Buford, which defeated Hughes 21-20 in the Class 6A final, is only the 12th team in GHSA finals history to rally from a 14-point deficit to win. Big comebacks were rare until recently. One reason is more high-powered offenses. Another is class expansion. There were only four classes and four championship games most years until 2000. And teams in the 1950s and ‘60s struggled not only to score touchdowns but to make extra points, and the two-point conversion wasn’t allowed until 1969, so 14-point deficits read like death sentences. Here are the 12 teams that have come from 14 down to win.

2021 Buford

2017 Lee County

2015 Westminster

2013 Norcross

2013 Griffin

2011 Burke County

1996 Washington County

1992 Valdosta

1989 Mitchell County

1979 Model

1970 Woodward Academy

1952 Calhoun

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com