Milton Edges Buford in Season Opener Showdown
In Milton, Georgia, a highly anticipated showdown between the state’s top two high school football teams, No. 1 Milton and No. 2 Buford, unfolded on Friday night. The game lived up to its expectations, with the Eagles narrowly defeating the Wolves 13-10 in a contest that showcased impressive defensive efforts from both teams.
Milton took the first half lead, heading into halftime with a 7-0 advantage. However, the contest was interrupted by thunderstorms, causing a delay of more than two hours. When play resumed, Buford’s defensive lineman Bryce Perry-Wright managed to score a safety, marking the Wolves’ first points of the night. This was soon followed by a touchdown from CJ Wiley, who caught a 17-yard pass from quarterback Luke Nickel to extend Milton’s lead to 13-2 at the end of the third quarter.
As the fourth quarter progressed, the Wolves fought back valiantly. A touchdown from running back Ethan Ervin and a successful two-point conversion brought the score to 13-10, but Milton’s defense held strong, ensuring their victory.
CJ Wiley, a four-star senior and a commitment to Florida State, stood out with seven receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. His performance exemplified why he is regarded as one of the best wide receivers in the nation. Despite the challenges posed by Buford’s tenacious defense, Wiley consistently made significant plays throughout the game.
On the other side, Buford’s offense struggled. Quarterback Dayton Raiola, a first-year starter, threw for only 92 yards against a dominant Milton defense. The Wolves’ running game was mostly carried by Justin Baker and Ethan Ervin, who combined for a respectable 111 yards on 25 carries.
The testing nature of this game raises questions about Buford’s offensive identity as they look to bounce back in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Milton’s victory confirms their position as the state’s top team as they continue their campaign to reclaim the state championship after winning it last season in Class 7A.
As the high school football season progresses, both teams will be looking to regroup and refine their strategies to make a strong push for the playoffs.
