We tell you everything you need to know about the 2025 Buford High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Wolves this season.
2024 Season Stats
- Overall Record: 12-2
- Points Scored: 532
- Points Allowed: 160
Key Roster Losses
Buford lost some top talent from last year’s 12-win squad, including its top three receivers in athlete Jordan Allen, who led the team in receiving last year; second-leading receiver Sam Harkness; and Kyle Carpenter, the third-best receiver.
Buford also lost last year’s two leading rushers in Justin Baker and Ethan Irvin, who combined to rush for 21 TDs in 2024.
Defensively, the Wolves lost their three leading tacklers from a year ago with the graduation of linebackers AJ Holoway, Kenyon Rivera, and Mantrez Walker. The three combined for 177 tackles in 2024.
The heart and soul of the Wolves will be missed in the locker room and on the field with the loss of Jadon Perlotte. A pure menace of a linebacker-safety hybrid defender, Perlotte was special, and he’ll show that at the University of Tennessee, where he committed to last year.
Cornerback and safety Chris Garland will also be missed. He was second in interceptions last season.
Defensive lineman James Morrow transferred to IMG Academy in the offseason.
Key Players Returning
The Wolves lost a lot, but in one player they’ll get a lot of talent returning with senior Tyriq “Ty Boogie” Green. He has 1,519 yards rushing and 21 TDs over the past three seasons combined. He’ll also contribute as a receiver and as a defensive back this season. He had five interceptions last year, including an interception returned for a TD. He’ll return kickoffs and punts.
Senior quarterback Dayton Raiola returns for his second season to lead the Buford offense. He passed for 1,953 yards and 19 TDs with just three interceptions in 2024.
The defense returns one of the best defensive linemen in the state in Bryce Perry-Wright. The senior led the team with nine sacks last year and 57 tackles.
Senior linebacker Deion Miller also returns.
What to Expect From the Buford Wolves in 2025
It’s not that unusual for Buford to both lose and return a lot of talent. There’s simply a big roster of players who roll through the Buford program.
That said, head coach Bryant Appling’s team enters the 2025 season without some major playmakers from last year’s team.
This could be the year that you see some new faces emerge from Buford’s freshman and sophomore classes. They have some serious talent coming up.
Either way, the Buford Wolves will put their best foot forward as they debut their beautiful, new home, Dexter Wood Field at Phillip Beard Stadium.
2025 Season Prediction
Buford will go 12-2 in 2025.
Game to Watch
Season-opener on Aug. 14 versus Milton
