List: Teams that overcame 14-point deficits to win finals
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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About the Author
Todd Holcomb covers high school sports across the state. He rejoined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2025 and has worked with the AJC in varying capacities since 1985. He is a co-founder and editor of Georgia High School Football Daily.
