In just his 5th game as head coach of the Buford Wolves, Bryant Appling had to make a tough decision after the Wolves scored in overtime to cut the Archer lead to one point. Coach Appling had to decide whether to kick the PAT to force another overtime period which would put a tired, beaten-up defense back on the field to defend the end zone, or go for the win with a two-point conversion try. Going with his gut, Coach Appling dialed up “40 Durden”, a play named in memory of the late Devin Durden (son of legendary Lady Wolves Head Basketball Coach Gene Durden), and Junior quarterback Jarvis Evans was able to connect with Treyton Rank in the back of the end zone securing a Wolves (5-0) victory in front of a raucous home crowd at Tom Riden Stadium.

Looking to avenge a 48-24 loss to the Archer Tigers last season, the Buford Wolves came out focused and ready to take on a fast, physical and disciplined Tigers football team. Archer came out swinging scoring 14 quick points as the Buford offense was slow to get rolling. The tide would turn in the second quarter when Malik Cunningham was able to recover a fumble near Archer territory, and Junior tailback Gabe Ervin (123 yds, 16 attempts) was able to put the Wolves on the board after a steady dose of “ground and pound” football. Later in the second quarter, T Lee (Sr.) was able to find the end zone on a 50-yard punt return that was set up by a great punt from Hayden Olsen who pinned the Tigers deep in their own territory followed by an impressive stand from the Wolves defense forcing the punt.

The second half started with a bang as the Wolves recovered a fumble after a failed Tigers reverse on the kick off for a scoop and score to take the lead 21-14 in the third quarter. Both defenses would be stingy the rest of the way, and it took a few late penalties on the final drive to put the Tigers in the red zone, and they would eventually score with 10 seconds left in the game forcing overtime. Archer would start the overtime period with the football and would score quickly to take the lead 28-21. Two fourth down conversions would add to the drama for the Wolves, and Wolves would find the end zone to cut the lead to one point, 28-27. Coach Appling originally sent out the kicking team to attempt the PAT to force another overtime period, but a cramping Archer defender would allow the coaching staff precious time to make the decision to go for two. “40 Durden” was executed to perfection and the Wolves would crush the hopes of the Archer Tigers avenging the loss from a season ago.

Buford will start region play next Friday at Johnson High School at 7:30 p.m. Wolves fans are encouraged to make the short trip up 985 to support your undefeated Buford Wolves football team. Go Wolves!