It isn’t often that an opponent runs away from Buford in the fourth quarter, but that’s what Archer did to the Wolves a year ago. And it isn’t likely that the home fans at Tom Riden Stadium have forgotten about it, either.
Last year Buford had a four-point lead, only to have Archer score four unanswered touchdowns and beat the Wolves 48-24. It was a rare double-digit loss for Buford, whose three previous setbacks had been by five, three and six points.
So expect a little revenge to be in the air when Class AAAAAAA No. 10 Archer (3-1) shows up to play Class AAAAA No. 1 Buford (4-0) in the rematch. The 7:30 p.m. game will be televised on GPB’s Football Fridays in Georgia and can be viewed on GPB.org.
Buford has returned to its balanced attack and a more power-based offense. First-year quarterback Jarvis Evans (523 yards passing, nine touchdowns) is developing into a good player. Running backs Elijah Turner (260 yards) and Gabe Ervin (258 yards) are the latest in the line of dangerous Buford running backs.
Archer returns behind quarterback Carter Peevy, who ran for two touchdowns and threw for 217 yards against Buford last season. Peevy has thrown for 528 yards with no interceptions and six touchdowns.
In other games of interest this week:
Warner Robins vs. Northside-Warner Robins (McConnell-Talbert Stadium), Friday, 7:30 p.m. Warner Robins has won the last two meetings, something that hasn't happened since the Demons won seven straight from 1989-95. The two teams will pay for the 62nd time, with Warner Robins holding a 36-25 lead in the series. Warner Robins has gotten plenty of mileage from it two quarterbacks – Jalen Addie and Christion Lane. State-record-setting receiver Marcayll Jones (2,071 yards in 2018) has seen his production fall in the transition to the new QBs, but still has 20 catches for 379 yards. Jahlen Rutherford (250 yards) is on his way to another 1,000-yard season.
Bainbridge at Crisp County, Friday, 7:30 p.m. Reigning state champion Bainbridge (4-0) puts its 11-game winning streak on the line against Class AAA No. 9 Crisp County, which has played better than its 3-2 record might indicate. Bainbridge had a week off after its close call against Brooks County. Quarterback Quayde Hawkins (725 yards passing, seven TDs), running back Rashad Broadnax (528 yards, seven TDs) and receiver Michael Ryan (11 catches, 23.8-yard average, four TDs) lead the offense. The aggressive Bearcats' defense is led by Tevin McCray (26 tackles, five for loss), Tahari Tate (23 tackles, nine for loss), Adrian Peterson (25 tackles, seven for loss) and Eric Sanders Jr. (16 tackles, seven for loss)
Thomas County Central at Brooks County, Friday, 7:30 p.m. Thomas County Central (4-0) has won its first four games for the first time since 2015, when the Yellow Jackets claimed their last region championship. Quarterback Kalique Guyton (459 yards passing, seven TDs; 117 yards rushing) leads a talented young offense that averages 34.2 points per game. Brooks (1-3) has dropped three in a row against some tough competition. Thomas County leads the series 11-6 and won 24-14 in 2018.
South Effingham at Pierce County, Friday, 7:30 p.m. South Effingham (4-0) has another tough non-conference game in Blackshear against Class AAAA No. 4 Pierce (4-0). Quarterback Taylor Jackson leads the Mustangs with 524 yards passing and seven touchdowns and 253 yards rushing. Vanderbilt commit Rocko Griffin has rushed for 240 yards and six touchdowns. South Effingham must slow Pierce quarterback Jermaine Bruton (442 yards passing, four TDs; 111 yards rushing, three TDs) and tailback L.J. Newton (179 yards).
Rome at Cass, Friday, 7:30 p.m. This game will provide a measuring stick for Cass, which is trying to make the playoffs for the first time since 2006. No. 8 Rome is one of the three power teams in Region 7, along with Carrollton and Kell. Cass quarterback Logan Nelson has played well and the offense has successfully been able to control the clock. Tanayce Calhoun has been a standout on both sides of the ball. Cass is familiar with standout Rome running back Ahijah Blackwell, who used to attend Cass before transferring before his junior year. Rome leads the series 8-1 and won 49-14 in 2018.
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