Buford students, staff prepare for championship day

BUFORD - The old water tower along I-85 in Gwinnett County used to say "Excellence Lives Here."

A similar message could be posted outside Tom Riden Stadium where the Buford High School football team plays its home games.

The Wolves will go for their fourth straight state championship Friday at the Georgia Dome when they take on Calhoun High School in the Class-AA playoffs at 4:30pm.

But while the football players are doing the heavy lifting, students and faculty are getting excited, as well.

Even though the team will be going for its seventh state title in a decade, coach Jess Simpson says there's still a buzz around campus.

"I think there's a business-as-usual sense, but there's also a little bounce in folks' step," said Simpson. "People are really excited. Our fans are excited."

The football team will be dismissed early to make its way down to the dome, but the rest of the student body will get out at its normal time, unless they have plans to attend the game. In that case, Simpson said students will be allowed to check out at lunchtime if they are heading to Atlanta for the game.

"I imagine a big majority of the kids will be [checking out early]."

Simpson said there has only been one pep rally all season, and they don't plan any major event leading up to the game.

Buford is taking its second shot at tying the GHSA record of four straight state championships, set by the now-defunct West Rome High School from 1982-1985.

The Wolves won state titles from 2001-03, but lost to Charlton County in the 2004 championship game.

Buford then lost to Charlton the next two years, as well, falling in the third round of the playoffs in each season.

But the team has been the best in the state ever since.

It is undefeated in the Georgia Dome, and the school hopes that tomorrow's 35-mile trek back to school Friday night will be a happy one.

Simpson said, even though success has lived at Buford High the last ten years, the school does not seem to lose the enthusiasm.

"I think when it gets to this time of year, our folks do get a little more excited and a little more amped up."



NOTE: You can find the broadcast of the game on AM-550 WDUN and FM-102.9 WDUN starting at 4:00 pm. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30.