The Buford (GA) varsity football team is hosting North Gwinnett (Suwanee, GA) for their home playoff game. This matchup is part of the “2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA – Class 6A” tournament.

Buford vs North Gwinnett Game Info:

What: Georgia High School Football Playoffs
Who: Buford vs North Gwinnett
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA – Class 6A
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Buford vs North Gwinnett

As the high school football season enters its final stretch, two of Georgia’s most dominant teams, North Gwinnett and Buford, continue to make their mark with impressive records and standout performances. Both teams have been near perfect this season, boasting near-perfect win percentages, strong offensive outputs, and stellar defenses. Here’s a detailed look at how these two powerhouse programs stack up against one another.

Team Records and Rankings

North Gwinnett is currently ranked 50th nationally, 8th in Georgia, and 5th in its class with an undefeated record of 12-0. The team’s dominance is apparent both in-region and out, with a perfect 7-0 record in region play and an impressive 6-0 at home. Their scoring is prolific, with an average of 38.2 points per game, and a defense that allows only 150 points all season.

Buford, on the other hand, is ranked 11th nationally, 2nd in Georgia, and 1st in its class, with a stellar 11-1 record. Their lone loss came against a tough opponent, but they have remained flawless in region play, finishing with a 6-0 record. Like North Gwinnett, they have been dominant at home (5-0) and on the road (5-1), averaging 39.3 points per game, with just 123 points allowed.

Scoring and Offensive Statistics

Both teams excel at scoring, with Buford edging out North Gwinnett by a slim margin. Buford averages 39.3 points per game, while North Gwinnett puts up 38.2 points per game.

In the first quarter, North Gwinnett has a slight edge, averaging 11.2 points compared to Buford’s 12.1. However, Buford’s scoring in the final quarter (8.0 points) surpasses North Gwinnett’s 4.6, showing their ability to close games strong.

When it comes to total yards, Buford holds a slight advantage, averaging 391.3 yards per game compared to North Gwinnett’s 371.7. Buford also has a higher average in rushing yards per game, with 232.9, compared to North Gwinnett’s 210.4. Both teams, however, are highly efficient with their passing games, with North Gwinnett averaging 161.3 passing yards per game and Buford at 158.4.

Key Players

North Gwinnett’s standout player is running back Tommy Lafayette, who leads the team with 88.7 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Ryan Hall is another key contributor, averaging 154.3 passing yards per game, and 199.3 total yards per game. Erik Ronning is the team’s leading receiver with 51.1 yards per game, while Jake Godfree leads the defense with 9.8 tackles per game.

Buford’s offense is led by running back Justin Baker, who averages 74.1 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Dayton Raiola is a major contributor, averaging 143.1 passing yards and 149.0 total yards per game. Wide receiver Jordan Allen leads the receiving corps with 64.3 yards per game, while linebacker Aaron “AJ” Holloway anchors the defense with 5.8 tackles per game.

Common Opponents

Both North Gwinnett and Buford faced off against Mill Creek this season, and both teams came away victorious. North Gwinnett won a tight game 37-34 on September 6, while Buford dominated in a 32-7 win on November 1. This shared victory further highlights the strength of both programs.

Head-to-Head and Record Breakdown

Looking at the overall records, both teams have excelled in region play, with North Gwinnett finishing undefeated in its region (7-0) and Buford posting a 6-0 record in region competition. They have similarly strong home and away records, but Buford’s slightly higher point differential (472 for Buford vs. 458 for North Gwinnett) and stronger rushing game give them a slight edge in overall statistics.

North Gwinnett:

• Overall: 12-0
• Region: 7-0
• Home: 6-0
• Away: 6-0
• Points Per Game: 38.2

Buford:

• Overall: 11-1
• Region: 6-0
• Home: 5-0
• Away: 5-1
• Points Per Game: 39.3

Conclusion

North Gwinnett and Buford are two of the top high school football teams in Georgia, and their clash, should it happen in the playoffs, promises to be a thrilling encounter. With elite players on both sides, the game could come down to small details like special teams, turnovers, and clutch performances in the fourth quarter. Both teams are ready for a deep playoff run, and as they continue their dominant seasons, fans can expect even more exciting football to come.