AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2005 > September > 12 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USIn Buford lurks a big, bad Wolf
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
J.C. Clemons
1. Why is that dude playing tackle for Buford wearing No. 33?
Because, when you are big and bad as Omar Hunter, you can sport whatever uniform number you want. Plus, in Hunter’s case, if you spent as much time in the opponent’s backfield as he did against Central Gwinnett, you might as well sport a number that suits your running back fantasies.
Hunter was the best player on the field as the Wolves dominated a bigger Central Gwinnett team. That’s bigger as in classification (AAAAA to AA), and not in heart, or size. And no Buford player exhibited more spirit or heft than Hunter.
And they say he’s just rounding into form from a knee injury.
When Central botched a handoff on its first possession, Hunter was right there to take possession. He would go on to add another fumble recovery.
When Buford shifted to an unbalanced line, guess who helped clear the way for the go-ahead score?
When coaches from Louisville and Tennessee showed up to scout other Division I prospects, guess who kept forging his way into their line of sight? Yep. Big Omar Hunter, who in addition to the fumble recoveries, had two tackles for loss of yardage.
This, however, may not have been Hunter’s best game.
Against Union County, whom the Wolves held to 24 yards rushing, Hunter tallied five solo stops, eight assists and two tackles for losses.
Nevertheless, Hunter will not be signing a college scholarship anytime soon. Unfortunately for all the recruiters salivating at the thought, and for Buford’s future opponents, Omar Hunter is only a sophomore.
2. Has any good come out of Meadowcreek’s victory-less march through South Georgia?
Well, the Mustangs did make a nice bit of change for a program that can use every bit it can get its hands on. That said, let us hope those in charge at the school will never again subject their overmatched kids to such scheduling.
True, Meadowcreek does not get the necessary level of community and local business support, and coach Reggie Perry’s building effort is still at the foundation stage.
But the road to respectability for the Mustangs’ program should not take it down I-75 to be thumped by the likes of Colquitt County, Thomas County Central and Lowndes. Wiser souls must prevail, and I’m certain they will.
Now, here’s hoping Perry and Meadowcreek start to gain traction. It would do wonders for Gwinnett if the commitment to excellence being generated in the classrooms over there could spill over into the athletic arena. Somehow, I have a feeling that it is already doing so â€â€? reports of unflattering football scores to the contrary.
3. Why have those people in Buford banished Dexter Wood to the cheap seats â€â€? on the visitors’ side?
It’s not what you think.
Wood, who retired as football coach following a sensational run, has taken a classy approach to his new status as athletic director only. It’s called out of sight makes for peace of mind.
Ever mindful of other folks’ well-being, Wood does not want to be seen as looking over new coach Jess Simpson’s shoulder, so to speak. Each game, he camps as far away from the Wolves’ sideline as possible. Which is not always how it works out.
During Buford’s opener at Gainesville, it didn’t take long for him to be spotted by a Wolves fan, who asked to join the coach. Of course, Wood obliged. And last week at home, he couldn’t get a sportswriter from underfoot, and Wood dismissed the urge to do bodily harm. Actually, the ink-stained wretch was welcomed, which goes to show you why we always admired Wood.
There are no undesirables in Dexter Wood’s world.
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