Americus was about seven yards ahead of that player getting downfield.

Is he going to look at that offensive line?

Those are the guys that do all the work.

The guys in the trenches.

You see the play again.

Good play by the defense and stop stopping.

Michael Terry, they're going to bring it back.

However, here's the referee, Gene McCloud, who saw the motion penalty on Americus, will give them a second.

And long be curious to see what America's to get to the sideline.

What's it going to try to use their speed?

Taking it to Steve Johnson in the shotgun Johnson dunks.

Back white fired right back incomplete intended for Michael Terry one of the most difficult things.

For a quarterback rolling Jim is to get his footwork together.

That time, Cedric Johnson had a receiver short, just simply overthrew him.

Sometimes that excited he kicks in a little bit.

Also, Johnson is yet to really get into a rhythm with his receivers.

He's been close a few times, but just a tear off target.

Here it is again.

I think it's a little bit of the excitement, right, playing at the dome.

You've got a lot of factors working against you.

You've got the dome, you've got the turf, you've got receivers that are running a little bit different patterns because of the speed factor.

Buford in their nickel defense against Johnson in the Panthers on third and 15 Johnson through shotgun quarterback draw Here goes Johnson 45 and up to the 48 yard line stop by number nine Blake skipper good play by skipper Johnson makes up the penalty and tax on an additional four yards brings up another fourth and long call for Marcus.

So the special teams from both schools head out there.

America has to punt it away.

It's Stephen Gordon, number 82 to do the punting for Americus and back deep for Buford is number 16.

Michael Henderson Gordon barely gets it off.

Let's get the block by the foot defender and it looks like the wolves will take it over first and ten at their own 21 yard line.

Ashley Griffin almost came up with the block on the Stephen Gordon punt.

Here it is.

Griffin had excellent penetration, Jim, as you mentioned, but just didn't take the right angle, seemed to just overrun the punt that time.

Coaches teach players to be at the point in front of the point of impact.

And that time Griffin just seemed to overrun the last punt.

So first and ten for Buford at their own 21 yard line they lead it seven nothing here in the second quarter.

Karl Manley.

Under center and what a defensive play by big number 40.

Three Chad Moses, the linebacker from Americus.

America's trying to go into their bag of tricks that time.

Justin Moses on the blitz from the outside.

No one there to pick him up.

He just cleans up.

You hate that as a quarterback.

You see a linebacker bearing down on you and not even set the throw.

And here he comes.

All you could do is take the punishment.

So a second and 17 now for Buford.

And here's Manley handoff.

Straight up the middle is Walker.

And Walker gets some yards back on that play.

Jim, a player we haven't called the name of a lot on defense but Marcus number 77, Cedric Boone who happens to bench press £500.

He's a player.

They expected to be dominant up front.

And Americus, if its defense is to turn offensive, to get some kind of rhythm in this game, they're going to depend on Boone for it.

Defensive play by number 15.

Dustin Walker to stop Darius Walker.

There you see his numbers on the day.

Already seven rushes for 42 yards, 39 for Buford.

And we have a stoppage in play.

Cedrick Boone, the player we just talked about, Jim, is lined up at nose tackle right over center, got a motion penalty against Buford.

So it seems that both teams are starting to break down just a bit on offense.

There you see Coach Holliday on the sidelines.

And let's go downstairs to Anthony White.

Anthony.

Well, guys, I just found out that this is the second time that America only trailed all season on the other side in early county.

And so that interception in that touchdown was a shocker.

Interesting to see how the fans get their feet up underneath them.

Good point.

Anthony.

Not used to traveling during the season, that's for sure.

Mainly by his left side and the pass.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

My Ryan one now is Dexter Wood some number 80 excellent.

Concentration on the tip ball that would turn as an off balance the catch and turn pick up the first down a huge first down for Buford here's the play again good concentration by Ryan Wood on the defensive back for Mathis, who is right on the spot.

Rodney Coley got a hand on the ball, did everything right, but knocked the ball down.

There you see Ryan's number numbers on the season first attempt for Buford at the 37 and the handoff to Derrius Walker and Walker runs left side is stopped by number 50.

Dustin Walker.

It's curious how coaches will change philosophy.

At that time, Marcus ran from a very tight formation, trying to get a surge on their forward walls.

Oh, Buford.

Not much doing as it was only a three yard gain.

So a second and seven coming up for Buford.

There you see Coach Holliday on the sidelines.

And here's Lee, the quarterback in motion with Michael Henderson.

And the handoff goes down onto Stan Lee.

And Stan Lee is pretty much stopped cold by.

Number 77, Cedrick Boone and also number 51, Derek Walcott.

And this it is that man, Cedric Boone that low that time made the surge and makes the hit nothing doing what's Thune gets a hand on you wraps up we talked about the bench press, but he's also six foot and £350.

Well, there you go.

The third down conversions on.

The day, Buford, one of two and one of four buckets left by Henry Walker.

Walker gets up about the 40.

Seven yard line stop by number 50.

Dustin Walker and fortunate, if not for that left tackle by Walcott, Walker may have been off to the races as he was nearing the far sideline at the field.

What's the tackle?

Walker splits the two defenders here.

There's only one man, and that's number 21 for Marcus Bradley Coley between him, him and a touch the knee endzone.

And as you can see, we're going to do a measurement here to see if we've got a first down for Buford in there that short.

Wow.

Okay, Mark Lassiter, what do you do?

I go to Walker.

It's a fourth and about three inches.

You've got decent field position.

So if you put it away in a game that much, you're also playing with a lead.

Okay, can I change my mind on that one?

Well, they're sending Natalie back in.

You want to play safe, play, play for the point.

You want to dominate this game and send a message, you go for it, and it looks like they are going to go for it.

We've got a seven nothing.

Lead halfway through the second quarter.

Let's mark it down.

Jim is the first big play of the game.

So there you see the fourth and at the 47 yard line, while normally your quarterback.

And Manley calls timeout may have been trying to go with a bit of a long count to see if they could draw the defense offside or they could be going to the sideline to check the defensive linemen to get another play call.

You take either column or column.

B, there you go.

Do defending.

State champions.

Buford, of course, was the single-A defending state champion.

And America state champion.

Like to tell you today's game can also be viewed live on the TV Internet site at w, w w dot g TV dot or just follow the links to connect to the game and all the games will be archived and available on the Gp-B website as well.

Check the on the website for the dates.

The games that will be available, that's w w w dot GDP dot org.

It's easy to find and easy to use.

And you can bet fans like those right there will be watching this thing on the internet every chance they get because there's not many times a team gets a chance to play at the Georgia Dome.

If it has a change of heart, they decide to punt.

So there you have it.

Brian Jenkins.

Brian Jenkins, front.

For Buford and here, catch this call by number 21.

Rodney Coley of America still sticks to what goes with the save call.

Playing with the lead decides to punt on fourth down even though he had excellent field position.

You don't want to turn the ball over to the opponent.

They're close to midfield so they will put it back on their defense.

Stupid.

That is to hold America's on this end of the field.

So there you see Cedric Johnson and the rest of the offense coming back on the field to go to work.

I mentioned his name a lot this afternoon.

So far, Jefferson May now is one of Johnson's favorite targets, comes to this game with 28 receptions, 1200 yards.

First and ten Americus up to 23 Johnson and off left side.

That's Michael Terry and.

Good defensive play by the Buford Defense led by Tucker Millsap and number nine, Blake Skipper Buford did an excellent job of stringing up a play at the point of attack.

They had a defender on blocker.

The play was designed to come to the near side.

Americans just couldn't get a mismatch on offense.

They stop that game.

They play for a very short game.

Second down from the 29 make that the 24 yard line for America's.

Three wideouts true to the right one to the left on second and nine Johnson quarterback drop Johnson 30 actually stops him at the 20.

Nine by secure Millsap another big play by number three Another flag on the play as well He may have something along the lines of a third or a motion as we are going to sweat this one out.

Hubert Also this game, Jim, has been going with five defensive backs, also known as the nickel formation, and they've been very successful with it.

As we get the play call on the penalty it stop by Millsap officials sorting this one out right at the 30 yard line.

Buford has the choice to accept it.

It seems that they will take this last penalty that will negate the play.

As you see, just over 6 minutes to go till halftime and of course, at the half we'll have both fans on the field.

I love halftime.

Got a hold on America.

So now they're deeper starting this next plate on their own.

16 so a second and 17 from their own 16 yard line.

Johnson in the shotgun Johnson looks like fires has.

An incomplete intended for Jermaine Allen number nine that's his favorite receiver as you mentioned earlier Mark Allen really should make this catch.

He's breaking down at about the 20 yard line, looking to be looking to see if he knows he should have caught that.

What, short one step drop out of the second.

Here's a pass right there, Miss Court out of the corner of his eye, Sean Stricklin of Buford bearing down on him.

Well said.

Sean Strickland was ready to go on that play third and 17 at the 16.

And Johnson is in the shotgun again you you wide on the right side pass over the middle incomplete to Andy Robertson.

Said the Johnson's going to be kicking himself saying what do I have to do to complete a pass until I can't throw it any better?

I have guys open up, putting it on their hand and they're just not making the catches.

So once again, America is through no fault of its quarterback, not able to get a drive start nailed one to put formation.

And of course your punter is number 82 Stephen Gordon for Americus.

And if you're head coach Eric Holliday, you tell your quarterback, keep doing what you're doing, don't change a thing.

They'll start catching it sooner or later.

That deep four different number 16.

Michael Henderson received about the 45 yard line, all Americans.

This is off the side, of course, and the officials are going to mark this one somewhere around the 30.

Two yard line credit.

The surge by Buford, once again, special teams making the difference.

They got to rush on the punter.

He rushed the kick and really straight to the Buford sideline and will have tremendous field position on this next drive.

Mark your calendar for Friday night, January 31st, for the return of Georgia's longest running high school sports and academics program prep sports.

Plus, you'll meet some of Georgia's most successful student athletes, athletic programs and much more.

That's prep sports plus returning on Friday, January 31st, exclusively on GP TV.

And I'll tell you what, we have a lot of fun on that one.

First down for Buford, that's a 25 yard wide.

Man picked right side here.

Walker walking to the plate.

Why settle down near the.

Seven yard line by number 30 for Andy Robertson?

That's the good news for Buford.

The bad news is we're going to bring it all back because there's a flag back at the 23 yard line.

A perfect opportunity for Buford.

I almost expected Coach Dexter would to tell his son, right.

It goes.

We're going to take this one into the endzone, but we're going to bring the whole thing back.

Is you going to look at the replay from ground level?

An excellent pick up on that first down, but it's going to come back.

So Buford marching backwards and it looks like it's going to be brought back to about the 29 yard line.

If there's anything to this game in the first half, Jim, it's the game of field position, the game within a game that Buford has won so far.

First on the interception that they set up their touchdown with and now on the poor punt that was really set up by their special teams play, they really have a chance now 547 to go in the half if they score here and go up 14 nothing gives something for America to think about a locker room in there.

Your penalties for teams have.

Three of them.

So here's Buford at the 29 yard line on first and 15 handoff.

There is one.

Go look back and look down Walker by five, Darrius Walker takes the inside handoff.

No one home he goes all the way.

It is through the end zone for the score.

A little celebration going on.

There he is.

Walker goes into the end zone for Buford.

They take a 13 nothing lead.

Kevin Marks is on the field now for Buford to.

Attempt the extra point.

I like the little how you like me now at the end of the touchdown and the kick sneaks through the uprights.

And Buford takes a 14 nothing lead over.

Americus.

And, you know, Anthony White brought up a very good point.

Americus is not used to trailing.

We talked about Darius Walker at the top.

Look at the skills, look at the speed.

He's an ace.

He gets to the corner and he gets the score.

He runs well.

Angel from the end zone coming at you, you could see the linesman had to hop out of the way.

Darius Walker hit the hole so quick that last minute took a quick hop step to get out of his way.

The next thing you do, he looks up, but he's in the end zone.

Here's the celebration buries.

Walker goes all the way to the stands looking for his other players.

Brian Diskin to kick it off again for Buford.

There you see some of the happy Buford fans made the trip south to downtown Atlanta.

They're called the Wolves.

Fuck them.

This fastest gator.

There's a scoring drive to place 25 yards.

Let's go downstairs.

Hit them.

Right.

Well, you know what, guys?

Coach Woo, it has to be in excellent shape.

The way he's pacing up and down the sidelines.

He has this.

He has to stop moving.

But after that touchdown, it was too common.

Whoever whistles they got.

You know.

I've been here before.

Yes, I hear you, buddy.

Let me call you on the return.

And we got a flag on the play.

America is trying to get something generated on special teams.

We'll sort this one out as the flag as you mentioned, Jim was thrown right at the 32 yard line, kind of a hard spot on the field because you couldn't see anyone with any kind of hold on it.

It was kind of open at that point.

And it will be a hold on America's coach.

Eric, solid day.

Got to be telling his team at this point, just settle down and play football.

They've had what they've wanted on offense.

They've been running a spread formation trying to get the receivers open.

They've got guys open, just haven't been able to hook up.

520 to go in the first half was curious to see if they tried to mount a drive that keeps the clock in mind and go downfield via the pass.

Good point.

They started their own 22 yard line first and ten quarterback Cedric Johnson.

Just a sophomore and.

Somebody jumped offsides, looked like number 67.

Mackenzie Miller from Americus.

That's just a sign of anxiety everyone wants to do right.

Offensive lineman comes out of the stance about a snap count too early and Marcus once again hurting themselves on offense.

It's really and a lot of these cases Jim not a case of Buford overplaying playing better on defense Americans is simply not executing.

So they move it back to the 17 yard line.

So the first and.

15 now Johnson the quarterback Johnson on the keeper I want to play one left five in traffic but down in the play by the 32 Zach Smith and there's a.

Flag on the play and if there's been one difference for Buford on defense, it's been the pursuit they get.

You talk about coaches getting 11 hats to the ball.

Once Buford sees where the ball is, you can see the entire surge of their defensive team.

Get to the ball.

It'll be another flag.

Looks like it will come up against America and their offense retreats for the second play in a row.

Here's the replay.

Johnson trying got a hold that will actually be declined by Buford.

America's still inside its own 15 yard line.

And that brings up the second and 15 for the Panthers.

Johnson drops back again to the shotgun as we hit 5 minutes to go here.

In the first half.

Johnson once again double teamed and it's incomplete intended for Eddie Robertson on defense.

Michael Henderson number 16 and number one, Sean Strickland.

Actually, Americus was fortunate on that last toss, very accurate spiral, but the closest player to it was Buford Michael Henderson, as you mentioned, Jim, head coverage deep down, feel out about the four yard line turning, trying to make it over the shoulder interception.

We are at the Georgia Dome live for the double semifinal and there's there's the crew bringing it to you myself, Jim, Pinocchio, Mike Lassiter and Anthony White.

Down on the sidelines.

14 Nothing.

Buford, second corner Johnson, right side.

Well bottom line is looking for a 32 stop Smith Smith by number 74 That's Walker on the tackle and Buford will take over again on.

First down credit to Kira Millsap as the player that made the tip call the ball.

He popped up in the air about 20 yards.

You had enough defensive back to begin with that nickel backfield.

They really had a choice of who want to pull that ball down an intercepted what's the tip and how long it stays up there.

Okay, I got it.

You got it.

No, you take it and they come back with the interception about a ten yard return next time.

But Buford in great field position, first down, the pitch goes to Derrius Walker and Walker goes left side runs into a lot of America's players near the 20 yard line clock continues to run inside of four and a half minutes to go in the first half, Buford has plenty of time to really do what he's been doing on offense.

Darius Walker done an excellent job running the show, good defensive play led by Jonathan Rhys, number 22 for America's second and 11 for Buford as they look to score another quick run before the half.

That's Kyle Manley, your quarterback.

Good shot time and in motion his run would take hand off the.

Walker Never go play on the moon That's Finley is blocked down.

By number 30.

Four.

Eddie Robertson.

Nothing fancy, just a.

Roll and completion to the near side.

I was giving an extra long look downfield as Tim Moore got in a hit on the quarterback of Buford, and the official gave him one of those long looks to see if he was going to throw the flag.

He didn't to throw it, but that was intentional and very close.

You know, the quarterback third and four Buford and now we have a stoppage in play and Buford calls a timeout so Dexter Ward wants to call the offense over to talk about it.

And so while Dexter Ward is on the sideline with his team, we talked earlier about what he likes coaching with people watching, kids.

Believing each other grab on to each other, the family atmosphere, the intangible rewards that I feel like the experience gives them.

Not only now but later in life.

I think they'll realize that that you can.

Go, can only each other and for a goal and you don't get knocked down, but you can get back up.

And just a lot of life lessons and seeing kids grow through that.

Experience, that's that's the greatest thrill I have in.

All right.

Dexter Ward of Buford and why he loves to coach those kids happy and also doesn't hurt if you win your first two playoff games by a combined score of 75 to nothing.

You know, it's amazing to, you know, you think a football coach like this, he keeps a busy schedule, etc., etc.. You know, he also coached Little League Baseball for a number of years.

I mean, just loves kids any age, just talks about the involvement of communities.

And this is where it goes.

That's exactly right.

So here's a 34 for the wolves.

Kyle Manley, call the signals at the.

Line of scrimmage.

Ryan Wood in motion mainly pitches left side during what was one opening has an open to five and inside the three yard line stop by number 21 Rodney Call Rodney CORLEY.

That is likely as it is with most most successful running plays, you'll.

See wide receiver, throwing up, locked down field.

See if you can catch a peek at number six.

Brandon Clark throwing a block on the sideline right there to set up the run and the extra four or five yards he wanted into that run a wide receivers block Oh yeah.

So does Darius Walker look at his numbers on the day first and goal for Buford Take Morgan at.

The two yard line handoff up the middle zone Touchdown So Stanley scored his second touchdown of the day and it's.

20 to nothing Buford Stanley here at the 6.1 yard average.

Nothing fancy just off tackle kicks into the end zone You look up and you pick this up 20 nothing.

A shocking score to say the least in.

The first half.

Kevin Marks on the attempt, the extra point marks pick this up.

And it's good.

So with three oh.

Eight to go Joe Halftime it's Buford 21 and America's Nothing.

And those fans are excited, to.

Say the least.

Here's replay.

It's the ground level.

Look, it was one shot out of a neck that settles in the end zone of.

The running back.

Lonzo, Stanley, if someone told.

You at the kick off of this game, Jim, that this would be 21 nothing with 3 minutes to go in the half, what would you have said?

All right.

Here's your scoring drive.

Buford for plays 19 yards only ate up a minute 32 on the clock.

And of course, Stanley forces it out with a two yard touchdown run.

Brian Desmond's set to tear it up.

It's just a difference in body language you put out there all ready to let up America's kind of jobs out on the field to get in position.

They're really not playing aggressively, not thinking aggressively, at least by that body language back deep for America, as you as you see on your TV screen, Rodney calling and this is a short kick, oh, 48 yard line maybe people have the ball that was they were happy to play his buy from America to have a shot at it.

But let's hear from you because going to make of recovery, all these guys bring up a lot of Marcus you talk about how they're walking around here just in a state of shock at this.

Point, Jim, they had two players on that last kick off and they just fumbled it, mishandled it.

Buford Aggressive comes in, gets a helmet inside that hit.

What's the first play for America?

Try to grab it.

The second player hits, knocks him off the ball.

The third player in from Buford makes the recovery and look like number ten.

Tyler Case came up with the fumble recovery first attempt for Buford, and they have a chance to score again before the end of the half.

And we got a flag on the play.

If I'm head coach Dexter Wood of Buford, I'm going up top right here, five yard penalty against America.

So just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, it gets worse.

There's your turnovers.

And they have played a major story in today's game.

All right.

Here we go from the 34 yard line.

First and five now for Buford men to step drop the fires gone right side has a man incomplete.

Intended for number 16.

Michael Henderson a good defensive play by number 34.

Eddie Robertson.

As you mentioned, Eddie Robinson turned on that last play that seemed to hang up as the ball was delivered, gave Robinson enough time to recover and make a play on this ball that he might have had a shot at intercepting the ball back inside.

And as we thought you could make go deep.

Robinson with the play good call Mark Lassiter so second and five at the 34.

Challenge for Americans on defense handling and on and off the ball here is Walker what was he just driving slow and taking four or five guys with him downfield.

Darius Rucker and half the student body for Americans was all over Darren Darrius Walker.

Dustin Walker was among a bunch of them.

Darius Walker has that look.

I said, Look, this is okay.

You got me.

I want some more inside.

What a block by 56 there.

Look at that.

Nice play by the offensive lineman for Buford, Trey Chandler.

There you see him.

He's already committed to UCLA as an offensive tackle.

He's natalya's hand on the middle attack.

SMITH That breaks a couple.

Tackles and gets outside to about the 18 yard line.

You mentioned Trey Chandler already committed to UGA.

He benches £300.

He's made 73 tackles.

Also on defense, one of those players.

It goes both ways.

That's a recurring theme we'll see a lot this afternoon, Jim.

Players that play on offense and defense, 662 60 incredible three a mere baby total yards Well that pretty much.

Tells the story right there doesn't you?

For a second?

It is at the 19 yard line, the pitch Walker wanted to throw 12 American.

Players in the first down right about the line of scrimmage, stop by number 51.

Derek Walcott, if you're head coach, Eric, solid day of Americas.

What you try to do now, Jim, is really appeal to your defense.

Play with pride a minute and a half going in the half, you're already down 21 nothing.

They just stop here so they can go into blocking with something to hang their head on.

They hope you put out here.

They can count that as a small moral victory and of on the other side Dexter saying thinking hey I got to go at least three here's Kyle Manley.

I couldn't be for Ryan Wooden in motion.

Manley Wolfe left side has a man that wasn't one and one just.

Tackled out of bounds near the 12 yard line.

Nice run by Rodney Coley.

It's like on a stop pattern, right about the 15 yard line.

His job is to get to a spot turned face is quarterback giving him a clear target they made the reception but a yard short of the first down pick play by Coley they're on defense so a fourth and one Mark Rossiter and they're going.

For it here handoff put up a little like a10 and I don't think he knew Bailey was stood up.

By Timothy Singleton of America's May not have made the first time, but they have made it on that second surge.

We'll see where the ball spotted.

You see big number 58 also in the play there, Deon Small, after the hit by Singleton, he was able to keep his legs moving and on the spin, they may pick up the first down and they're going to single.

Yes, it is first down, Buford right at the ten yard line.

Now, this won't be a first and goal.

This will be a first and ten just outside the ten yard line.

And Manley, just looking to kill the clock, slams the ball to the turf, give a chance for the special teams to get in so they can get a quick three before the end of the half.

Now, that three doesn't look big, but you go up 24 nothing.

You force the other team into a three score plus situation.

The left in for the 3.3. try as Kevin Marks.

Kevin's pick up, Kevin's kick is good.

So Buford goes up 24 to nothing over Americus.

You look at the sideline celebrating.

I think the Buford fans are probably in as much shock as the American sideline.

They're up 21.

Nothing made the trip all the way down to the dome on this gloomy day.

And they're feeling very good about themselves.

On the other hand, we get a look at Eric Solidi of Americus has got to be thinking, if I take this team into the locker room at halftime, what am I going to tell them to get this team back on track?

This is the team that comes in with very gaudy numbers.

We talked about at the top.

They come in with over 3000 yards rushing.

They come in with a very crisp passing game.

But so far, they really have been able to get on track.

Set to kick it off.

For Buford is Brian Jenkins thought he had a busy afternoon and it's a switch that rolls out of bounds at the 14 yard line.

So Americus get the ball first and ten with just 5 seconds remaining in the first half.

If you Americus you want to do is snap this one and get into the locker room and see if we can regroup.

There you see, Coach Dexter would be, I would imagine, very pleased with the play of his his kids Dexter be before this game talked about the idea of discipline he's got to be proud of the way his team has played a team that matched up very well with his very few penalties.

And what they've done is execute on offense.

All right.

So since the ball was kicked out of bounds, the America's Panthers get a first and ten out 35 yard line one play.

And that's then we go to the half Johnson in the shotgun.

Clyde Johnson looks like he.

Has a man on a short pass and he's finally brought down.

By a pass was completed to Rashad Robinson.

That ends the first half.

Here you see the score.

Buford looking for America's Nothing in the Double-A semifinal here at the Georgia Dome.

So, Mark, it's quite a game so far.

If there was one edge coming into this game that Americus might have had, that was one of experience coming in.

But it turns on them as Buford goes up big.

I keep looking at this 24 nothing score and rubbing my eyes because coming in, we looked at the numbers, we looked at the individuals, they matched up very well.

But as it stands, Buford, due to some the first turnover kind of set the tone for their offense, what they were able to score.

As we're going to look Darius Walker going into the locker room for Buford just turned on them.

And Walker had such a great first half.

All right, let's go downstairs.

Anthony White.

Okay.

What coach, will you talk about setting the tone early?

You guys were dominating this team?

Well, for us, it's all about defense and being able to run the and so far we've been able to get some momentum in both those areas.

We got some turnovers and then we've got some good field position and we're running the football.

But I hope we didn't look like a sleeping giant here and we know that they're a great second half team and there's a long way to go.

Fatigue factor is going to kick in, but we're playing well.

We're looking second half coach like a coach next year.

What a tough time Buford Collegiate 24.

Nothing over Americus.

Well, the halftime festivities right after this.

And welcome back to the Georgia Dome, the Double-A football semifinals.

Halftime Buford leads to 24 to nothing on the field.

Right now, it's the marching band.

And Rector was.

Done with the drum major is John Fowler.

Six members are upon this band and the performance today that's.

A great chance.

And happening at an.

Marching band of walls.

Let's go downstairs to Anthony White.

Okay.

I'm here with a wireless camera.

Out of the mice and walls mean.

Tell me, Mr. Red, I mean, how do you feel the players feel about playing in the Georgia Dome today?

Our kids love playing in the Georgia Dome.

This is our third year in a row for doing this, and they look forward to this as much as they do any other performance of the school year.

It's really exciting for them.

Okay, what are some of the routines of your everyday?

Our show this year is the best of Ray Charles, including Georgia.

On my mind.

Hit the road, Jack.

When I say a little gospel version of America that like Ray does at his concerts.

Okay, what is the school atmosphere been like coming into the dome this week?

Are the schools on fire?

My kids are on fire.

They really want to win.

And the school's just so behind our team and our band and everybody's involved.

Okay, what does it take to put together good quality bands?

It takes years of preparation and starting in the sixth grade as a youngster, working with the middle school program, getting kids to be a part of it.

And then each year we.

Start in June, making sure we have our show together for the fall.

Thank you so much for having me.

Come back safely, guys.

Thank you, Anthony.

Halftime festivities.

Roll on.

From the Georgia Dome to a semifinal.

Buford needs a 24.

Nothing.

And welcome back to the Georgia Dome halftime of the Double-A semifinal.

As you see, Buford lead 24 to nothing here at the half in the battle of defending champions.

Of course, Buford from single-A now moved up to Double-A and Americus, the two time defending champions.

There's a look at the Marching Panther Band as they get ready to take the field here during halftime.

The band director is Michael Thomas.

And there you see they have 75 members in this band.

And today they are going to play some music that salutes the Beatles.

The Marching Panther Band.

Let's go downstairs to Anthony.

Right.

Okay.

I'm here with Michael Thomas, the American band director.

Welcome to the Georgia Dome.

Thank you very much.

You guys are out kind of late.

You had some problems getting here?

Yes, sir.

On the way to the Georgia Dome was a real bad accident, and that traffic would stop that from now.

So if you hit back, get our house out.

So when we got in, we had to come straight to the sideline and do the show.

So we had warmed up or anything like that.

Okay.

You talk about you guys haven't warmed up.

You just got on an excellent performance.

Oh, thank you.

Thank you very much.

I'm proud of these situations when things happen, you just do the best you can and roll with the punches.

Okay.

What was it, this move atmosphere like this week going into this game?

Oh, it was real.

It was real good.

We have a final this week.

So going try not to disrupt the school day too much, but yesterday we had a send off for the team and everything like that.

So we got the whole school out of the building and we played a few sound as a team player.

So everything around the school was pretty bad, pretty vibrant.

I mean, it's pretty nice.

Okay.

What is some of the special?

I mean, anything did you all do special to prepare for today?

Well, normally this time of year, I'm the things that we run into because we have more bang for just a marching band, that sort of thing that we wanted to this time of year, the preparation for our Christmas concert.

So after our marching competition season, what we tried to focus on more than the halftime show was the 50 staff that we had that lasted six and also went pretty well.

Thanks for stopping by today with Thomas back upstairs and you guys.

All right.

Thanks, Anthony White, great performance by the Marching Panther Band.

And they did make a trip to get here, that's for sure.

75 members strong with their salute to the Beatles.

Yeah.

And here's our halftime stats.

And Mark Russell, what do you make of those numbers?

The key number is in that right hand column, go all the way down to turnovers.

Three turnovers for America.

Japan has a clean slate so far, but you can see how that turnover reflects on time of 40 minutes favoring Buford in that first half.

Yeah, rushing yards, 117 of 32 and 99 of those yards, of course by Darius Walker on 13 carries.

He had a touchdown in the first half just a a great first half and you know here's what did it the turnovers right?

The first play on offense for Americus Buford takes over the turnover leads to the touchdown that's our Cuonzo Stanley scoring the touchdown Making it seven Nothing different than Johnson rushing to trouble again Second time goes deep Ball kick in the air You see the receiver running away from it.

It's going the other way.

It is stupid.

On defense and that led to this play Stanley scoring another touchdown Stanley second touchdown made it 21 nothing.

Of course I mentioned earlier Darius Walker had scored a touchdown.

And so there's your score 20 for nothing as we get ready for.

The third quarter, there's.

Welcome back to the Georgia Dome.

It's the start of the third quarter in the football semifinal between Buford and Americus.

Of course, the Wolves happy 24 nothing make what Lacerda what a coach Holliday said his players that coach said that they talked about this being a rebuilding year for America coming.

In if he had any challenge at half would be building the confidence of his team coming into this third quarter notice they were the first ones out for warmups.

Out of the halftime.

What they've got to do is go back to what they've done to get here, which.

Is throw the ball more effectively in the first half have been open.

They just weren't able to hook up between.

Quarterback Fred Siebert.

Now, of course, on the other side of the field, you had Dexter Ward in there with his rolls.

Now you're up 24 to nothing.

What do you tell your players.

To keep them fired up?

You don't want to go too conservative.

What you want to do is just say keep hitting hard like you've been doing all day.

He's got an.

Excellent job out of this defensive.

Back to the linebackers Buford up 24 to nothing as we begin the third quarter and Buford will receive Andy Robertson will kick off for Americus the first challenge for Americans, Jim Baker said to make a.

Statement on defense on this first series Back Deep.

Shaun Strickland, number one, and number 16.

Michael Henderson.

This is Strickland at the 20 Strickland 2530 Strickland at the 3549 finally broke down at the 43 yard line by.

Rodney CORLEY, number 21, give your viewpoint.

You're feeling great about yourself on every turn.

If you're Marcus, you're all of a sudden playing defensively.

As De Buford gets almost to midfield, a 40 yard return sets up first down at the 43.

Earlier today, single-A semifinal Clinch County wins it 36 to nothing over Hawkins Hill, Lorenzo Kelso at 228 yards and two touchdowns.

First attempt from Buford again.

So here he is, Walker and Walker still on his feet up to about the.

49 yard line as Buford is playing with this huge lead.

Jim wouldn't be surprised to see America sneak its linebackers a little bit closer to the line of scrimmage to shut down the anticipated running game games coming up later on.

Dublin takes on Lady in the triple AA game at three, then it's nearest to Thomas County Central.

That ought to be a good one at 6:00.

And finally at 9:00 tonight, the five eight semifinal puts you east Cal Reed on second and three from Buford at the 40 Hanley handoff Walker Donaldson's great cross from midfield strike and stops by a good America's defense Let's mark this one Jim in the forties the first statement opportunity for the America's defense and at the locker room third quarter is a third three.

Coming up you get a stop here you give your office the ball.

Very curious.

Walker 15 carries.

106 on the day and a touchdown and he gets the toss in the backfield and takes it to about the 48 of America's stop.

By big number 77, Cedrick Boone.

I think he's going to be short of the first down.

So Marcus accomplishes what they wanted to out of the locker room.

We'll see where they actually spot the ball.

Looks like it will be marked at about a fourth.

And I'd say about a yard for the first down.

The flag also gets duper, so we'll have to march backwards here for the wells.

And Manley, in the meantime, went to the sidelines to talk to head coach Dexter Ward to find out what.

The run during motion off the five yard.

And here's the call by Cornell now here's the call by referee Jean McLeod.

So Buford has it at their own 45 yard line watch.

Number seven, he's the deep man of the year.

That's Darius.

Walker on a 30 call Manley your quarterback for Buford and the handoff Darius Rucker straight up to no one wanted to go play Taylor one and zone looked like he was pushed touchdown down by.

By baby.

Darius Walker takes the handoff once he gets past the 40 yard line There's no kids You want to hit the corner had enough left in the tank to go all the way.

And Buford.

Answers the American.

State with one of its own, Darius Rucker, a 55 yard touchdown run.

And Kevin Marks is on to attempt the extra point.

That was a play designed for a first down.

He got a little bit more on the kick by Lux's good.

So Buford has taken a 31 nothing lead over Americus.

And here's the replay.

Mark Larson, a Derrius Walker from ground level coming right at you.

Once he gets to the sideline, there's no catching up.

Because the America's defensive backfield doesn't have the speed contact of up to ten.

But he hits in a forward league to get to the end zone.

Here it is one more time for he knows how to find the holes.

Walker did a nice thing changing hands with the ball, getting the ball to the outside, away from potential contact.

And now it's a footrace.

There's the push and the touchdown.

And just in case you want to see one more, it is a hat trick by.

It looks good.

No matter which way you look at it.

Well, listen to Darius because there's no one else to screen with him.

Take the dove.

I didn't see the celebration as he did on the previous touchdown, though.

I'll tell you, our guys have every angle covered here.

It's the Georgia Dome and the kick goes out of bounds.

So that means the Americans will take over first and ten at the 35 yard line.

There's a scoring drive for the Buford Wolves.

Three plays, 57 yards, of course, 55 coming on the run by to make it 31.

Nothing different.

Of course, there's the.

Numbers for Walker on the day 1600 and Dari on 35.

Obviously, he's in that zone.

Early in the third quarter.

That's usually the start.

When you have 161 yards, you take the pads off and put a T-shirt on.

So coach solid on the sidelines.

And another important point is Anthony White brought up before.

What is he thinking right now?

He hasn't been behind all year long.

Here's Johnson first attempt the 35 and the handoff up.

The middle to Michael.

Terry and Terry maybe gains a yard and is stopped on the play by number 33 for Merrow.

And number 57 looks like he's hurt for Gifford when.

You break it all down, Jeff, this game is really supposed to be fun and there is no more fun.

Time for a defensive.

Play with a big lead.

After the last tackle, you could see sacks that just pop up and pop his fist.

Say, Come on, bring some more this way.

The offensive guard excuse me, the linebacker hurt on that play was on 57 Drew White.

He's off the field on second down and eight.

For American center Johnson from the shotgun play hard and it's incomplete.

Intended for his receiver number nine Jermaine Allen had a man once again about two yards shy of the first down marker.

But as the receivers turn in the ball delivered on, the money just wasn't caught.

And a good defensive play, as you see right here.

Michael Henderson, ready to go in case Jermaine catches that football ball is hit, hits right on the inside of his elbow for the incompletion.

But again, through no fault of the offense of America's receivers, just.

Having fun catching the ball.

One of 12 Johnson's numbers on the day and we hope to continue during the second half.

Johnson Johnson Young again by his left side incomplete again the.

Pass thrown over the head of number nine, Jermaine Allen.

That was just simply over.

Thrilled is Sean Strickland.

He said a few words after the last incompletion as the American sideline tries to figure out, get his team settled down, but they'll be forced into a punt formation once again.

So the fourth and eight and as you said, they will punt it away.

Stephen Gordon comes on the field for Americans to kick it away.

And Brandon excuse me, Michael Henderson is back deep for Buford near his own 35 yard line, high snap.

Gordon gets it away.

And Henderson takes it on one.

Now Henderson to the 30 flag down the field 3540.

And knocked out about the 42 yard line.

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On that last play, Jim, you got to catch Brandon Clark of Buford with a just a push in the back on the last return.

Here's the play off the legal block to the back by the receiver table over ten yards.

First, the funny thing about that last return, Clark actually hit this position on his bat.

But just move.

Does that penalty just emerge?

You know, so much of that, those big bounces give it inside its own 20.

That's right.

At the 19 yard line.

And that's what it takes.

A first and ten for the wolves man.

LEE And the handoff.

Right side to number nine.

Blake Skipper, I would be very surprised if you through another pass any time soon.

All they want to do now looking up at that clock which leads 9 minutes.

To go in the third runs the clock stay inside the hash marks and keep it running.

Here you see the wolves break out of the huddle in.

The quarterback and he pitches right side.

And that's Ashley Griffin on the carry.

The senior tailback Ashley Griffin getting, some playing time as they give the other back.

Darius Walker a blow after his successful afternoon, mainly wears number five.

That's exciting for these kids to play at the Georgia Dome any chance they get my mistake mainly because I mean, look at the quarterback Griffin's number five, pick number 77, Joseph Ward heading the team to the line of scrimmage man at quarterback from Buford.

I thought it seven and the handoff straight up the middle That's Darius Walker back in the game and he picks up a couple of yards.

What America needs, Jim on this next exchange is a big play.

Some plays, they even need a big return for a pass play that will help this attack get somewhat on track, which has been just out of sync all afternoon.

So Buford will turn it away and just getting the kick off number 41 Bryant distance and it goes out of bounds and Americans will take over first.

And ten looks to be just short of the 40 yard line jump in reset last punt for Marcus made an excellent rush goes to the sideline they came very close to blocking that one.

Again, their special teams will have to be relied on if they have any thoughts of getting back in this game.

Down 31, nothing there you see the coach good solid eight of Americans.

So first down for his Panthers they begin from their own 39 yard line.

Cedric Johnson The quarterback finds five 117 at the middle.

That's Michael Carrick and Terry picks up about six stop by number 56, Trey Chandler down three one, nothing.

It is never too early to think about clock management.

Americus might be better served.

Think about either a no way hurry up type of offense to take full advantage of the time remaining in this game.

So a second, we'll call it three.

At the 47 and a fake handoff.

And on the way.

Johnson is brought down by Jack Millsap.

Number three, good play by Millsap, Millsap said Excellent game this afternoon Been effective in pass coverage And now coming up pressing with the run ball bounced off the turf there a little basketball dribble got to the outside but Millsap with the hit he has his facemask ticked up Some guys try to lend a little individuality Look at that facemask, huh?

Like that.

Oh 36 Now for America at their own.

44 yard line Johnson Inside Handoff again goes.

To Michael Terry and Terry takes it to about the 49 yard line being as close to a first down stop by number 56.

Trey Chandler.

Judging by the market, which is right below us, this ball is going to be spotted about a half a foot short of the first down.

So a mandatory fourth.

A short call coming up on America's sitting.

At the sideline.

So a fourth one, they have to go for it.

At this point.

Johnson understands the handoff like that.

So he's got to push down very.

Very close because you had the surge.

Skipper Blake was right there to make the tackle.

He wears number.

Nine.

And if not for the second, third, you could may have had a stop.

But the second surge was the handoff, his the hit.

And the surge.

The second surge, it gets a first down.

What a battle in the trenches going on.

So it comes in line with a first and.

Ten at the Buford 49 and Reggie Jackson, the quarterback fires right side has a man at number ten they got one they completed the pass and the American felt like it was just the stop line number 20 Avon Barnett for Buford you want to see a great stand standoff what's happening after the reception to.

Stop in perfect position to break down to make a tackle.

Here's the catch.

Now watch Bennett come to receive it.

Stop right here.

Come on.

Good one on one.

Action.

First attempt out Buford.

37, and we have a flag on the play.

Americans just now getting into some offensive rhythm might not be a bad spot to go deep, maybe.

Surprise Buford is going to bring this one back due to motion.

Cedric Johnson gets some last minute and stretch all.

That's scored on the five yard touchdown.

So the ball's mark now at the 42 yard line for Americus and the first of 15 Johnson.

The handoff to Terry picks up a couple of yards, left side brought down by number 60 of Buford.

That's Ian Merrow clock running.

We're under 4 minutes when this next play is started.

It's in the third quarter.

Marcus shuffling players in and out of the lineup, trying to get some outside speed.

Gordon, Stephen, Stephen Gordon.

I should say wide receiver.

He's going to be lined up to the far side right?

You see under 4 minutes to go third quarter.

So Marcus really needs to get on the board.

Mike Marcus trying to spread its formation.

The only downside that the referees are sorting things out at the 40 yard line, Buford is getting a long look at this next offensive formation.

We'll sort this one out.

Maybe some discrepancy in the play clock.

Let's talk about the lighter at 30 seconds for the play and 40.

30 circus added to the play as well.

Like, okay, so we're on the dome clock at 350.

You at 30 seconds.

What is that for 20.

That was a close, mike.

Quicker.

What?

You're good, you're good of course it helps out on straight to right so America's with the ball at the 41 yard line there's a quarterback Cedric Johnson in the shotgun.

Johnson what's down the quarterback John Johnson on the run a third down around the 31 yard line.

I take back what I said about Americans going deep because Buford is playing a very deep zone, preventing any kind time for the receivers to get deep in that backfield.

So the quarterback for America's just takes it.

Senator Johnson picks up about five, brings up a third and about five to go.

There you see another angle of it.

Marcus really doesn't.

Want running plays.

So here it is, 45 at the 42 yard line quarterback draw down Johnson on the keeper gets to about the 27 yard line stop by big.

Number 64, Neil Brown.

Now, this will be a curious spot because he got spun at the last minute and looks like they're going to mark this one shy of a first down it's forward motion you'll see the replay from ground level.

What's the motion after the hit he spun and then hit a second time, which pushes him back just enough to bring him up to show that first down.

So it is.

Fourth and one for Americus, obviously has to go forward at this point.

And on Michael Cherry and it looks like he has the.

First down for the Panthers on his second effort and credit that second effort running through the tackle of secure Millsap.

But then he called again and again.

Millsap has contact but a good job by the running back of Americus picks up the first down Michael Cherry Over 2200 yards on the season and 31 touchdowns.

If there's any treat that separates the better backs is the ability to get away or break that first tackle.

Cedric Johnson of course is your quarterback 25% Johnson off Terry GROSS look right now let's look at the ball that is in trouble.

He's in big trouble.

And there's a flag down at the 25 yard line and the stop is by number 33 for Merrow.

And then finally, big number 64, Neil Brown.

Said, okay, that's enough.

Johnson actually had thoughts of splitting two defenders, but you can have too much speed and too much position to allow him to get upfield.

Did the smart thing.

He had also thought of throwing that ball at the last minute but pulled it back.

And we're going to also have another motion flag against America.

Watch the fake handoff inside, try to get the play action going.

Now he's rolling.

He sees two players, tries to split up, one has a on and thinks about throwing it thinks better up four now has had his jersey and then just in time for Neil Brown to grab him and then the whistles and flag was thrown.

The Mario Brothers have been extremely effective on defense.

So first and 15 at the 30 yard line for America's.

John Oliver with Dwight fires intercepted intercepted by number one Josh Schwartz.

Look look at the interception score 72 yards on the play.

Well, let's hold the phone just a minute.

A flag all the way back to the 35 yard line.

And DuPont celebrates in the end zone.

They were trying to go deep.

American John Kirby in Jackson.

Jackson was running a skinny posted above the 20 yard line.

Ball was kicked off and run all the way back the other way.

We'll sort it out.

This one's coming back.

We're going to have a clip.

It's going against the laws.

So this will help you with the ball.

They'll mark it off as we assume that that clip was after the exchange.

Americans just unable to get him going in his passing game.

That's a change of possession, illegal.

Whether they pass in the three yard.

Referee Jim McCloud had to make that long walk all the way back.

He's going to get some extra net.

The difference in this game, Jim, the defensive backs for Buford have been extremely active.

Any time that America has had thoughts of doing anything beyond a short pass, it's been right there.

I think we got this.

Last interception with the convoy.

As you see, the UConn players change.

From defense to offense and get down the sideline blocking downfield as well.

First, the ten.

For Buford at the 20 Manley with the hand off the snap.

Smith picks up about five yards on first down.

Here's a happy group.

Nothing like come to the dome, support your team and then watch them take a 31 nothing lead.

Interesting point for all these teams.

This game today, tomorrow symbolizes how this Super Bowl is playing inside there in front of.

You know, there in the big house this weekend.

Take a look at those numbers.

Pretty much tells the story mainly pitches right size that's very what this was about the 35 yard line good run by Karius Walker the stop by number 34 Eddie Roberts.

You got to give him style points for the 360 right at the 30 yard line they've added another five yards.

Look at the run.

Watch Walker for Brown Devil.

You're going to love this one.

Takes the handoff.

He's got it right there.

I've got it.

Run by Walker.

Darius Walker has a 172 yards on the day What a day for Derrius Walker.

I'll never forget this one, Marcus first attempt here for the 36 year old.

Self, Bonzo Stanley and he's met at the line of scrimmage immediately.

By a number of America's players.

Let's talk including number 58, Deon Small.

Let's talk about Derrius Walker for a second.

He comes into this game with 1436 yards, 20 touchdowns.

But my favorite part, the 9.3 yard average fans are Stanley slow getting up and heads to the sidelines there's your Darius Walker up the street he's in the backfield.

Well, I tell you what, that means a lot to.

Good balance, great ball player and does well in the classroom.

Julius Walker taking the kids website here at 1:00 to 40, 45.

Now, he's about the 47 yard line.

Tackle made by Tony Moran and also knocked out of bounds by Rodney Coley.

Walker has another skill chip that he has more than one gear takes the pitch changes hands, instinctively gets to the sideline.

He's only breaking it down in second.

If he was able turn the corner, that's when he kicks it into that second gear but just comes to the sideline.

And there you see the semifinal match ups.

The winner of this one will play winner of the Atlanta Christian and Early County.

Interesting note here, Gassy and Buford cut from the same region.

Gacy's only loss was against Buford Early County's only loss in which one was against Americus.

And of course, now that will be the state championship, the winner of today's game and the winner of tomorrow's semifinal next weekend.

And that should be a good one.

Zach Smith on the carry for Buford.

There you see time running out in the third quarter.

So your score, Buford 31 America's Nothing fourth quarter coming up after this.

Welcome back to the Georgia Dome and the start of the fourth quarter.

Buford leading America's 31 nothing.

Some very happy Buford fan.

He noticed the players holding him for finger smart blaster at the end of the third quarter.

You know what that means?

That to me symbolizes let's go all out in the fourth quarter last week Dexter and we've never been in a fourth quarter game said it's.

Responded to it it made the plays today so the wolves have it at the Americans 48 yard line a second and five for quarterback Kyle Manley and Manley and up the middle.

Well, here he is, Walker.

And Walker picks up about four or five yards.

Stop by the Moses twins, Chad Moses and Chad Moses, number 46 and number 43.

Walker is only listed at 185, but he has a load to bring down on that last surge.

Inside, he's still pushing and fighting for four yards.

Brings up the third end inside of a yard call.

Here's your third down conversions.

BUFORD One better than Americus.

Here's a third and one for Common.

And the handoff left side.

That's Zach Smith.

And looks like Zach has the first down for the wolves.

Give it to the big guy to get the work done.

Nothing fancy by Smith.

Just put his pads north south and picks up the first down, brought down by number 51.

Derrick Walker coming up right after this one.

It's the triple AA semifinal for Dublin Fighting Irish.

Make the trip north to the 13.

No record to take on the Lady Wildcats who come in at 12 and one.

That's the triple AA semifinal.

Coming up next right here on TV Push, the ten from Buford at the 42 of Americus and the handoff to Darrius Walker again.

And Walker gets inside the 40 yard line tackle made by number 51 Derrick Walker.

Funny thing about Walker, he goes into the pile and comes out the other side, has such a forward lead from this Angle.

You can see him, he hit at about the 41.

He comes out of the pile at the 39.

You bet.

He's holding onto that football.

Cato's those eyes as you could see the replay any decent running back has great vision Walker has that this afternoon second and seven at the 39 yard line from Buford Natalie.

The pitch to Walker and Walker gets inside the 35 yard line.

Walker turning into the workhorse.

In the fourth quarter, getting the bulk of the play calls.

Take that mouthpiece.

Out, get a little extra to you.

See some players, take the mouthpiece out and tuck it into facemask.

See some he has is on a string.

But in order to get that extra blow in the mouth, he's out.

What a day for Darius Walker, 42, carries 194 yards and two touchdowns, 33 from the field for Buford.

And got an offsides call.

Probably coming up against Americans.

Darius Walker just puts his hands on hips after that last call.

He's thankful for one thing.

I got another 20 seconds in between plays.

Michael Terry jumps off sign for America.

So he's trying to run a big, bad five yard first half.

With this game.

Darius Walker is approaching 3000 yards for his career.

At number three, Coach Holliday is just, I would say, surprised first and ten at the 30 from Buford and it's Walker again Walker with 25 just the spin move get down to about the 22 finally brought down by number 21 Rodney.

Coley I'd like to go to a party with Darius Walker because you can see the footwork on the spin.

Keep them moving.

You got to think that when he goes out on a Saturday night, he gives some on the dance floor.

Here's the handoff.

What's the spin that wants to keep moving?

There he goes.

Good run by Darius Walker.

Got that chinstrap with the extra sweatband on.

The chin just to help to cushion the blow.

So if you forget the America's 22 on a second and two and the handoff to Alphonso Stanley, who's back in the game.

Good to see him back.

So check that.

That's Blake Skipper Stanley still on the sideline.

People doing exactly what it wants to do.

8 minutes and counting.

Once they get the yard markers reset, they're just burning clock and confident to keep the ball inside the tackles.

Americus, on the other hand, is just playing for a pride.

Stop right here.

They're really out of this game in terms of winning on the scoreboard.

Their defense has got to be thinking, let's see if we can just stop one time here, guys.

On first content and the pitch goes to Walker again.

He tries the right side, this time for the 2015.

At the same time, he brought down five number ten, that's Sean Robinson.

You got to look.

There is Walker.

After the run is over, he puts his hands on his hips.

He looks like he's exhausted.

He takes the mouthpiece out, he puts his head down, slap one out.

You give him the ball and this is what happens.

It gets to the sideline.

It picks up seven yard jump right in your living room.

I saw the flag out of the way.

I mentioned fans of Stan Lee went off the field before his shoulder pads are off.

So he's done for the day as head coach Dexter Woods decides.

Okay, let's just rest him.

And get ready for.

The championship game next weekend.

You've got to be thinking long term if you're, you know, first of all, file on the defense, first down for Darius Walker in the hut, still got his hands on hips.

Now he's bent over like he's just headed for the afternoon.

But I tell you one thing, if they give him the ball, he's going to want to put it in his.

Now, a timeout.

Taken by Buford.

So the wolves take a time out.

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Let's go downstairs to Anthony one.

Okay.

Hey, I'm standing here with Mac McCoy, the principal from Buford High School.

Mr. McCook, you're happy to be excited.

I can't believe what's happened right now.

We were hoping to come into this game and keep it close going in the fourth quarter.

I've always felt like the coaching staff felt like if we could stay with them and stay here for the fourth quarter, we had an opportunity to at least not embarrass ourselves.

It was fantastic.

And what was the school's atmosphere like going into this week?

Very businesslike.

Our kids were focused mostly at the school.

We're getting ready for exams and that's always tough to get ready.

For exams and going into the state playoffs.

But business as usual and staying focused on America's Cup because you're one.

Step away from that, another rings.

Your biggest legacy is you guys.

Thanks, Anthony away push it five four.

Buford is battling and the pitch to Walker and Walker flushed down about the two yard line mark I thought he was going in took a shot by Justin Walk out of hand out of the three yard line.

Walker just lowered the shoulder him.

Walker takes the punishment.

Here's a pitch, buster.

The contact right there.

But Walker keeps popping and moving forward at ground level.

One more time, the pitch and the hit you see peg number 75, Warren Goodin stepping in to make sure that Walker is stopped short.

Of the goal line.

Second and goal for Buford.

And there's the handoff to that Smith and Smith is in from couple of yards out.

So Zach Smith.

Makes it a 37 nothing ball game for the Gifted Wolves.

And Kevin Marks will come on the field to attempt the extra point.

But Jim, you know, I'm not a mathematician, but outside of Pierce County, Buford has outscored three opponents 113 to nothing.

Sound like a mathematician to me.

How the kick is good.

And Buford now.

Takes a 38 nothing lead over Americus.

Is there any mercy rule at this level of high school play?

Because you could at some point just say, you know.

As stupid as you watch the replay.

Just walk into the end zone for another score.

You know, I tell you, when I talk to Dexter one, as you see the replay again earlier.

This week, he was headed up to Athens to take his team up to the practice field up there where they have carpet.

And you know what?

I think that practice up there really paid off one of the keys playing five games one day.

We'll talk about this again, I'm sure the preparation because both teams only have a half hour to warm up.

There's a scoring drive for the wolves, just markets 14, plays 69 yards.

And the more important took seven and a half minutes of time off the clock just to complete that point.

The key to a lot of these.

Semifinal games will be the team that is first to get on track and get in sync.

Maybe the first have a significant advantage.

Ryan Duncan's to kick it off.

It's a squib and.

Field it at the 40 yard line by number 30 Navarro's young so that's where Americans will take over first and ten.

So you go to Athens.

You practice on the court.

For a couple of days and then you're ready to go to the Georgia Dome.

Smart move.

But a smart.

Move.

And they've got to be thinking.

Okay, we've done the hard part.

We beat the team that we matched up very well against.

They came in.

A very humble approach, but they lead up 30 to nothing to coach Holliday and the Panthers.

It's been a tough day, of course, as we mentioned at the top of the show, they are 42 and.

One since the beginning of the 2000 season.

So they've had a great campaign here in 2000, two.

And that's Michael Terry with the Ball for.

Americus and the stop by Von Benard number 24 of different.

We're approaching 6 minutes.

30 seconds.

To go in this ballgame.

Americans would like nothing more than to at least put something on the scoreboard other than just make them first.

And ten for America at the Buford 49 yard line.

And here's Terry again.

Terry, straight at the moon.

Terry gets inside the 35 yard line, finally brought down by number 20.

Von Pennock again got a bit a rise out of the faithful here from Americus, Georgia, sitting on the near side right below.

They now go.

To a no huddle good.

Run by Terry Shotgun.

And Johnson sees a wide open receiver It's Stephen born Gorman one this is a perfect taking advantage of Buford knocks it on defense.

Find a receiver on the far sideline and they pick up.

The score.

Smart Play by Johnson So Stephen Gordon on the.

Receiving end of a touchdown pass WHOOSH, whoosh.

You heard us mention his name earlier.

He's also the punter on the team and now I think they're going to go for two.

Yes, they are.

The Panthers are going for two.

And here's Johnson under center and off the outside.

This is Terry and turning stop by a whole bunch of wolves led by number nine Blake skipper.

At least they made it interesting they get on the scoreboard it's yep 38 six Buford two.

To take three more touchdowns they're right back.

Here missing 610.

To go here in the fourth quarter.

Big day football here at the Georgia Dome.

This is only the second of five games.

To be played.

And then, of course, five more tomorrow right here on TV.

And notice the.

Reception again by Stephen Gordon literally tripped.

Up, but he finally gets it in.

Michael Henderson, last player and this is not within 15 yards and that ball is in the air.

Stephen Gordon may have been looking around just thinking the ball basket here fast enough because there's no one in coverage and of course just a couple of plays covering 60 yards and the 32 yard touchdown reception by Gordon 38 six.

Buford and I believe Coach.

Saban is probably going to try and get a couple of players into.

Into this ballgame before it's it's a some some of the juniors and sophomores.

In Eddie Robertson is set to kick it off for Americans.

The fact he is number one, Sean Strickland and number 16, Michael Henderson for Buford, not a bad spot if you're thinking onside kick because Buford is in its standard kick return formation, even though they don't have anyone.

Deeper than the 20 yard line rim and it bounces off one of the Buford players.

That's stop number 85, Philip Smith.

And it looks like Buford will keep the ball.

Americus try to come up with the line drive semi onside kick as get a look at the replay it hits a player from Buford that's right between the wickets he can't make the first recovery but the second man comes in and makes the recovery the must attempt.

And that's number 33, Theo Morrow, who was on at right away after his ball hit.

Number five, Ashley Griffin first attempt from Buford.

At the 37 and a big hit by.

Number 75.

That's Warren Gooden.

One of the few hits we've been able to hear.

Actually up in.

The booth.

The handoff comes simultaneous with the contact.

Good.

Now, a quarterback, by the way, from Buford Secure Millsap, number three, the junior Sam Millsap does it.

All the free safety.

He backs up the quarterback taking the 13 Millsap the pitch to number five Ashley Griffin.

And Griffin is brought down by number 50.

Dustin Woolcock What you notice about the Buford running back is that little burst that gets him to the point of contact and just a hair away sometimes from breaking the big play.

Here's a good shot at Millsap he of the decorative facemask kind of reminds you one of those Halloween jack-o'-lantern sets you see under 5 minutes to go in the final quarter of a semifinal between Buford and Americus, 39, at the handoff, straight up the middle to Ashley Griffin.

And Griffin is brought down by a sea of Panthers.

If you're Buford at this point in the game, the only thing you want is not get anyone hurt.

As we're at 420 and counting in this ballgame.

So fortunate.

And our opponent away is Brian Jenkins.

And on the receiving end his number 21 Rodney Coley.

Coley takes it at the.

20 stubble and his final no not run down now he's run down at the 22 yard line by.

Number nine.

Blake skipper up here for a nice job on the.

Return by Coley, but one of the factors I was looking at here is what is that about on the pump?

Coming up, the triple-A semifinal, Dublin and Lady the Fighting Irish in the Wildcats.

It's all at 3:00 Eastern Time right here on GPB.

And at 6:00 tonight for a semifinal marriage to Thomas County Central.

For some reason, the Yellow Jackets have always had Mary's number when it comes to these games.

And then finally at 9:00 tonight, Mark you looking for a three peat takes on East Coweta in the semifinal.

Now we have a stoppage in play just under 4 minutes to go in the final quarter now, Americans will start at their own 22 yard line.

Cedric Johnson still your.

Quarterback to step drop and pass incomplete intended number nine, Jermaine Allen trying to throw that deep fade once again.

This adds to the new stat line right in front of the practice pitch.

But credit the coverage of Buford once again.

Preventing that completion.

Second and ten for Americus.

Johnson in the.

Shotgun hand off Michael Cherry.

Turn right side the 35 for Mike McCurry to go all the way He's at the 40 Michael Jones ten Michael Kelly touchdown 77 yard touchdown run by Michael Cherry And Americans the.

Court again And when they look at game field.

During the week the coaches are going to let Michael Henderson the deep safety here an earful because Henderson was lined up to the.

Near side with deep responsibility and just a little bit sluggish, getting to the far side of the field.

And Marcus will go for two here as Johnson still on the field for the Panthers.

Johnson steps back now, goes into the shotgun.

Oh, the two point conversion.

Johnson takes the snap run but.

Not make it.

Did you hear the hitting going on there?

That was a helmet to helmet special as both players a little bit.

Slow getting up and.

The Buford Defender is still down.

We'll check the number.

And it's number.

One, Sean Strickland, he got the lick but may have taken the worst of the punishment.

Still a little bit woozy.

What a touch you hold two fingers.

You see how many fingers I have up?

He says Tuesday.

And here's that replay of the 77 yard touchdown run by Michael Terrians.

Once he saw that opening mark, he was gone.

Excellent speed.

Once he got to the far sideline, as.

You mentioned, another look at ground level.

He hits the corner ISO balance, an adjustment changes it to that low gear.

Takes it all way to the house.

Michael Terry, what a day.

Even though America is down 38 to 12, here's the real sound of.

The two point conversion we talked about that.

What we did here and all the way up here.

Nice job down on the field by the sound guys.

You could also hear that look at the crowd level after the hit was made.

And of course, there's the scoring drive.

One play, 77 yards for Terry and Terry has 138 yards.

On the day for America's.

38 to 12.

And it looks as though number 77, Cedric Boone is going to do this onside kick.

Some of the students from Coosa High helping us with the sound on the sidelines.

They're doing an excellent job, especially after the last replay that was living proof.

All right.

Here we go.

Number 77.

Something thrown at 633 15.

He's going to kick this onside kick.

Here it is.

And it's taken by number one Buford.

And that's John Strickland and Strickland takes it inside the 30.

Five yard line where people start first attempt who got what he wanted, which is that infamous third hop on the onside kick.

But unfortunately, it popped up right in the hands of Sean Strickland whilst the second half the third half you get the one and it's the big one.

That's the one you want right there.

But Strickland takes it the other way.

Strickland Johnny on the spot and Buford has it first and ten.

What is it about a football that makes it pop up on the third hop?

Somebody has to do a study on that one.

Maybe we can do a feature on sports plus a research grant or something.

It's mainly back to the quarterback.

How the heck the number nine play different.

Skipper couldn't turn the corner on the left side against the America's defense, but you'll notice that on every onside kick is that third hop.

It pops up in the air.

Must be the way the ball is shaped.

When that point hits and it just pops up, you just never know where that thing's going to go.

Like Cedric Vaughn on the kick, Buford at the Americans 33 yard line.

This man like the handoff and this is actually pretty and a.

Great tackle made by number three Charles Smith of Americus.

That's how they throw it up in the football.

But you get low, you square your shoulders and you deliver the punishment.

What's the hit right there?

And you list.

Always the left, always the left in him off his feet.

And he's going down under.

One or two and a half to go final.

Quarter on 35.

Man.

And the pick.

The number five and that's actually Griffin.

And Griffin gets down near the 20 yard line.

I will say this about Americus.

They may be down on the scoreboard, but they have delivered some shots here in the fourth quarter.

This defense is hitting people with a mission.

Well, they should hold their heads up high because they've had a very, very successful.

And if this is, in fact, a rebuilding year in the Colts coach's words, they're solid.

I'd be very afraid to beat this team next season when they reload two time defending champs trailing by 26 points badly at the heck of a level hit.

And that's Drew Kemp.

My goodness.

And you know, the guys are just coming with everything they have on America's last one up is number 17, Tim Moore.

Now here's a shot, here's the handoff.

Boom right there.

Tim Walker actually get it on the last part of that.

But there were three players for Americans in on that last and I use this word very generously here, pick day for Derek Walcott and his brother Dustin Walcott.

And now they're just going to look at down the ball with under a minute to go.

On a second ten.

So they let that clock run.

One more play and that's it.

Mark Lester coming up.

So now the.

Double-A semifinal picture looks like this.

Buford goes on to the state championship, beating America's.

They'll face the winner of tomorrow's semifinal between greater Atlanta Christian and Early County, the Spartans and the Bobcats.

Tomorrow, right here on.

TV.

That's going to be a good one.

Those like seen on the.

Sideline as the American supporters are giving their team.

A standing ovation.

And then Lee Downs the ball and the clock will run out.

And there you have it.

Buford wins it over Americus, 38.

It's one month.

Definitely a surprise.

Not what we expected, but as they say, that's.

Why they play the game.

You can take full advantage of early Americans turnovers, using its defensive backs to keep a very forceful offensive surge by this team which big and goes to the state championship.

Next week but Americus I have to give them credit they played from end to end suffer the most this hitting in that fourth quarter by the American defense so get credit from playing from whistle the whistle and we had the sound effects for you thanks to the kids at crucial high school.

Great job down there on the sidelines by the students.

Coming up next, it's the triple-A semifinal.

The Dublin Fighting Irish coming unbeaten at 13 and oh to take on the Lady Wildcats.

It's all coming your way right here on TV.

Live from the Georgia Dome, Mark Lasser, it's been fun.

We're up next with their triple-A game.

Thanks for tuning in, everybody.

Final score once again, Buford, 38, America's 12th.

This broadcast of the 2002 GHC Football semifinals has been provided in part by.

IBEW Local 613 Georgia Electric.

Membership Corporations, South Rust Bank, Dodge, the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, and by the Atlanta Journal Constitution.