Great weather, great crowd, new Jumpman Jordan uniforms on display, and 42-14 victory over 7A Newton High School capped off a great 2019 Homecoming Friday night at Tom Riden Stadium.

The name of the game on Friday night was takeaways. One has to believe that Coach Appling and his staff put a huge emphasis this week on playing disciplined, and to go get the football! The Wolves (4-0) defense stifled Newton with four takeaways including interceptions from Jake Pope and Mason McCranie. Tommy Beuglas added a fumble recovery to go along with his four tackles. Senior Jackson Powell also led the defense with four tackles and was causing problems for the high-powered Rams offense all night long. Buford was able to hold the Rams to just 14 points this year after surrendering 27 points the year before. This gritty, hardnosed defense made big plays all night, but certainly none bigger than the 4th and goal stop from the 1-yard line just before the half. Newton’s offense was not able to recover from that drive which would have tied the game up heading into halftime. That defensive stop allowed the offense to open up the flood gates and start racking up points on the Rams.

Senior tailback, Elijah Turner, was electric toting the rock for the Wolves rushing for 130 yards on just 13 carries. His speed, power and quickness were on full display when he broke free for a 51-yard touchdown run to start the second half putting the game ultimately out of reach for the visiting team. Turners dominance out of the backfield allowed Junior quarterback Jarvis Evans to let loose with his arm tossing three touchdown passes to Justice Johnson, Gabe Ervin and Julien Lewis. Thanks to the work upfront by the offensive line led by Alabama commit Seth McLaughlin and fellow senior Malone VanGorder, Evans was able to stay clean and complete 7 of his 12 pass attempts totaling 139 yards. Evans has been efficient all year throwing for 9 scores to just 1 interception.

Buford will take on AAAAAAA Powerhouse Archer High School next Friday at Tom Riden Stadium in a non-conference match up at 7:30 p.m. The Tigers defeated Buford last year in a hard-fought game so the Wolves will look to settle the score. Come out and support your Buford Wolves!

Defensive standouts:

Tommy Beuglas: 4.0 tackles.

Jackson Powell: 4.0 tackles.

Jake Pope: INT

Mason McCranie: INT.

Offensive standouts:

Jarvis Evans: 7-12, 139 yds. 3 TD’s.

Elijah Turner: 130 yds. 2 TD’s.

Gabe Ervin: TD.

Justice Johnson: TD

Julien Lewis: TD.