Gwinnett Daily Post

BUFORD at BLESSED TRINITY

Buford Wolves (6-AA)

Coach: Jess Simpson

2010 record: 14-1

Blessed Trinity Titans (6-AA)

Coach: Tim McFarlin

2010 record: 6-4

OUTLOOK

When Avondale High School shut down in May, that left defending Class AA state champion Buford searching for a 10th opponent this season. With schedules locked in a two-year cycle, there weren't many options for the Wolves. Blessed Trinity is another member of Region 6-AA that was also affected by the loss of Avondale, leaving the two schools to meet tonight a week before the regular season normally starts in a non-region game.

"We're going straight from camp to a scrimmage to our first game," Buford coach Jess Simpson said. "We're going eight weeks before we have an off week. There's a good side and downside to it."

It will be the first game for Tim McFarlin as Blessed Trinity's head coach. McFarlin was the head coach at Roswell from 1998-2007 and he won a share of the 2006 Class AAAAA state title there.

"With Tim there they look different scheme-wise," Simpson said. "He's already put his stamp on the program. They've got some nice personnel."

Buford played Class AAAA's Clarke Central in a scrimmage last week and Simpson was pleased with the defense's ability to stop the run. The offense showed some early-season miscues, but Simpson is confident they can be fixed. Defensive back/running back C.J. Moore, a Virginia commitment was one of several players who stood out in the scrimmage.

"He had a few runs, but man was he explosive," Simpson said.

Last meeting: Buford won 21-0 in 2009

Directions to Blessed Trinity School: I-85 South to Jimmy Carter Boulevard exit, turn right and proceed on Jimmy Carter until it becomes Holcomb Bridge Road. After crossing Highway 400, the school is 4.3 miles on the left behind Home Depot.