Buford Escapes Past Miami Central in Tight Contest between National Powerhouses

Georgia-based Buford got the job done against Florida's Miami Central as five-star Jalen Brewster made his Wolves debut.

The Buford football team went 15-0, captured its 15th GHSA state title in school history and was crowned national champion last season. | Cecil Copeland/SBLive

On Thursday night, Georgia-based Buford hosted Florida's Miami Central in a battle of nationally ranked powerhouses. However, it was a tight contest as the Wolves got the job done for the 18-7 victory to remain unbeaten and hand the Rockets their first loss of the season.

Buford's offense got going very early on their first possession, which resulted in a 29-yard rushing touchdown by 2027 three-star cornerback Silas Nuckles.

James Madison commit DJ Hunter led the passing attack for the Wolves, throwing for 100 yards and a touchdown. With the score tied at 7-7 in the third quarter, Hunter connected with tight end Owen Muraski for a red zone score that put Buford ahead.

RIght before the half, Miami Central tied it up at 7-7 thanks to a four-yard keeper by 3-star quarterback and Pitt commit James Perrone. Perrone went 8-of-20 for 140 passing yards on the night.

However, the Wolves defense stepped up when it mattered most, and they had a special new addition in five-star Jalen Brewster. Brewster made his presence known with a sack and a fumble recovery for Buford.

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FINAL
Buford 18, Miami Central 7

Buford gets one last stop on defense as they come through with the victory.

Rockets get bailed out by a DPI, but then Jalen Brewster comes through with the sack and a loss of 13 yards.

Miami Central goes for it on 4th and 12, and they're able to convert, moving the ball to the Buford 40. Over two minutes left.

Buford had a chance to take a 21-7 lead, but they missed the field goal. Miami Central takes over with under five minutes remaining.

On 4th and 7 at the Buford 27, the Wolves bring the blitz and take down Perrone at the 43, before a fumble is recovered at the 46. Turnover on downs. Big stop.

Central's Nino Joseph breaks off an explosive run of 40 yards down to the Buford 40.

END OF 3RD QUARTER
Buford 18, Miami Central 7

FIELD GOAL! Buford converts on a 35-yard field goal, as they lead 18-7 with 41 seconds left in the third.

Buford runs a successful play-action rollout play that sets them up at the Rockets six-yard-line.

Miami Central went for it on fourth down just past midfield, but Beck Brosius came away with the stop for Buford.

TOUCHDOWN! Wolves quarterback DJ Hunter connects with Owen Muraski for a seven-yard score. 2-point conversion good, as Buford leads 15-7 with 6:02 left in the third quarter.

Buford keeps moving the chains as a 15-yard personal foul call on Miami Central certainly helped.

After a holding call on third down, Ace Thomas catches a screen pass and is able to pick up the first down.

Second half is now underway as Buford will start at the 10-yard-line after a penalty on the kick return.

HALFTIME
Miami Central 7, Buford 7

Miami Central attempted to move the ball near midfield but time ran out, ending the half.

Jameer Cantrell comes through with a big run up to midfield for Buford. The Wolves eventually attempt to go for it on 4th and 2, but a false start penalty moves them back five yards and they punt.

TOUCHDOWN! Perrone walks into the end zone on a read option from four yards out. Miami Central ties it up at 7-7 with 5:03 left in the first half.

Miami Central running back Nino Joseph picks up nine yards, followed by 12 yards to set the team up at the Buford 3.

Buford is unable to move the ball in their own territory, resulting in a three-and-out and a punt.

Perrone connects with Sean Thompson to get into Wolves territory, but then they have to punt from the Buford 36.

END OF 1ST QUARTER
Buford 7, Miami Central 0

Buford attempted a field goal to go up two scores, but it's no good. Miami Central takes over.

Buford's defense gets a takeaway as their new addition Jalen Brewster recovers a fumble at the Miami Central 30.

Buford attempts two runs that go nowhere, with an incomplete pass resulting in a three-and-out.

However, Perrone gets sacked on 3rd and 11, resulting in a punt for the Rockets.

On 3rd down, Miami Central quarterback James Perrone throws a bubble screen to the right that results in a 10-yard gain.

TOUCHDOWN! Silas Nuckles runs outside to the left for a 29-yard score for the Wolves. Buford leads 7-0 with 9:08 left in the first quarter.

Buford has won the coin toss and deferred to the second half. Miami Central will receive to start the game.

15 minutes until kickoff.

30 minutes until kickoff.

45 minutes until kickoff.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET

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Preview

Who: Miami Central (FL) vs. Buford (GA)
When: Thursday, Sept. 10 - 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Philip Beard Stadium in Buford, GA

Miami Central Off to a Strong Start

Miami Central (2-0) is coming off a dominant 43-7 victory over St. Brendan one week ago. The Rockets also prevailed 23-22 over Orange Lutheran in the season opener.

Miami Central's offense is led by senior quarterback James Perrone, a three-star recruit who is committed to Pittsburgh. In the Orange Lutheran game, Perrone completed passes to nine different receivers for 180 yards. He also rushed for 70 yards on six carries and a game-winning 40-yard touchdown run in the last 30 seconds.

Also powering the Rockets offense is senior running back Nino Joseph, who rushed for 106 yards and a TD in last week's win. Joseph has received offers from Power 5 schools such as FIU, Florida Atlantic, Appalachian State, Pittsburgh, and Purdue.

Other college commits on Central's roster include wide receiver James Robinson Jr. (UCF), along with cornerbacks T'ari Miller (Missouri), Trezavant Boyd (Illinois), and Avier Jordan (Jacksonville State).

Buford Looks to Defend Its Title

Meanwhile, Buford (2-0) is coming off a strong 2025 season where they claimed the Georgia Class 6A state championship. The Wolves began 2026 with impressive wins over Gainesville and Mallard Creek (NC).

Buford prevailed 41-7 against Mallard Creek in a game where it was over before halftime. The Wolves led 34-7, and they didn't even need an offensive touchdown. Senior Jameer Cantrell came through on defense by returning two fumbles for 31- and 35-yard TDs and intercepting a pass. Cantrell also had a 27-yard touchdown catch on offense.

Other defensive players who stepped up for the Wolves were Ethan Hauser (five tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble return for a TD, one QB pressure), Brady Wagner (two sacks, one caused fumble), Jewlyan Dillard (41-yard pick-six), and Braylon Williams (five tackles, one caused fumble).

This week, five-star defensive lineman Jalen Brewster will make his season debut for Buford. Brewster, a 2027 Texas Tech commit and the No. 1-ranked recruit in the nation, transferred from Cedar Hill High School in Texas to the Georgia school.