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Buford beats Life Christian, 33-22.

By Buford Athletics, 09/14/19, 9:30AM EDT

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The Buford Wolves (3-0) welcomed the star-studded Life Christian Academy (VA) Eagles to Tom Riden Stadium Friday night, and the matchup between these two football heavyweights lived up to the billing. The weather shortened game ended in a 33-22 Buford victory, and the Wolves showed zero sign of a letdown after beating the defending 7A State Champs, Milton, in the Corky Kell Classic last week.

The night began with the 2019 Buford Girls Track Team, coached by Fyrone Davis, being recognized before the game for winning the GHSA 5A State championship for the third year in a row. It also served as a ring ceremony as the girls received their long-awaited state championship rings. Congratulations to Buford Track and Field Program!

Life Cristian Academy (VA) came out of the gates on fire with a quick touchdown drive to start the game behind a 73-yard run from Zareon Pettiford. Not to be outdone, the Wolves offense struck back with an impressive touchdown drive of their own behind a balanced rushing and passing attack led by quarterback Jarvis Evans (Jr.). The rushing attack of Victor Venn (So.), Gabe Ervin (Jr.) and Elijah Turner (Sr.) opened up the passing game all night, and the Wolves were able to capitalize off a strong, misdirection play action pass from Evans to Turner for the 23-yard TD pass. The versatility of these three running backs make it very difficult for defenses to get comfortable allowing Offensive Coordinator, Gus Condon, to open up the play book a little bit more. After a steady dose of thunder (Ervin and Turner) and lighting (Venn), Evans tossed a 46-yard pass to Jake Pope (So.) for another TD pass in the second quarter. Hayden Olsen also scored in the second quarter with an impressive 45-yard field goal. A Gabe Ervin touchdown in the 4th quarter would put the game out of reach, and secure a Wolves victory just before the game was called for inclement weather.

The Wolves defense was fast and physical all night, and despite taking a few blows early from the very athletic Eagles offense, was able to settle in and made big plays. No bigger play was made defensively than a safety late in the second half which was caused by the devastating push up front from the defensive line which allowed linebackers and defensive backs to fly in the end zone to make the tackle on the Eagles quarterback. Davis Peak (So.) also made a huge play by sacking the Eagles quarterback deep in his backfield on a pivotal, third and long in the second half. Tommy Beuglas (Jr.) led the defense with 3 tackles followed by another Junior, Amari Wansley, with 2 tackles. Buford was able to hold the high-powered Eagles offense to just 22 points in the weather shortened win.

Buford will take on Newton High School next Friday at Tom Riden Stadium in a non-conference match up at 7:30 p.m. Friday night will also be Homecoming Night at Buford High School so a large crowd is expected. The community and student support has been incredible this season, and the Wolves will certainly need Tom Riden to be loud next Friday night. Come out and support your Buford Wolves!

 

Defensive standouts:

Tommy Beuglas: 3.0 tackles.

Malik Spencer: 2.0 tackles.

Amari Wansley: 2.0 tackles.

Davis Peak: 1 sack.

Offensive standouts:

Jarvis Evans: 9-16, 120 yds. 2 TD’s.

Elijah Turner: 25 yds rushing, 24 yds receiving, 2 TD’s.

Gabe Ervin: 58 yds. 1 TD.

Jake Pope: 3 Recs, 58 yds, 1 TD.

Hayden Olsen: 45 yd FG.