Photos: Buford rolls past Valdosta in the Class 6A semifinals

High School Sports

Photos: Buford rolls past Valdosta in the Class 6A semifinals

Buford defeated Valdosta 45-26 in the Class 6A semifinals Friday, Dec. 18, 2020.

On to the state finals: Buford wide receiver Jake Pope (14) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter of Friday's Class 6A state semifinal contest against Valdosta in Buford. Buford topped Valdosta 45-26 and will play defending champion and No. 1-ranked Lee County for the championship on Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. at Georgia State’s Center Parc Stadium.

Buford wide receiver Jake Pope (14) carries the ball for a touchdown early in the first quarter of Friday's Class 6A state semifinal against Valdosta.

Buford's Jacob Smith (72) celebrates with running back Victor Venn (6) after Venn's touchdown in Friday's Class 6A state semifinal against Valdosta,

Valdosta's Tahj Sanders (11) is tackled by Buford's Jake Pope (14) during the first half of Friday's game.

Valdosta wide receiver Aalah Brown (4) scrambles to recover a fumbled ball as Buford linebacker Malik Spencer closes in during the first half of their Class 6A semifinal game Friday, December 18, 2020 in Buford. (PHOTO/Daniel Varnado)

Valdosta defensive back Maxwell Cherelus (20) makes a tackle on Buford running back Gabe Ervin Jr. on a running play during the first half of their Class 6A semifinal game Friday, December 18, 2020 in Buford. (PHOTO/Daniel Varnado)

Valdosta defensive backs Maxwell Cherelus (20) and Jalen Yearby (29) close in on Buford running back Victor Venn (3) during the first half of their Class 6A semifinal game Friday, December 18, 2020 in Buford. (PHOTO/Daniel Varnado)

Valdosta offensive linebacker John Brown (1) chases down Buford quarterback Ashton Daniels (12) during the first half of their Class 6A semifinal game Friday, December 18, 2020 in Buford. (PHOTO/Daniel Varnado)

Buford running back Victor Venn (6) carries the ball for a touchdown against Valdosta during the second half of their Class 6A semifinal game Friday, December 18, 2020 in Buford. (PHOTO/Daniel Varnado)

Valdosta wide receiver Aalah Brown (4) outruns Buford defensive back Ryland Gandy (8) to score a touchdown for the Wildcats late in the second half of their Class 6A semifinal game Friday, December 18, 2020 in Buford. (PHOTO/Daniel Varnado)

Valdosta were receiver Tahj Sanders (11) hauls in a long pass to score a touchdown during the second half of their Class 6A semifinal game Friday, December 18, 2020 in Buford. (PHOTO/Daniel Varnado)

Buford running back CJ Clinkscales (5) is hit by Valdostas’ defense and brought down in the second half of their Class 6A semifinal game Friday, December 18, 2020 in Buford. (PHOTO/Daniel Varnado)

Buford linebacker Tommy Beuglas (1) stops Valdosta wide receiver Tahj Sanders (11) on a play in the second half of their Class 6A semifinal game Friday, December 18, 2020 in Buford. (PHOTO/Daniel Varnado)

Valdosta defensive back Camren Bailey (35) closes in on Buford wide receiver Boyd Farmer (3) as he runs the ball during the second half of their Class 6A semifinal game Friday, December 18, 2020 in Buford. (PHOTO/Daniel Varnado)

Buford’s Aubrey Smith (44) and teammates celebrates a touchdown by wide receiver Ryland Gandy (8) during the second half of their Class 6A semifinal game Friday, December 18, 2020 in Buford. (PHOTO/Daniel Varnado)

Valdosta offensive lineman John Brown (1) attempts a tackle on Buford running back Gave Ervin Jr. (22) as he carries the ball for yardage during the second half of their Class 6A semifinal game Friday, December 18, 2020 in Buford. (PHOTO/Daniel Varnado)

Buford running back Victor Venn (6) carries the ball for a touchdown against Valdosta during the second half of their Class 6A semifinal game Friday, December 18, 2020 in Buford. (PHOTO/Daniel Varnado)

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Credit: Daniel Varnado/Special to the AJC

On to the state finals: Buford wide receiver Jake Pope (14) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter of Friday's Class 6A state semifinal contest against Valdosta in Buford. Buford topped Valdosta 45-26 and will play defending champion and No. 1-ranked Lee County for the championship on Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. at Georgia State’s Center Parc Stadium.

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