BUFORD, Ga. — Two unbeaten teams, two national rankings and a Thursday night under the lights at Phillip Beard Stadium. Buford's early-season schedule brings another marquee matchup home this week as the Wolves welcome Miami Central of Florida for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff on September 10.
Buford enters ranked No. 5 in the MaxPreps Top 25, while Miami Central checks in at No. 21. Both programs are 2-0, giving Thursday's meeting a place among the week's notable national matchups and giving the Wolves an opportunity to add a ranked victory to their start.
For Buford, the game continues a demanding opening stretch. The Wolves began with a 39-19 win over Gainesville before heading to North Carolina and defeating Mallard Creek 41-7. Now, less than a week after that road trip, they return to their home crowd to face another opponent from beyond Georgia's borders.
The Wolves have won 17 consecutive games dating back to the beginning of their undefeated 2025 state championship season. Thursday offers a chance to extend that streak to 18 and move to 3-0 ahead of next week's trip to Grayson.
Buford earned its latest victory with a defensive performance that changed the game well before halftime. Four first-half takeaways became four touchdowns at Mallard Creek, helping the Wolves build a 34-7 lead at the break.
Jameer Cantrell returned two fumbles for touchdowns, Ethan Hauser added a fumble return for a score, and Jewlyan Dillard brought an interception back to the end zone. Cantrell later caught a 27-yard touchdown pass from D.J. Hunter, finishing the night with three touchdowns across offense and defense.
Evan Griffeth added field goals from 30 and 47 yards. Buford also held Mallard Creek scoreless in the second half and committed just two penalties, pairing its biggest plays with a disciplined finish.
That win brings the Wolves home with contributions to build on across the team. Three different defenders reached the end zone, the kicking game supplied six points on field goals, and the offense added a third-quarter touchdown to extend the lead.
Miami Central arrives following a 43-7 victory over St. Brendan. The Rockets' unbeaten record and No. 21 national ranking add another strong opponent to a Buford schedule that has already taken the Wolves through an in-state opener and an interstate road game.
With both teams inside the MaxPreps Top 25, the result will carry interest beyond their home states. For Buford, it is also a chance to earn a second home victory and give its fans their first look at the Wolves since the August 22 opener.
Thursday's contest begins a stretch of three straight weeks of football for Buford. After hosting Miami Central, the Wolves visit Grayson on September 18 and open region play at Seckinger on September 25.
