Region foes ask: Is Buford the same Buford?

By Todd Holcomb

For the AJC

With the Class AA playoffs looming, some of the contenders would like to know ahead of time: Is Buford still Buford?

The two-time defending champions are 7-1, but a 28-21 loss to Lovett on Sept. 11 ended a 32-game winning streak and gave hope to the rest of the classification that Buford is vulnerable and perhaps no longer the team to beat.

Buford has won its past six games, allowing only one touchdown in that stretch, but tonight’s home game against eighth-ranked Westminster -- the team that beat Lovett and leads Region 6-AA with a 4-0 region record -- could provide the answers people are looking for.

‘’We’ve looked at the last six weeks as a statement to see where we are,’’ Buford coach Jess Simpson said. “Certainly on film and with Westminster’s record and how they’ve played, you can argue they’re the best team we’ve played. But the other thing that’s huge is keeping our momentum. Playing with confidence and thinking they’re playing better is as important as anything.’’

Buford has its usual set of high-profile players. Linemen Kolton Houston (Georgia) and Du’Von Milsap (South Carolina) and linebacker Jessel Curry (Auburn) have committed to SEC schools.

Buford would have five major Division I-A prospects, but running back Storm Johnson transferred to Loganville and defensive back Duante Carr (Stanford) went to Gainesville.

If losing those two had led to a shortage of big-play ability, the statistics don’t show it.

The main difference from last year is the outcome of the lone close game. A year ago, Buford struggled only once, against Blessed Trinity, but managed to win 14-10. This year, Buford again has had one close game, but lost after getting down 28-7 in the first half.

Simpson believes that Buford’s 2007 team was more explosive than the 2008 or 2009 teams because it could score more quickly off big plays on offense or defense.

The ability to make a big play on offense could be an area that Westminster has an edge.

Ralph David Abernathy IV has been the top running back in the region. He rushed for 234 yards in the 21-6 win over Lovett.

“They have the biggest playmaker on the field,’’ Simpson said. “I’ve just got way too much tape [on Westminster] not to feel that way. On the four tapes we have, he’s made 20 to 25 explosive plays -- 15-yard, 20-yard runs or catches or scoring plays where you’re in a position to make a play and he makes you miss.’’

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