BUFORD, Georgia, Aug. 14— Buford bared its Nuckles last night who then delivered the knockout punch.
Silas Nuckles' third-quarter interception return for a touchdown gave the Buford (GA) Wolves the breathing room they needed Thursday night in the season opener of the Georgia high school football season.
Buford led Milton just 10-7 at the time of Nuckles' heroics, just one play after the Eagles appeared to retake the lead. But a touchdown pass by the Eagles' Derrick Baker was called back for a penalty, and Nuckles immediately stepped into a passing lane on the next play, snagged a Baker offering for Buford, and went the distance for a 17-7 Wolves' lead.
In a game televised nationally on ESPN2, the Wolves also ended Milton's 25-game win streak, eventually holding on late for a 20-13 win over the defending GHSA Class 5A champs from Georgia. The game was also The Sporting News High School Football Game of the Week.
High School Football
The Sporting News High School Football Game of the Week
No. 12 Buford (GA) Wolves 20, No. 14 Milton (GA) Eagles 13
Thursday, August 14, 2025 | Phillip Beard Stadium at Dexter Wood Field | Buford, Georgia
Moments after Nuckles' pick, the Wolves intercepted Baker again setting up another deep drive into Milton territory that ended in a field goal. That extended Buford's lead to 20-7 which would prove to be more than enough for the win.
Silas Nuckles jumps the route and takes it to the house 🤩 @nucklesblood pic.twitter.com/huXBMHSf86
— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) August 15, 2025
Still, Milton would make it interesting. With Baker suffering from a hand injury later in the game, the Eagles turned to freshman Trey Hasan on a fourth-down play in a passing situation. The gutsy freshman promptly delivered a 28-yard scoring strike to Jordan Carrasquillo, and suddenly, after the failed PAT attempt, Milton only trailed 20-13.
They would get yet another opportunity late with under four minutes to play. With Baker still unable to use his passing hand, however, the Eagles burned up two minutes of precious clock trying to run the ball in their own territory. Finally, on another fourth down passing situation, the Eagles turned to Hasan again. This time, the youngster tossed an interception on a desperation heave, and the ball reverted to Buford on downs. The Wolves then ran out the clock.
The game was the first at the brand new $62 million Phillip Beard Stadium at Dexter Wood Field in Buford, Georgia. The Wolves move to 1-0 to start the season with a win while Milton drops to 0-1.
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