Jones County’s season comes to end at Buford

Jones County had no answer for Buford’s lethal rushing attack, which collected more than 250 yards Friday night in the GHSA Class 5A playoffs. The Greyhounds were faced with an uphill battle and fell 56-26.

Jones County made the trip 123 miles north to Tom Riden Stadium to play one of the state’s most successful programs that held a 30-game home winning streak in the playoffs.

Jones County opened the playoffs with a 39-15 first-round win over Wayne County, but Buford’s offensive discipline and stifling defense proved to be a mismatch for Jones County.

Jones County found offensive momentum in the latter stages of the game, but it was too late. The Greyhounds finished with eight victories in a successful third-season for head coach Justin Rogers.

Four who mattered

Nick Singleton: The senior has now concluded his tenure, but Singleton made sure to do everything in his power to keep the Greyhounds within distance. Singleton had a statistic in every offensive category, highlighted by 68 receiving yards and a touchdown. Singleton was one of the few players who shined for Jones County in its playoff exit, and he made sure his final game was a memorable one.

Drake Bolus: The Greyhounds received a solid performance in the second half from Bolus, and they have him in the backfield for another season. As an answer to Buford’s rushing frenzy, the junior quietly posted 73 yards on 15 carries after the Jones County offense started to gain momentum.

Christian Turner and Anthony Grant: Buford’s offensive game plan is run-focused, and it was on display yet again Friday. Turner saw significant action as a member of the Wolves’ backfield tandem and posted some staggering numbers. The junior had 17 carries, collected 110 yards and scored four occasions. Buford, which didn’t attempt a pass in the second half, proved yet again that its heavy reliance on the running game can be successful. Grant backed up Turner’s performance with 107 yards rushing.

Observations

Just too powerful: Jones County was worn down by the Buford rushing attack as the Wolves combined for 286 yards. Grant and Turner, two highly regarded college prospects, piled up numerous short runs before wearing the Greyhounds down and breaking off bigger runs.

Turnovers costly: Buford is a team that will capitalize mistake made by its opposition, and the Wolves did so against Jones County. Two forced fumbles gave Buford favorable field position and made the deficit too large as the Greyhounds were trying to make their way back after having to play uphill.

They said it

Jones County quarterback Bradley Hunnicutt on preparation ahead of game: “We had good preparation and a good week of practice. After coming off of the big win over Wayne County, we had plenty of confidence. Buford was just smart, making us play another down offensively.”

Rogers on the defensive struggles: “We needed to try and win first down, and we didn’t do a good job with that. They overpowered us in the trenches with the run game. We must do a better job with getting bigger so we can hold them up and get them off of the field.”

Rogers on his departing senior class: “I can’t say enough about them, they’re great guys. They’ll be tied for the winningest class in school history, and they’re good kids. As they’ve left a legacy, they’ll be missed and hard to replace.”

This story was originally published November 18, 2016 at 10:02 PM with the headline "Jones County’s season comes to end at Buford."