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Bad blood runs through the veins of rivalries and the air is so thick you can slice through it with a knife. These communities, while close in proximty and cordial during the day, do not like each other at all on at least one Friday night every Fall. That is the the atmosphere you will find this week in the tiny town of Buford, SC with a population of over just 700 people, as the 8-1 Yellow Jackets host the 7-2 Andrew Jackson Volunteers for the Class 2A Region Crown.
The Game: There is some history here and these two teams don’t like one another. The Yellow Jackets played for a State title in the early nineties under then head coach Earnie Hughes prior to his leaving for Lugoff-Elgin. His successor, Phil Williams had some success making it to the semi and quarter finals during his time there. Andrew Jackson and Buford slam danced once a year back then and then head coach Andy Tweito led the Volunteers to the 2A State runner up in 1990. There is a storied and proud history for each of these programs and it is good for high school football to see them both having success again.
Buford: The Jackets have fought to an 8-1 record this year,losing only to Central. This is a well coached foorball team and while they may not out-athlete anyone, they will execute and will not lose because they are out of position. They run multiple set offense, a lot with H-back and 2 tight end sets and will split wide with a single back as well. They have a solid QB in senior Brody Sanders who makes the wheels on the bus go round and round. He can run the
ball, he is moble and can extend plays, and he can throw the ball down field. He has 1,486 yards passing this season and 454 yards rushing. Defensively, they are aggressive and are strong on the edge and at linebacker, where Kaden Sapp operates. Sapp also doubles as an H-back on offense. He’s one of the most physical players on the defense. DB Jamie Hough has 6 interceptions on the season.
Andrew Jackson: The Volunteers are 7-2 with losses to two very good football teams in Fairfield Central and an overtime loss to Crestwood. The strength of their offensei is their offensive line anchored by Brooks Horton and their ground game led by one of the best junior running backs in the state, Trey Thompson. Defensively, they are dangerous with linebacker Fuller Sims leading the way. Cullen Usery
has six interceptions on the year from his secondary position.
The Breakdown: Buford is well coached enough to make this a game through the first half. But their depth is going to hurt them and I’m not certain that their defense can stop the ground game of the Volunteers. AJ can throw the ball, as well and WR
could be a key factor in this game.
My Pick: Andrew Jackson
