By Robert Haddocks
It wasn’t the complete demolition that Buford fans have grown accustomed to, but it’s another win that puts the Wolves a little closer to familiar territory – a championship berth.
After a lopsided shutout win in the opening round of the Class AAAA playoffs, Buford was mildly contested, but in the end easily disposed of Mary Persons, 35-14, to advance to the quarterfinals. The Wolves (12-0) will host Marist next Friday as they continue on their quest for their third consecutive state title and seventh in eight years.
Joshua Thomas scored two touchdowns before getting nicked up, but the Wolves didn’t miss a beat. Evyn Cooper stepped in to rush for a game-high 113 yards and Martin Mangram banged out some tough inside yardage. Following a dominant offensive line, both scored touchdowns.
Thomas said he was inspired by the loss of Thomas, who coach Jess Simpson hopes to be back next week. Thomas and the Wolves also were fueled by the Bulldogs (9-3). “They talked a whole lot of trash on the Internet and Twitter,” Thomas said. “But we kept our cool and played with confidence.”
Buford entered the game with four consecutive shutouts, including a 63-0 win last week, but found itself in a ball game when Mary Persons cut into an early lead with a 35-yard touchdown reception by Malik Bledsoe to make the scored 14-7 early in the second quarter. But the Wolves, who scored on all four of their first half possessions, answered with an eight-play drive capped by Mangram’s one-yard touchdown.
The Wolves also scored a touchdown right before halftime that dashed the slim hopes of Mary Persons. Gaining possession with just 40 seconds, Luke Humphrey found Isaac Nauta in the seam for a 21-yard touchdown with six seconds remaining, which gave Buford a 28-7 lead.
Simpson said Mary Persons had one of the best lines Buford has faced and he credited his offensive line, which paved the way for 246 rushing yards. “The offensive line had an attitude about them that we were going to run the ball,” Simpson said. “I’m really proud of how we blocked tonight.”
The Wolves, who have won 37 consecutive games while moving up in classifications, also took advantage of great field position. Seven of their drives started near midfield or better, including their opening drive after Mary Persons started the game with an onside kick. “They came in with nothing to lose,” Simpson said. “That created great field position and gave us a short field and we knocked it in and started rolling a little bit.”
Mary Persons never was able to establish its running game. Buford held the visitors to 66 yards on 36 carries. Jake Johnston threw for 143 yards and two touchdowns.
BUFORD – 14 – 14 – 7 – 0 - 35
MARY PERSONS – 0 – 7 – 0 – 7 – 14
B – Joshua Thomas 10 run (Matthew Bonadies kick)
B – Thomas 1 run (Bonadies kick)
MP – Malik Bledsoe 35 pass from Jake Johnston (Josh Hampton kick)
B – Martin Mangram 1 run (Bonadies kick)
B – Isaac Nauta 21 pass from Luke Humphrey (Bonadies kick)
B – Evyn Cooper 12 run (Bonadies kick)
MP – Zach Harvey 38 pass from Johnston (Hampton kick)
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