Football: Buford ranked No. 1 nationally among small schools
Buford’s football team is No. 1 in a national poll released Tuesday that ranks the best small-school teams in the country.
Calhoun, a program that Buford has the past two seasons in the Class AA final, is the only other Georgia team in the top 25 of MaxPreps’ small-school preseason top 25. Buford has won four straight championships in AA, Georgia’s second-lowest of five classifications. Buford’s enrollment last spring was 870. Class AA groups schools with enrollment of about 600 to 1,000 students.
Stephen Spiewak, who compiled the rankings, said Buford was an easy choice. Buford has several Division I recruits, including linebacker Dillon Lee (committed to Alabama), defensive backs C.J. Moore (Virginia) and Paris Head (Vanderbilt) and All-American lineman Vadal Alexander.
”In what was seemingly supposed to be a down year [in 2010], they rolled to AA state title,” Spiewak said. “They return an amazing amount of talent for a school their size. Key players returning, continuity in a coaching staff that has an amazing track record of consistency, riding a 12-game winning streak in which they’ve outscored opponents by an average of 30-plus points.”
Here are the rankings
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154 comments Add your comment
BLACKGOLD
July 31st, 2011
5:17 pm
wolfbait , if we had the size of Buford everyyear and spend the money you guys spent to lnfluence parents to allow their kids to play for BOOFORD we will be one a the best programs also , we small get some transfers cause a new jobs in the industry , play hard ,but 90% born and raised since rec ball …………….we will always be great contenders and will support OUR CANES faithfully and we know everything and everyone about our players, sorry you cant say the same ….win or lose we still PURPLE AND GOLD !!!!!!!! GO CANES
BLACKGOLD
July 31st, 2011
5:24 pm
Let me clear this up , we are one a the best programs , just dont highly RECRUIT
Buford
July 31st, 2011
5:33 pm
Okay! Everybody can shut up because Buford is actually going into 3A next coming year. They only have one more year in 2A football. And Buford excepts more than just athletes into their tuition program. They accept students who excell mentally and not only physically.
Northgaball
July 31st, 2011
9:06 pm
Someone earlier compared a team in Rome,GA(West Rome) to Buford.Well I can tell you one thing because I watched WR play their football in Rome and have also seen many,many games in Buford.Those teams in the 80’s in Rome would have killed Buford and there is no question about it.Men among boys from Rome back then! And someone else said Tutt,Greg Gordan,Larry Kennebrew played on a West Rome team,They did NOT! They played for East Rome in the late 70’s.They were not as good as the WR bunch from the 80’s that went 59-1 in 4 years and had a coke bottle made for them.
NGHS 09
July 31st, 2011
10:25 pm
Buford against Camden or Lowndes would be worth a 15 dollar gate price. I would pay to watch that on PPV. I think we can all agree that Buford wouldn’t be all high and mighty in AAAAA, BUT it is almost wasting their talent and success to not play the top tier programs in AAAAA atleast twice a year. Those would be some great matchups and it could possibly give Buford more respect around the state granted they win some of those. Either way they are the real deal and need to branch out to AAAA and AAAAA.
Oh and when players transfer to Buford to get more exposure from college scouts its common sense. Just think about it. I mean Ealey starts for UGA and played at ECI. Not fair but that’s life.
Willie B
July 31st, 2011
10:44 pm
Buford:
You accept more just than athletes in your tuition program?
Your joking right?
I know a family that tried to get their daughter into Buford a few years ago.
They kept putting her off and putting her off until they found out she could play softball.
They did not need her final transcript then.
I heard the principal worked on one family for three years before the child was high school age.
It is all about egotistical parents, coaches, and administrators.
Tell me this. Can a child be disqualified from playing a sport in another Gwinnett County School for grades, and then transfer to Buford and be eligible?
fred
August 1st, 2011
12:34 am
buford is a cult
fred
August 1st, 2011
12:36 am
we beat them bad in baseball last year goNGHS
AVikingFan
August 1st, 2011
12:05 pm
Just how much is the “tuition” required to enroll at Buford and who pays it for top notch athletes transferring there to play football? Just asking.
Buford
August 1st, 2011
1:16 pm
Bufrd tuition is only around $1,200 per semester, and with multiple kids it goes down. Plus, if you are a transfer student you are not eligible to play a varsity sport your first year. You have to wait exactly a year after you first transfered, in ANY sport, not just football. I’m not an athlete (a cheerleader) and I was excepted into Buford, and I live out of the district. And no, the coaches can’t play a student who has a failing grade. And the coach will suspend them from practices untill they bring up their grades. And usually the athletes parents pay for ther tuition. And if athletes can’t afford it and they are really committed than they will move into the district, and then they don’t have to wait a year to play on varsity. Buford doesn’t recruit eitheir, the athlethes come to us.
still
August 1st, 2011
1:56 pm
a small freakin’ little backwards City full of rednecks! You want to argue that point? Take a ride over there and look around.Trash with a little money.
BLACKGOLD
August 1st, 2011
6:31 pm
buford ,hands down its been all yours for year after year just like Valdosta…(back in the days ) everbody say yall should move up and next year you will to AAA and we will see, maybe Fitzgerald can contend for the title that we long for , how your li sons Calhoun look this year ? , win or lose im a Cane ,but we gonna be in the hunt this yaer also so dont never count 1AA (the strongest region in all south classifications) out , I would like to beat Buford before yall leave AA though……………good luck in 2011 to all and to all a good game
black1
August 1st, 2011
11:19 pm
buford, did the young lady from norcross sit out a year. I dont think she did or any other player they get!!!
Buford
August 2nd, 2011
8:07 am
Yes, Dexter Wood our head over sports will not allow ANYONE to play if they transfer to Buford they have to wait a year. But it’s only on a VARSITY sport. Unless they are a freshman, the rule only applies to upperclassmen who transfer. They can still practice with the team, and come to the games with the team, but they can not physically play untill they wait a year.
AVikingFan
August 2nd, 2011
11:45 am
“BUFORD — Thanks for the reply. Sounds mighty fair and above board to me. Congrats for the school’s success! Good luck this year. I admit, I was pulling for Calhoun in the Dome last year. It was a great game! As you could see, me pulling of Calhoun didn’t make a difference in the outcome! LOL. Didn’t help Colquitt either!
Upset
August 2nd, 2011
4:52 pm
Watch out for Lovett!!
WOLFBAIT67
August 2nd, 2011
6:20 pm
BLACKGOLD: you said it all when you said win or lose, you are still a Hurr….to paraphase Lewis Grizzard “I am Buford borned, Buford bred and when I die, I will be Buford dead…# 5 coming up…go Wolves
BLACKGOLD
August 2nd, 2011
7:12 pm
to all veiwing post aon ajc , its a sad day today ,having learned one a our player,upcoming junior OL died after practice at camp this morning, please send your prayer with the Searcy family as well as teammates to guide them through this rough time ,DJ was 16 and our coach Pruitt had to hospitalized for axiety attacks, a message to all players be safe and enjoy life while you are here cause we never know when it a be our time
black1
August 2nd, 2011
8:10 pm
thats a bunch of bull, answer my question! The young lady never say out a year!
Trojan94
August 2nd, 2011
10:02 pm
My prayers go out to students and families at fizgerald and l.grove high schools.
Caleb Powell
August 2nd, 2011
11:38 pm
Sweet! Who said money doesn’t talk! lol
bufordwolf19
August 2nd, 2011
11:50 pm
the girl from norcross kayla davis did not sit out because she moved into the district. just like she would have gotten to play anywhere else if she moved their, city school or not.
Stop Crying
August 3rd, 2011
9:16 am
Everybody’s playing illegal players, that’s why nobody gets punished for it.
Stop Crying
August 3rd, 2011
9:19 am
Buford essentially plays in a private school league and beats everybody around them. Westminster, Lovett, Blessed Trinity, Decatur and GAC get kids from all over. Sucks for the City schools they compete with, but I don’t hear the complaints about that. So stop crying.
wolfbait67
August 3rd, 2011
9:23 am
BLACKGOLD AND TO ALL HURRICANES FANS: we all talk our smack in jest but all our hearts and prayers go to your team, fans, and family during this time….words can not express our feelings when we lose one close to us and the community as this young man was…..another reason that fall sports crank it up to soon….
AVikingFan
August 3rd, 2011
10:06 am
Please everybody say a prayer for the two young men who died trying to entertain us old geezers and give us something to hassle each other about. It is indeed a sad day in the history of Georgia High School Football, and especially for Locust Grove and Fitzgerald.
Concerned HS parent
August 3rd, 2011
4:11 pm
prayers are with the families of both students…Buford scrimmages 4a and 5a playoff teams every year and they cant stay on the field with Buford.Granted they’re are scrimmages but they outclass Dacula and Clarke the last several years. others before that. Buford may not win every game if they played in 5A, but they would win most.They do have depth. Theit rising Seniors may be the best team they’ve ever put on the filed. Peachtree , you guys wouldn’t make it out of the first half against them. I’ve watched both teams for years and you don’t hold a candle to them. Sorry. Their coaching staff and facilities are superior. thats why kids want to play for them.
black1
August 3rd, 2011
4:41 pm
ok yeah right! When buford was in class A a while ago, they were not winning like that. They had to do something illegal. I remember when buford actually had players from their community. mexican and all
NGHS
August 3rd, 2011
8:52 pm
@Concerned HS Parent…Dacula is a .500 team at best and Clarke can’t go all the way in AAAA. Who cares if Buford beats them. I’ve seen my fair share of Buford games and i played the Ridge for 4 years. What are you talking about???? That was not logical at all. Peachtree Ridge had one down year in their brief existence, but have already done plenty to say what they want. Hide behind your trophies, but until then stop acting like you could hang with AAAAA Gwinnett teams. Grayson or North’s defense would stop any run game you could deliver. Look at the rushing yds allowed last season and tell me who you find at the top. I’ve been trying to give yal the benefit of the doubt but it’s just beating a dead horse now. I can’t wait for the day that happens (if ever) and we will all see your true colors. I grew up with many players of the 07 and 08 teams and i know exactly how Jess Simpson and his coaches do things. I know how the school works and i can’t believe that yal continure to lie. Maybe it’s just denial idk. You are the # 1 team in the USA and still nobody gives you respect. Go challenge the teams you claim that you would destroy. Until then i guess there is nothing more yal can say.
My prayers go out to the families and communities of the fallen boys of fall.
wolfbait67
August 3rd, 2011
9:01 pm
Enter your comments here
wolfbait67
August 3rd, 2011
9:09 pm
NGHS: I am sure that the Won 22, lost 4, and tied 1 does not figure into the equation of why the puppy dogs chose not to play Buford…Coach Squares won’t be able to toot his whistle as he loves to do after he leaves the field other than to say “Now that is why I do not want to play Buford”…………Buford would go farther in the 5AAAAA plalyoffs that nghs would go in 2AA….let them play Calhoun, Cook County, Fitzgerald, Charlton Co nty, Dublin, Jefferson.. among a few NGHS too would not be undefeated Got to give you credit though, in the last few years, you boys have stepped up.must be all the new people moving into the area…………..
berkmar
August 3rd, 2011
11:49 pm
@ from where i sit. buford will crush any team. it does not matter what team or class they are in. a team is a team.
cat doc
August 4th, 2011
6:50 am
all the state championships speak for themselves. Great job. My hat is off to Buford.
PeachCountyTrojanBlood
August 4th, 2011
8:17 am
I would love to see Buford play my Trojans…
4 Generations @ Buford
August 4th, 2011
1:50 pm
This kind of chatter is really funny! My Dad (1945) and my son (45 in a row) both played on undefeated Buford football teams! Anyone want to challenge that?
AVikingFan
August 4th, 2011
2:12 pm
berkmar, how bad did they “crush” Carver Columbus last year? Just asking?
Trojan94
August 4th, 2011
6:45 pm
I would love to see buford play carrollton
Trojan94
August 4th, 2011
6:56 pm
If you think buford can beat every team in georgia then how come they don’t they schedule top teams in AAA on a year in and year out basis that has just as much talent as they do and don’t give me that crap about the top AAA teams not wanting to play them.
Donny in Suwanee
August 4th, 2011
8:06 pm
If Buford recruited, as some of you ignorant posters assert, then GHSA would investigate and people would be fired. I’ve been in the school business for almost 30 years and I’ve taught at small schools and large schools. Buford isn’t doing anything that any other school system in Georgia could do, if they had the gumption to. Kids are the direct beneficiary of the Buford machine. Get a life people! Buford is one of the best high schools in Georgia. They won 5 state titles last year, including the AA title in Literary (Arts and Academics.) They offer something for everyone, and their teachers work hard to carry on the winning tradition. Wouldn’t you try to send your child to a place like that if you could? That’s what I thought. Envy and jealousy are ugly things. Let it go.
Pete
August 4th, 2011
9:31 pm
Donny in Suwanee .. So you think it would be good if other districts allowed people to pay $2,000 and go to what ever school they wanted? Is that what you would recommend.
piodol
August 5th, 2011
11:24 am
Buford vs. Glades Central or Pahokee could be a great GA-FL rivalry. Or at least Madison County. None of the three Florida schools recruits but they always have speed.
AVikingFan
August 5th, 2011
11:58 am
Good post DONNY IN SUWANEE. You know the season’s getting close when folks start criticizng Buford, Stephenson, Camden County (oops that hasn’t started yet but it will!) and inner city bands from Atlanta.
As far as folks wanting their children to go to Buford, it was that way for years with Valdosta. It’s that way now in Colquitt County also. (5 transfers in this year). Winners learn to take criticism.
In a week or so people will start talking about the new season. It’s getting close. Heck it won’t be long before the EP folks start dominating the blogs. I’m looking forward to hearing Tick Tick Boom again!
NGHS
August 5th, 2011
4:28 pm
wolfbait67…the last five years is all NGHS fans care about and talk about now. Just like everyone keeps talking about Buford’s past five years. I find it comical that you think we would get beat in AA, truly funny. Buford does not have a clue what it is like to play in AAAAA. I just can’t understand why all of you preach to everyone about how you would kill everyone. Put your money where your mouth is or shut up. I never said Buford would lose every game or get killed by anyone in AAAAA. If anything i have stood by the national ranking and i still would love to see yal match up against AAAAA’s best. The scheduling issue is not losing to a AA program and coaches might be embarrassed anymore. If Buford could do all these things people claim, then no coach would feel embarrassment losing to the all mighty Buford. I really think alot of fans don’t really know what they are talking about quite frankly. I’ve been around Buford for 13 years and i know/knew many of the players and students who went there. My best friend in 8th grade was contacted by Buford four weeks before classes ended about playing football @ Buford. I have witnessed what all of you claim to be outlandish and incorrect. My coaches @ NGHS knew, but coaches don’t rat other coaches out. This is saddening that people continue to defend what they do not truly know about. Say what you want about NGHS, we are free whenever you are. Just hop over Highway 20 and come get some.
rwdekalb
August 5th, 2011
7:22 pm
Someone on here mentioned Marist and the success they have had playing up in AAAA. I suspect Buford would have very similar success of Marist. They would average 9 or 10 wins per year, always be a contender for title and win a title about once every 4 or 5 years. Kudos to Marist for playing up the way they do. It sort of offsets the same criticism they get of recruiting.
rwdekalb
August 5th, 2011
7:27 pm
And another thing. Marist has great succes but they rarely have the incredibly huge lineman that Buford always seems to have. The War Eagles are well coached and back down from no one.
Championship Game
August 7th, 2011
9:02 am
Enter your comments here
AA Schools Significant Enrollment Difference
August 7th, 2011
9:08 am
Can’t compare states based on the number of A(s) they have in each classification. For example, comparing a Georgia AA school to a Texas AA school takes a little understanding. Georgia AA enrollments goes to 1,000 students; Texas AA schools go to an enrollment of less than 500. Can’t compare states based on how many A(s) they have….you must use their enrollment numbers. That’s one reason Buford beating a Texas school with more A(s) a few years ago wasn’t that big of deal….the schools were nearly the same in enrollment numbers.
Jon
August 7th, 2011
8:11 pm
These arguments are truly stupid. If Buford recruits the best players in Gwinnett County or state as some have said, in theory they would beat whomever they played. Again, if Buford recruits the best players and played up in classification, it would win there too. You guys are complete idiots.
ga boy
August 20th, 2011
6:04 pm
All I can say is hey they have kids containing great character,physical,and mental preparedness. I wish the community that I dwell in had the bright coaches they employ. Simpson and his coodinators mixes up the offense attack well by balancing the pass and run, plus the defense plays assignment football with blitzes and stunts. I believe my city has those kids the coaches may need to recruit in the school’s lunch room.
Buford RN
August 27th, 2011
2:10 am
Buford just wiped out AAA Gainesville 49-0 tonight, so there!!! AAA or AA we are number 1!!!!