Rain caused the postponement of the game between No. 2-ranked Buford and defending Class AAAAAAA champion Milton two weeks ago at the Corky Kell Classic. The two highly regarded clubs were supposed to play at Coolray Field, only to have those plans scrapped when a downpour left the infield standing in water.
The makeup – thanks to a coin flip – will be Friday at Milton. The anticipation is just as high as it was when the game was originally scheduled.
No. 2 Buford opened the Coach Bryant Appling Era last week with a 41-0 victory over Jonesboro, a game that was decided by halftime. Milton, ranked No. 6, put a whipping on rival Alpharetta 45-0 a week ago. The two teams haven’t met since 1983 when Milton was Class AAA and Buford was Class A; Milton leads the series 4-0.
The Wolves flourished until the direction of left-handed quarterback Jarvis Evans, who threw for 113 yards and three touchdowns, and tailback Gabe Ervin, who ran for 102 yards and one touchdown. The Buford defense wasn’t tested often, but did come up with a goal-line stand to preserve the shutout and Evan DiMaggio picked off a pass.
Milton graduated quarterback Jordan Yates, who is now playing at Georgia Tech, and split time in the opener between senior Jackson Weaver and sophomore Devin Farrell. Each completed one pass, as the Eagles ran the ball effectively. Senior Ahmad Junearick rushed 24 times for 21 yards and three touchdowns, with Weaver rushing for 68 yards and Farrell for 40.
Other interesting games in Class AAAAA this weekend:
Stockbridge vs. Carver (Lakewood Stadium), Saturday, 5 p.m. This is an interesting crossover game that features the defense of Stockbridge vs. the offense of Carver. No. 7 Stockbridge won its first game last week under new coach Steve Boyd, the promoted defensive coordinator, and produced a shutout. Carver has scored 82 points in its two wins. There are plenty of players to watch on both sides, particularly Stockbridge quarterback Jevon McDonald and Carver running back Jo'Quavious Marks. Carver is seeking some payback from a year ago, when Stockbridge pasted the Panthers 41-0 in the first meeting between the two schools.
Carrollton at Riverdale, Friday, 7:30 p.m. The No. 4 Trojans may have a tougher test with Riverdale (2-0), which has outscored its first two opponents 89-7. Riverdale has solid weapons in big left-handed quarterback Avaun Rucker, who threw two touchdowns last week, and versatile back Derwin Burgess Jr., who caught a touchdown and ran for another. Carrollton quarterback Myles Morris threw for 276 yards and two touchdowns in the opener and was one of five backs with 20-plus rushing yards. Austin Waldrop had five catches for 128 yards and two scores. Carrollton beat Riverdale 35-6 in 2018 and leads the series 3-0.
Northside – Warner Robins at Jones County, Friday, 7:30 p.m. This will be a big test for the new Jones County regime. Jones County quarterback Hunter Costlow is off to a big start, having thrown for 514 yards in the first two games; he had 2,400 yards a year ago. Running back Andrew Carner and receiver Jontavis Robertson add to the No. 8-ranked Greyhounds' threats. Class AAAAAA No. 7 Northside has a dual-threat quarterback in Mason Ford, who has run for 228 yards and thrown for 151 in two games.
North Miami Beach at Bainbridge, Friday, 7:30 p.m. No. 1-ranked Bainbridge has looked good in winning its first two games. Quarterback Quayde Hawkins has thrown for 444 yards and three touchdowns and Rashad Broadnax has run for 170 yards and four touchdowns. Juniors Eric Sanders Jr., Tahari Tate and Caleb Lewis have been stellar on defense for the Bearcats. North Miami Beach won its first game last week by scored 23 unanswered points in the fourth period to stun Enterprise 34-31.
Chamblee vs. Dunwoody (North DeKalb Stadium), Friday, 7:30 p.m. Chamblee will try to win the Battle of the Golden Spike for the sixth straight season. (The trophy is symbolic of the railroad that connects the two towns.) Dunwoody leads the overall series 12-9. Both teams are looking for their first win. Chamblee lost its opener last week in coach Scott Schwarzer's debut, despite 211 yards passing from Finn Ellers, who connected with Jeremiah Brown 11 times for 86 yards. Dunwoody QB David Ledoyen threw for 215 yards and one touchdown in a loss to St. Pius.
Columbia at Valdosta, Friday, 8 p.m. This one wasn't on the original schedule. Columbia was supposed to travel to play Rockledge, Fla., but the contest was cancelled because of Hurricane Dorian. Valdosta had its game against Bradwell Institute cancelled, so the switch was made to avoid losing a game. The two clubs will be playing for the first time.
Other schedule changes: The impact of Hurricane Dorian caused other alterations on the schedule, too. No. 10 Wayne County at Richmond Hill has been moved to Nov. 1. … New Hampstead had its game against Bolles, Fla, cancelled and Pierce County lost its game against Beach. Thanks to some creativity, New Hampstead and Pierce will play on Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. in Blackshear. … Others cancelled: Locust Grove at Camden County, Statesboro at Liberty County.
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