BUFORD — Buford entered the 2025 flag football season with a clear objective: take a step forward as a developing program. Head coach Sean Gilbert said the goal was “to be a better, proficient team” after posting a winning record and reaching the first round of last year’s state playoffs.

The Wolves returned a core group of athletes who, according to Gilbert, “have been with the program since day one and have made tremendous strides for players who had never played the sport.” Younger athletes with youth-league experience added depth and energy, creating a roster that blended leadership with emerging talent.

Several players quickly met or exceeded preseason expectations. Gilbert described Braeleigh Wansley as a consistent receiver and defensive back who finished her career as the program’s all-time leader in receptions, yards, touchdowns and interceptions. Benny Okeleke, the career leader in sacks and pressures, developed into an improving pass rusher and reliable receiving option. Sarah Duran, this year’s leader in yards per reception and a three-year starter at receiver and corner, remained one of Buford’s most dependable offensive threats. Reagan Dollar became essential at center and recorded her second straight season with more than 50 catches.

Sophomore quarterback Mia Bouton, one of the few players with prior flag experience, was expected to anchor the offense and provide support at safety. She delivered on that role, finishing the season with 3,000 passing yards, a 60 percent completion rate, 39 touchdowns and 500 rushing yards.

A season that found its rhythm

Buford’s season began with the kind of spark coaches hope for. The Wolves came out fast against Chattahoochee, with Bouton confidently steering the offense and veterans like Duran, Dollar and Wansley setting an early tone. Two convincing wins out of the gate gave the team something it hadn’t always enjoyed in past years: momentum and belief.

The schedule tightened quickly, and midseason road tests revealed a team learning how to win in different ways. A defensive battle at Mountain View ended in a narrow Buford victory, and a split at Blessed Trinity showed both vulnerability and growth. After being shut out in the opener, the Wolves responded with one of their most resilient performances of the year against Mount Vernon, a game defined by Bouton’s 249 total yards and timely interceptions from Redmond and Wansley.

As region play began, Buford’s identity sharpened. The Wolves spread the ball efficiently in a win over Gainesville, then followed with a dominant shutout of Dacula. A decisive victory over Lanier pushed Buford to 2–0 in region play, even as a loss to Greater Atlanta Christian served as a reminder of how thin the margins can be.

Senior Night offered another snapshot of the team’s maturation as Buford defeated Mill Creek behind five touchdown passes from Bouton and contributions across the offense. Even in a loss to South Forsyth, players like Bryant continued to make defensive plays that reflected the roster’s overall development.

By season’s end, Gilbert’s early-season prediction had come to life. Buford no longer looked like a young program finding its footing,  it played with the composure, competitiveness and collective spirit of a team ready for a breakthrough.

Historic postseason run

In the most dramatic postseason performance in program history, Buford earned its first-ever playoff victories and advanced to the third round after defeating Cherokee and Greater Atlanta Christian in back-to-back games at GAC.

The Wolves opened the day with a marathon 20–19 win over Cherokee that stretched to 10 overtimes, ending when Dollar hauled in the game-winning point from Bouton. The defensive standoff remained scoreless through regulation and multiple extra frames before Buford finally broke through.

Buford regrouped quickly to face host GAC,  a team riding an 11-game streak of not allowing a touchdown. That streak ended almost immediately. The Wolves defeated the Spartans 18–14, with Bouton accounting for all three scores: touchdown passes to Wansley and Dollar, plus a rushing touchdown. Duran sealed the victory with a fourth-quarter interception.

Season ends in third round

With the sweep, Buford advanced to the third round of the GHSA state playoffs, where the Wolves fell to North Forsyth 13–6. Gilbert said the team closed out a strong season with a 14–9 record.

“We took some steps forward and will have big shoes to fill with our graduating seniors,” he said.

Gilbert said the senior class leaves a lasting mark on the program. He highlighted Wansley, Okeleke, Duran, Apolenis, a consistent performer at center and reliable receiver; Valeria Mata, a steady contributor on both offense and defense; Sascha Redmond, a starting cornerback whose season was cut short by injury; and Kylee Bryant, a first-year safety who saw significant playing time before illness ended her season.

“These seniors contributed greatly and will be missed,” Gilbert said.