The Buford (GA) varsity football team will host Carrollton (GA) in a home playoff game today at 7:30 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets for GHSA Class 6A.
Carrollton vs Buford Football Game Info:
What: Georgia High School Football
Who: Carrollton vs Buford
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: Carrollton vs Buford
As the 2024 GHSA Football State Championship approaches, two powerhouse teams — Carrollton and Buford — are set to clash in what promises to be an unforgettable battle for the title. Both teams have proven their dominance throughout the season, boasting remarkable records and impressive performances. Let’s take a closer look at each team’s journey to the championship game and compare their strengths heading into this highly anticipated matchup.
Carrollton: Perfect Season and Unstoppable Force
Record Breakdown:
- Overall Record: 13-0
- Region Record: 4-0
- Home Record: 9-0
- Away Record: 4-0
- Playoff Record: 3-0
Carrollton has been a juggernaut throughout the 2024 season, finishing undefeated with a perfect 13-0 record. The Trojans have dominated both at home and away, showing resilience and skill in every game. Their high-octane offense, averaging 47.5 points per game, has been a major driving force behind their success. The Trojans excel in both rushing and passing, with Kimauri Farmer leading the team with 90.3 rushing yards per game, and Julian Lewis showing his brilliance in the air with 251.7 passing yards per game.
Key Players:
- Kimauri Farmer (RB): 90.3 rushing yards per game
- Julian Lewis (QB): 251.7 passing yards per game
- Peyton Zachary (WR): 63.2 receiving yards per game
- Kimauri Farmer (Points): 10.2 points per game
The Trojans’ defense has also been stellar, holding opponents to just 176 points throughout the season. They have demonstrated a balanced attack, but it is their explosive offense that has led them to this point. Carrollton enters the state championship with a momentum that’s hard to ignore.
Buford: The Gritty Contender
Record Breakdown:
- Overall Record: 12-1
- Region Record: 6-0
- Home Record: 6-0
- Away Record: 5-1
- Playoff Record: 3-0
Buford, though with a single loss on the season, has been nothing short of dominant. The Wolves are known for their relentless play and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. With a 12-1 record, they come into the state championship game with a 9-0 record in Georgia-based matchups and a solid playoff performance of 3-0.
Buford’s offense has been potent, scoring an average of 39.6 points per game. Justin Baker has been a standout on the ground with 75.4 rushing yards per game, and Dayton Raiola has been a key figure in the passing game, averaging 138.2 passing yards per game. Buford’s defense, led by Aaron Holloway with 5.9 tackles per game and Bryce Perry-Wright with 0.8 sacks per game, has been aggressive in containing opposing offenses.
Key Players:
- Justin Baker (RB): 75.4 rushing yards per game
- Dayton Raiola (QB): 138.2 passing yards per game
- Jordan Allen (WR): 61.0 receiving yards per game
- Aaron Holloway (Tackles): 5.9 tackles per game
Buford’s defense has allowed just 130 points all season, demonstrating their ability to shut down opposing teams and control the pace of the game. With their combination of offensive power and defensive strength, Buford is more than capable of challenging Carrollton for the state championship.
Comparing the Teams
Here’s a statistical comparison of both teams across key categories:
| Category | Carrollton | Buford |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 151.4 | 234.7 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 271.3 | 152.4 |
| Receiving Yards Per Game | 271.4 | 136.8 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 422.7 | 387.1 |
| Tackles Per Game | – | 57.3 |
| Sacks Per Game | – | 2.4 |
| Points Per Game | 46.8 | 26.6 |
As we can see, Carrollton excels in passing and overall total yards per game, while Buford dominates the ground game with significantly more rushing yards per game. This matchup is a true battle of contrasting styles, with Carrollton’s high-powered offense facing Buford’s physical rushing attack.
Common Opponents: Who Came Out on Top?
Both teams faced off against similar opponents during the season, and each came out with perfect records in those matchups. Here’s a look at how the two teams fared against common opponents:
| Opponent | Carrollton Result | Buford Result |
|---|---|---|
| East Coweta | Carrollton 63-10 | Buford 57-9 |
| Douglas County | Carrollton 49-28 | Buford 31-14 |
| Dacula | Carrollton 46-7 | Buford 40-14 |
Both teams secured commanding victories against all common opponents, indicating their dominance in the region.
The State Championship Outlook
With Carrollton’s explosive passing game and Buford’s relentless rushing attack, this state championship promises to be a thrilling contest. Carrollton has shown they can score at will, but Buford’s ability to control the clock with a potent running game could be a difference-maker. Both teams have proven they can shut down high-quality opponents, and this matchup will likely come down to who can execute their game plan more effectively on the big stage.
The 2024 GHSA Football State Championship will feature two teams with contrasting styles, but both have the skill, determination, and talent to claim the title. Carrollton’s perfect record and offensive firepower meet Buford’s gritty defense and dominating ground game in a battle that football fans won’t want to miss.
Who will rise to the occasion and claim the coveted state championship trophy? Time will tell.
