Vol 4 No 10 10-23-20

in Buford & Beyond

Reader of the Week Beckett Higginbotham

Meet Beckett Higginbotham, son of Josh and Ashton Higginbotham. Beckett is a second grader at Buford Academy who is being honored as this week’s Reader of the Week.

Beckett’s favorite author is Jake Maddox because his books are all about sports, one topic Beckett is very fond of.

Part of his love for sports novels can be attributed to his busy athletic schedule. Beckett plays baseball, basketball, soccer and football.

During baseball, Beckett plays pitcher, shortstop, second base and center field. In basketball, he plays point guard. In soccer, he plays all positions but prefers playing offense. And in football, he plays quarterback, safety and outside linebacker. To say the least, Beckett does it all!

Beckett has three younger brothers — ages one, four and five. He also has a labradoodle dog named Dodger! Besides reading and his busy athletics, Beckett loves swimming, riding his bike and playing with his younger brothers.

Beckett is an all around amazing student. From his love for reading to his amazing athletic abilities, Beckett is a true Buford Wolf. Congratulations, Beckett, and keep up the good work! Go Wolves!

— Emily Hammond for the North Gwinnett Voice

The following reports were filed by the Gwinnett County Police Department between Sept. 29, 2020, and Oct. 19, 2020.

• Reports of aggravated assault with a gun were made in the 200 block of W Main Street NE in Buford, 200 block of Circle View Drive NE in Sugar Hill and 2900 block of Freemans Mill Road SE in Dacula.

• A report of aggravated assault with other weapon was made in the 500 block of Power Avenue NE in Buford.

• Reports of simple assault were filed in the 5100 block of Allison Way NE in Sugar Hill (two incidents) and the 0 block of S Garnett Street NE in Buford.

• Battery reports were filed in the 600 block of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard NE in Sugar Hill, 4300 block of Commerce Drive NE in Buford, 1600 block of Palmetto Court in Buford and 1900 block of Hurricane Shoals Road NE in Dacula.

• Reports of simple battery were

CRIME LOG

made in the 3600 block of Castle View Court NE in Suwanee, 4700 block of Sylvan Street NE in Buford and 4200 block of Dejohns Way NE in Buford.

• A strong-arm robbery was reported in the 1800 block of Hartford Run NE in Buford.

• A forced-entry, non-residential burglary was reported in the 100 block of Buford Highway NE in Suwanee.

• A forced-entry, non-residential burglary was reported in the 1000 block of Buford Highway NE in Buford.

• A non-forced, residential burglary was reported in the 400 block of Whitehead Road NE in Sugar Hill.

• Reports of criminal damage to property in the second degree were made in the 5000 block of Austin Garner Road NE in Sugar Hill, 4200 block of S Lee Street NE in Buford and 5000 block of Spring Hill Drive NE in Sugar Hill.

• DUI arrests for alcohol were made in the Hillcrest Drive NE/Hillcrest Glenn Drive NE area of Sugar Hill,

the Nelson Brogdon Boulevard NE/ Peachtree Industrial Boulevard NE area of Sugar Hill and the Buford Drive NE/S Bogan Road NE area of Buford.

• Reports of entering auto/theft from vehicles were reported in the 1000 block of Level Creek Road NE in Sugar Hill, 4400 block of Mendi Court NE in Suwanee, 4200 block of Creek Park Drive NE in Suwanee, 4400 block of S Lee Street NE in Buford, 1800 block of Satellite Boulevard NE in Buford and 1000 block of Level Creek Road NE in Sugar Hill.

• Reports of theft by taking were made in the 1300 block of Primrose Park Road NE in Sugar Hill, 1300 block of Primrose Park Road NE in Sugar Hill, 1900 block of Skylar Hill Drive NE in Buford, 0 block of N Gwinnett Street NE in Buford, 2800 block of Pebblebrook Court NE in Buford, 700 block of Hall Place NE in Buford and 2600 block of Stockbridge Way NE in Dacula.

• Reports of theft by deception were made in the 100 block of Pine

Thicket Drive NE in Sugar Hill, 4300 block of Brogdon Ex. NE in Suwanee and 1100 block of Pine Thicket Drive NE in Buford.

• Motor vehicle thefts were reported in the 700 block of Brogdon Road NE in Suwanee, 0 block of Epsy Street NE in Buford, 4200 block of Buford Drive NE in Buford, 1300 block of Hartford Run in Buford, 4200 block of Buford Drive NE in Buford, 3600 block of Buford Drive NE in Buford and 3500 block of Buford Drive NE in Buford.

• Reports of theft by shoplifting were made in the 4100 block of Buford Drive NE and the 3700 block of Buford Drive (five reports). Buford locations.

The following reports were filed by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office between Oct. 1, 2020, and Oct. 19, 2020.

• A report of simple battery was made at the 6900 block of Lanier Islands Parkway in Buford.

• Burglaries were reported in the

5200 block of Pecan Lane and 6000 block of New Bethany Road. Buford addresses.

• A residential burglary was reported in the 6300 block of Shadburn Ferry Road in Buford.

• Reports of criminal trespass were made in the 6200 block of Shadburn Ferry Road and the 5500 block of Poplar Place. Buford addresses.

• Criminal damage to property in the second degree was reported in the 6500 block of Yacht Club Road in Flowery Branch.

• A report of theft by taking — greater than $1,500 was made in the 6200 block of Shadburn Ferry Road in Buford.

• A report of theft by taking — less than $1,500 was reported in the 6400 block of Winter Harbor Drive in Flowery Branch.

• A motor vehicle theft was reported in the 3000 block of McEver Road in Gainesville.

• An incident of entering auto to commit a theft was reported in the 2700 block of Windrush Drive in Buford.

Robbery suspects attempt unsuccessful repeat of vehicle theft

Staff Reports

SUGAR HILL — A Sugar Hill business was robbed on two different dates by what is thought to be the same suspects.

According to a Gwinnett County Police Department incident report, on Sept. 27 two suspects used a hammer to smash the front door of Herrera Auto Sales, which was closed at the time. Security footage showed the suspects enter the business and move straight to a closet containing vehicle keys. Taking one of the keys, the suspects exited the building, ran through the parking lot and left the property in a Ford F-150 truck.

The front door had been repaired when in the early morning hours of Sept. 29, two suspects, after an unsuccessful attempt at entering the front door, smashed a side window to enter the business. According to police, the suspects were wearing the same clothing during the previous robbery and had the same body type. This time, however, the suspects found the closet empty of keys as the business owner has taken them home for safekeeping.

The suspects did make off with a jar of approximately $100 in cash that was sitting on an office desk.

According to police, the suspects appeared to be two males in their late teens or early 20s, and both appeared to be light-skin black males or Hispanic males. Both appeared to be tall and slender in build.

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Linda Mosley, left, and retired state legislator Hinson Mosley, center, pose with author Joy Fowler, right. Fowler has written the authorized biography of Rep. Mosley’s life in a book titled “God Knows.” Photo by Hope Fowler

Buford author releases biography of retired Georgia state legislator

Staff Reports

the fall of 2018 and finished in the summer of 2020.”

@northgwinnettvoice | @gwinnettvoice

Staff Writers:

Nida Merchant

Anoshka Ramkumar

Hayden Wiggs

Emily Hammond

Torin Smith

Jordan Askew

Greyson Watkins

Staff Photographers:

William Curtis

Cathy Moore

Jenny Johnson

David Griffin

Contributing Writers:

Lynn Bowman

Brandon Hembree

ON THE COVER: Halloween in Buford & Beyond

Design by Deanna Allen

“God Knew” is the authorized biography of retired Georgia state legislator Hinson Mosley, authored by Buford resident Joy Fowler. The book, released on Oct. 6, 2020, details the story of Rep. Mosley’s life from being born into a poor, sharecropping family in Southeast Georgia, to surviving double pneumonia as an infant during the Depression years prior to the development of antibiotics, to serving in the Korean War, to the seven terms he spent in the Georgia House of Representatives.

Mostly known in the Buford area for her work with choral music students at Buford High School and as a recording artist and worship leader in churches across the country, Fowler has also been a contributing writer to the North Gwinnett Voice since its inception, writing fine arts-related news; often wishing to be uncredited as a staff reporter.

“I suppose writing things for the BHS Choral Music Department all those years — scripts for all those Variety Shows, correspondence, press releases and such — really prepared me to become a writer in ways I never saw coming,” Fowler said.

She has also been a songwriter, having written or co-written seven of the 12 songs on her last album project.

“Then in 2016, my brother and mom convinced me to write my aging dad’s biography, a project we collaborated on for two years,” she said. “During that time, our old family friend Hinson (Mosley) started talking with me about writing his biography. We started in

The release date was planned to be held in conjunction with Rep. Mosley’s 88th birthday, which was celebrated Oct. 17 with a book signing, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, at the high school stadium in his hometown of Jesup, with several area pastors, community leaders and politicians in attendance.

Divided into two main sections, part one of “God Knew” gives an account of life in rural Georgia through the eyes of a shy boy overcoming his self-doubt. Part two of the book details Rep. Mosley’s life as an influential Georgia lawmaker, complete with a behind-the-scenes view of politics under the gold dome, and addresses topics such as dirty campaigning, term limits, racial bias, reapportionment, lobbies and more. Additionally, the book covers the 12 “post-retirement” years when Mosley served on the boards of Satilla EMC and went on to serve with the Georgia Electric Membership Corporation and Georgia Systems Operation Corporation, which control the electric power for rural areas across Georgia.

“Hinson’s life is an amazing one,” Fowler said. “To see the trajectory of how Hinson’s early life fascinations fed into his eventual life’s work encapsulates the main idea behind what exactly God knew. It’s a genuine, faith-building story of how God is working in our lives, putting pieces together for our benefit that we never saw coming — something we all need to be reminded of daily.”

For more information about the book “God Knew,” visit www.joywatersfowler.com.

Buford residents share memories of Halloweens past

Alicia Couch Payne

Leaves are falling and a chill is in the air. October has rolled around. Pumpkin patches, jack-o’-lanterns, apple picking, hay rides, fall festivals, children and adults in costumes, trick-or-treating and sugar comas. Those are a few things that say it is indeed October in Buford.

This October, a few of those things are missing or at the very least modified to work around the pandemic. Perhaps the hardest hit October tradition is that of the fall festivals. They have either been canceled or are being done in a virtual format. This year makes one wistful, yearning for the “good ole days.”

The good ole days in Buford were always filled with fun family events and were of-

ten associated with the Buford City School System. Halloween in Buford was a festive time and the native Bufordites have plenty of memories to share.

Every year, Buford City Schools held a fall festival and has continued this tradition with the exception of this year. While festivals in recent years have been held in the parking lot of the Buford City Arena, past fall festivals were held at the old Buford High School football field that is behind where the Buford Community Center is today. Only part of the old stadium remains. The festivals were also held at the old Buford City Gym at South Hill Street and School Drive.

“(I) loved the carnival that the schools did at the old football field,” Elizabeth Howard said. “(My) most vivid memories there

Restaurant Inspections

The following restaurant health inspection scores were pulled from the Georgia Department of Health between Sept. 24, 2020, and Oct. 16, 2020.

• Barberitos — Hamilton Mill Crossroads; 2725 Hamilton Mill Rd Suite 2200 Buford; 93

• Johnny’s New York Style Pizza & Subs; 1145 Peachtree Industrial Blvd Suite B1 Suwanee; 100

• Dairy Queen Orange Julius Mall of GA; 3333 Buford Dr Suite 1069 Buford; 92

• Sbarro #863; 3333 Buford Dr Suite 1072 Buford; 85

• Beto’s Tacos; 3463 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd Suite 110 and 111 Suwanee; 83

• Tropical Smoothie Café; 3687 Buford Dr Buford; 85

• Subway Subs & Salads; 4300 Highway 20 Buford; 96

• Waffle House #1848; 3310 Hamilton Mill Rd Buford; 96

• Sugar Hill Bakery and Café; 4969 W Broad St NE Sugar Hill; 99

• Golden Buddha Restaurant; 4300 Highway 20 Buford; 100

• Arby’s #5590; 4145 GA-20 Buford; 90

• Subway; 525 Peachtree Industrial Blvd Suite B Suwanee; 100

• Taco Mac; 3250 Woodward Crossing Blvd Buford; 96

• Dunkin Donuts; 5870 Cumming Hwy NE Buford; 93

• Eastern China Taste; 1000 Peachtree Industrial Blvd Suite 3 Suwanee; 100

are of people paying to smash the old junk car every year and lining up to win a goldfish that would die every year a few days later.”

“I remember dressing up for the fall festival at the high school,” Lisa Walker Garbiel said. “They had the car you would smash and a tent where you would put your hand in weird stuff like eyeballs (boiled eggs?) and worms (spaghetti).”

Smashing the old junk car was perhaps the most popular thing to do at the fall festivals, but those goldfish were highly coveted despite their reputation for going belly up just a few short days later. No doubt the mystery bucket of weird and gross things was equal parts disgusting and intriguing. People fought over chairs just to get their hands on the best cake in the annual cake walk.

In the ’80s and ’90s, people remember going to haunted houses. One was held at the old Bona Allen Tannery building that was located behind the Bona Allen mansion that burned to the ground.

“I remember in middle school (92-94) going to a haunted house at one of the old Tannery buildings (the one that burned behind the Bona Allen Mansion),” Natalie Thompson Cooper said. “Scared me to death!”

Even though the fall festivals of recent years looked a bit different than the fall festivals remembered here, they were still all about a day where the community showed up and had fun together. Hopefully, 2021 is much kinder to humanity and life can go back to what was considered normal.

• Sam Wok Gak; 1291 Old Peachtree Rd NW

Suite 103 Suwanee; 93

• First Watch Restaurant; 3687 Buford Dr

Suite 500 Buford; 82

• Subway; 2815 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd

Suite 300 Suwanee; 89

• Orange Julius DQ (Mall of Georgia); 3333 Buford Dr #2023B Buford; 97

• Starbucks Coffee Co. #8309 Mall of GA; 3333 Buford Dr Suite 1066 Buford; 90

• Bojangles Restaurant; 4040 Buford Dr Buford; 91

• Mall of Georgia Asian Chao; 3333 Buford Dr Suite 1070 Buford; 93

• Proof of Pudding at Road Atlanta; 5300 Winder Highway Braselton; 96

• China Garden; 2095 Hwy 211 Ste 2D Braselton; 96

• Wendy’s; 5950 Hwy 53 Braselton; 93

• Sneaky Sancho Wings & Tacos; 1975 Highway 211 Hoschton; 80

• WNB Factory; 6055 Ga Hwy 124 Ste 110 B Hoschton; 81

• Waffle House #1764; 7415 Spout Springs Rd Flowery Branch; 94

• Los Cuates Mexican Taqueria & Restaurant; 4025 Winder Hwy Ste 460 Flowery Branch; 96

• McDonald’s #38980; 5915 Spout Springs Rd Flowery Branch; 96

• Wasabi; 3446 Winder Hwy Unit H Flowery Branch; 96

• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen; 3474 Winder Hwy Flowery Branch; 99

• WNB Factory; 7380 Spout Springs Rd Ste 200 Flowery Branch; 93

WHERE NOW? are they

Lauren Bradford Larson, Class of 2004

Lauren Bradford Larson is a 2004 graduate of Buford High School. She was born and raised in Buford to Dale and Carla Bradford. Green and gold run deep in her family, who have been in the Buford area dating back to the late 1800s. Her mother and grandmother, Patricia Adams, both graduated from Buford. Lauren is a Buford lifetimer as she completed her entire K-12 career inside Buford City Schools. She entered kindergarten in 1991 at Buford Elementary School.

To say that Lauren was a busy student during her time at BHS would be an understatement. She was a wellrounded student who participated in athletics, clubs and fine arts, all while achieving a 4.03 GPA. All four years at BHS, Lauren was a member of the football, basketball and competition cheerleading squads. Her competition cheer team won several regional awards, made state her junior year and placed sixth her senior year.

Lauren was a member of FBLA throughout high school and held the position of president her junior and senior years. She was also a class officer all four years. In her senior year, Lauren was selected as a Homecoming representative. She had a long list of affiliations and accomplishments.

Being the well-rounded student that she was, Lauren was a talented pianist who competed individually earning numerous awards in local and state competitions. She was also a gifted vocalist and was a member of the Bel Canto Chorale and Chamber Chorus at

Buford High School.

After graduating, Lauren attended The Women’s College of Brenau University and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2008 and later earned a Master of Business Administration from Brenau University. In 2014, she would earn a Master of Arts degree in Teaching from the University of North Georgia. Lauren turned around and got an Education Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont College in 2019.

Like high school, Lauren excelled in college and was a student who was heavily involved in activities. She was a member of a women’s fraternity called Zeta Tau Alpha and was a co-captain for the Brenau University basketball cheerleading team. Lauren had too many achievements to list during her

collegiate career.

Lauren decided to pursue a teaching career because of the impact one teacher had on her. That teacher was Kathy Brady, who taught her during her fifth- and eighth-grade years. It was Ms. Brady’s love for her students, the compassion and kindness she showed her students no matter what, that impacted Lauren the most. Lauren said she genuinely wants to make an impact on her students’ lives.

“I wholeheartedly enjoy encouraging my students to be their best and hopefully help them grow into caring, empathetic adults who showcase love to everyone they meet,” Lauren said. “My students’ well-being and mental health are more valuable than any standardized test, and I want them to know that at least one person is on their

side and believes in them.”

Lauren returned to the town she flourished in and the school system that taught her so much. Lauren teaches science at Buford Middle School. She was recognized by her peers and was voted as the BMS Teacher of the Year for 2019-2020. She and her husband Kevin reside in Buford with their 3 ½-year-old son, Liam.

Lauren was nurtured by her village — Buford. There were many people who helped Lauren to become the accomplished, caring person she is today. Taking all of those lessons learned by those who came before her, Lauren is paying it forward by being part of so many of Buford’s children’s village. Once a Wolf, always a Wolf!

— Alicia Couch Payne for the North Gwinnett Voice

Sugar Hill City Council meeting minutes

Nida Merchant

October 12, 2020 — Sugar Hill Mayor Steve Edwards called the October Sugar Hill Council meeting to order at promptly 7:30 p.m. at Sugar Hill City Hall.

The proclamation of Community Planning month, presented by council member Taylor Anderson dedicated October as the Community Planning Month in Sugar Hill. This dedication helps the city publicly recognize the citizen planners who have contributed their time and expertise to the improvement of the city.

The proclamation of Breast Cancer Awareness Month was read by council member Marc Cohen and residents were encour-

aged to receive mammograms and reaffirm their support to combat one of the largest cancers in the country.

Zoe Simmons is a talented artist and a 10th-grade student at Sugar Hill Christian Academy. She was able to capture a piece of artwork that shows the feelings of residents amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The city commended the student for her hard work.

In council reports, council member Cohen reminded residents that early voting is through Oct. 30, and residents are encouraged to vote. The Art Commission received more than 130 pieces of art and will host an art show soon.

Council member Susie Walker reported that flooding in Gary Pirkle Park was substan-

Car enthusiasts show support for Sugar Hill Business Alliance during Oct. 17 fundraising event

Jordan Askew

SUGAR HILL — More than 50 cars rolled into the inaugural Sugar Hill Business Alliance Car Show on Saturday, Oct. 17.

The fundraising event, organized by the SHBA’s Board of Directors Tom Sheldon, Chan Roach and Jacqueline Sheldon, was held at the Sugar Hill City Hall parking lot.

The car show was the SHBA’s sole fundraiser this year after its annual golf tournament was canceled. The event was set to be the center of the annual Sugar Rush festival hosted by the city of Sugar Hill, but the car show became a standalone event as the Sugar Rush went virtual.

“Having the car show to fill that void as our fundraiser has been amazing,” said Sheldon, who emceed the event.

The 53 cars that entered the show competed for three awards — Best in Show went to Keith Stephenson, who received a trophy and a $100 cash prize for his blue Z06 Corvette; President’s Choice went to Johnny Cannon for his 1967 Scorch Red Dodge Challenger; and Ladies’ Choice was awarded to Jacob Reese for his 1967 Lime Gold Ford Mustang.

“(We received) many, many com-

tial and residents are asked to keep their distance and take precaution near the park.

City Clerk Jane Whittington reminded city residents that a special election for City Council Post #4 will be held at Sugar Hill City Hall in the History room. Residents may vote early through Oct. 30 from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. or on Election Day, Nov. 3.

Assistant City Manager Troy Besseche gave additional information on the flooding along Richland Creek and Suwanee Dam Road at Gary Pirkle Park. There was up to 3 to 6 feet of flooding in some areas of the park with a great deal of sediment deposit. There is no reported structural damage.

The Sugar Hill ice rink will reopen Nov. 12, and the annual Sugar Rush event will be

held virtually.

Youth Mayor Pro Tem Alexis Ducote reported on Youth Council activities. The students talked to the Sugar Hill special election candidates and are reviewing the 2020 Sugar Hill Millage Report.

In new business, a public hearing for 6409 Grand Loop Road was held. The city received an application from a resident requesting a 16’ front yard setback. The motion was tabled for further analysis.

An ordinance amendment was held to update the Residential Zoning Categories. The motion was approved by the city upon staff recommendation.

This concluded the regular meeting. The council and staff went into executive session.

pliments on how great (the show) was,” Sheldon said.

Sheldon said the car show saw a constant flow of attendees. Physical distancing was observed and face masks were available at the registration tent.

The event also included a raffle for half of the raffle ticket sales, gift cards and a NAPA Bucket filled with car detailing supplies for NAPA Auto Parts.

The car show was sponsored by the following companies: Regions Bank Sugar Hill and Kimberly Cobb, who sponsored the award ceremony; Bottom Line Tax Solutions; North Point Mortgage; Contractor’s Best Pest Solutions; and Nic Greene for Sugar Hill City Council, were all hourly sponsors. Chris Reese with Atlanta Sound Works provided the sound system. Volunteers for the event included Councilman Brandon Hembree, Steve Wilkes, Clifton Prewett, Tyler Henry and the SHBA Board of Directors. City employees Avery Simmons and Cameron Archer assisted at the event.

“(It) was an amazing day, enjoyed by many,” Sheldon said. “A lot of hard work by the Business Alliance (went in) to make it happen.”

For more information on the Sugar Hill Business Alliance, visit sugarhillbusinessalliance.com.

Local attraction offers

Deanna Allen

BUFORD — While the name Buford Corn Maze highlights this local business’s main attraction — a five-acre corn field with a maze of twists and turns through corn stalks towering over maze-goers’ heads — there’s much more to do and see here.

“The maze is a given,” said Tina Beggs, co-owner of the Buford Corn Maze along with Jerome Beggs and Rodney and Kendra Miller.

The maze include six checkpoints along with maze walkers — employees who can help those who get lost find their way back to a checkpoint.

Getting through the corn maze successfully?

“It all depends on how good you can read a map,” Tina Beggs said. “Some people love getting lost.”

But the fun doesn’t end with the corn maze, she added.

Activities at the Buford Corn Maze include attractions in the Kids’ CORNer, which features two popcorn jumping pillows where kids and adults can jump and a corn box filled with kernels where kids can dive in and play. New to the offerings in the Kids’ CORNer this year are the Cornball Slider, two slides off a combine where kids can race to the bottom; a Barrel-in’ Along train ride for younger children who can take a ride along in buckets pulled by a small tractor; a duck racing game with hand pumps kids can operate to propel their ducks to the finish line; and a two-player basketball game with goals attached to a grain wagon for older kids.

Adjacent to the Kids’ CORNer is the animal area where guests can interact with calves, pigs and chickens. Pony rides are available on weekends.

offers family-friendly fun

Guests can also enjoy a hay ride circling the maze and traveling through the woods, purchase pumpkins for carving and decoration, sample concessions offered for purchase at the Barnyard Grill and browse a selection of locally made and grown products in Corner Store.

“We are a family-friendly business, and we want kids of all ages to be able to come out and enjoy,” Beggs said. “We want it to be a family outing, we want people to make memories.”

In addition to the corn maze and Kids’ CORNer, guests can take about an 18-minute stroll through the Haunted Forest. This year’s theme for the attraction is Camp Wyndego — where guests walk through a twisting labyrinth of dilapidated cabins with who knows what waiting to catch them off guard.

“Wendigos, psychos, witches, you name it. If it can stalk campers, it’s probably out there,”

said James Scott, who manages the haunted attraction. “We try and pack in as much thrill, as much emotion, as much action as possible to give (guests) the best 18 minutes of their life out here.”

The recommended age for children to go through the haunted forest alone is age 10. Children younger than 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

In light of health and safety concerns surround COVID-19, the Buford Corn Maze has instituted temperature checks for all visitors, while face masks are recommended and physical distancing is encouraged.

“COVID has brought so many more people out than any of us could have ever imagined because we’re an open air venue and there’s not a lot of open air venues that have the space to entertain people,” Scott said, “so we’ve just had surges of people dying to get into the place.”

• When: 10 a.m. to midnight Friday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 24, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25; hours for the week of Halloween are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26 through Thursday, Oct. 29, and 10 a.m. to midnight Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 31 — The Haunted Forest will be open from dark to close all week

• Where: 4470 Bennett Road, Buford

• Cost: $15 for admission to the corn maze and most activities, with kids 3 and younger admitted for free; $15 for admission to the Haunted Forest; and $25 for a combo ticket

• For more information: bufordcornmaze.com

Aurora Theatre offers several ways to enjoy ghost tours

Deanna Allen

In the midst of health and safety concerns surrounding COVID-19, the Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville is making adjustments to its programs and productions, including its annual Lawrenceville Ghost Tours.

While traditional tours where guests take a 90-minute guided, in-person tour of metro Atlanta’s oldest city and learn about Lawrenceville’s haunted history are still offered pending ticket availability, the venue also provides private ghost tours for families and friends who prefer to practice physical distancing or just enjoy a tour in a smaller group.

Private tours are offered through Oct. 31 for $125 for up to 10 people and $10 per person for additional guests up to 20 people.

Tour guests, whether participating in the traditional public tour or the private tour, are asked to wear face masks. Tour guides will wear a face shield and will be equipped with voice amplification equipment for storytelling stops along the tour.

Advance reservations for these

‘An

IF YOU GO

• What: Lawrenceville Ghost Tours presented by Aurora Theatre

• When: 7 and 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 7 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 31, while tickets last

• Where: Tours begin and end at Aurora Theatre, 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville

• Cost: $20 for adults and $15 for children

• For more information and to make reservations: auroratheatre.com

tours is required and traditional tours are limited to 15 people.

This year, the Aurora Theatre is also offering self-guided tours and virtual tours for at-home viewing.

Self-guided tours are $20 and include walking directions and a digital map.

Virtual tours can be enjoyed from the comfort of home through the video service Vimeo. The vir-

tual tour, which is just over an hour long, hour-long, is $20, and viewers can watch on iOS and Android devices, on Apple TV, Roku, and Chromecast.

“What we’ve tried to do is cre-

ate myriad ways for patrons to engage in the Lawrenceville Ghost Tours this year,” said Al Stilo, director of sales and marketing for the Aurora Theatre. “We’re just having to be creative and do things a little differently.”

For more information on the Aurora Theatre’s Lawrenceville Ghost Tours and to make reservations, visit www.auroratheatre. com/haunted-happenings/.

experience like none other’: Trail of Terror welcomes visitors

Deanna Allen

If you’re looking for a terrifying experience this Halloween, look no further than the Trail of Terror and immerse yourself in scary backwoods realism at its creepiest.

Guests will trek more than a mile through a 40-acre plot of land in Buford where 50 to 60 actors and actresses will pull out all the stops to frighten those brave enough to enter what Trail of Terror owner and creator Matthew Miller calls the “scariest haunted trail in the state of Georgia.”

Whether it’s the serial killer at the end of the road, the wild country guy who keeps a chainsaw in the back of his truck or a host of clowns — led by ringleader Kee Kee — running amok in the woods, chills and thrills abound at this Buford

attraction, now in its third year scaring visitors from near and far.

“We have people driving all the way from Dallas, Texas, and Asheville, North Carolina, to see the characters,” said Miller, who stalks the woods himself as one of the characters along the trail.

What can guests expect on the Trail of Terror?

“An experience like none other,” Miller said, “something to have fun and distance themselves from the pandemic at hand.”

In light of COVID-19, guests’ temperatures will be taken before entering the trail. Guests will also be asked to complete a COVID-19 consent form and a disclaimer. Face masks are encouraged.

On Sunday, Nov. 1, the Trail of Terror will hold a Black Out Night when most of the lights along the trail will be turned off,

IF YOU GO

• What: Trail of Terror

• When: 8 to 11:59 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, Saturday, Oct. 24, Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 31 with a special Black Out Night from 8 to 11 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1

• Where: 3760 Friendship Road, Buford

• Cost: $15 cash or $20 on a card

• For more information: bufordtrailofterror.com

giving guests, especially repeat visitors, a new experience. Enter the darkened trail if you dare.

Halloween events in and around Buford

Staff Reports

15th Annual Corn Maze

• When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 1 to 7 p.m. Sundays through October

• Where: Jaemor Farm, 5340 Cornelia Highway/Ga. Highway 365, Alto

• Cost: $14 plus tax for those age 3 and older

• For more information: www.jaemorfarms.com/plan-your-visit/by-season/ corn-maze/

• About the event: Jaemor offers a full farm experience that includes hay rides, farm slides, a petting zoo, farm skeeball, a pumpkin train, duck races, tricycle races, apple cannons and concessions – as well as a mini corn maze.

Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival

• When: 2 to 9 p.m. through Nov. 1

• Where: Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Boulevard, Stone Mountain

• Cost: A one-day attractions pass is $26.95 for ages 12 and older, $24.96 for children ages 3 to 11 and admission is free for children 2 and younger

• For more information: Call 1-800401-2407 or visit stonemountainpark. com

• About the event: Event attendees can play by day during the pumpkin festival and then enjoy a glow-by-night experience beginning at dusk.

Braselton Antique and Artisan Festival

• When: Friday, Oct. 23, through Sunday, Oct. 25

• Where: 115 Harrison St. in Braselton

• Cost: Free admission, free parking and free shuttle

• For more information: Call 706-8247204 or visit www.vintagemarkets.net

• About the event: More than 300 vendors are expected at the 18th annual fall festival. The event will also feature food trucks and live music.

Trick or Treat at Buford Village

• When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24

• Where: Buford Village, 33 Buford Village Way, Buford

• Cost: Free

• For more information: www.facebook.com/events/832220854214178

• About the event: Guests are invited to dress in costumes and trick-or-treat with Buford Village merchants. The

first 50 children to arrive will receive a free full-size candy bar. The event will include a Spider-Man meet and greet, free face painting, games and crafts.

Train or Treat 2020

• When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24

• Where: Southeastern Railway Museum, 3595 Buford Highway, Duluth

• Cost: $18 for adults, $15 for seniors age 65 and older and $12 for children ages 2 to 12

• For more information: www. train-museum.org/2020/06/17/trainor-treat-2020/

• About the event: Guests can trick-ortreat at decorated stations around the museum, while attended age 12 and younger can participate in costume contest. Masks are required for ages 5 and older and the museum asks that guests maintain physical distancing.

Ghostly Gatherings

• When: 6:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24

• Where: Fernbank Museum, 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta

• Cost: $10 for museum members and $20 for non-members

• For more information: fernbankmuseum.org/events/calendar-of-events/2020/10/24-ghostly-gatherings/

• About the event: Enjoy twilight tours of the outdoor experience Woodland Spirits, as well as Halloween-themed activities and more. Drinks, including adult beverages, and a variety of snacks will be available for purchase. Space is limited and online ticket reservations are required and can be made through the web address above. Face coverings are required at all times and guests are asked to practice physical distancing.

Boo at the Zoo

• When: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 24 and 25, and Saturday, Oct. 31

• Where: Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta

• Cost: $24.99 to $27.99 for those 12 and older and $18.99 to $19.99 for children ages 3 to 11, while seniors 65 and older are admitted for $22.99 to $25.99 and children 2 and younger and military personnel are admitted for free

• For more information: zooatlanta.

org

• About the event: This Halloween festival includes samples of sweet treats around the zoo, the sights and adven-

tures of the whimsical Zoo Boo Town and more. Guests 10 and older are required to wear CDC-approved masks on top of Halloween masks, helmets and face coverings. Advance reservations are required and can be made at the web address above.

Drive-In Theatre featuring “Beetlejuice”

• When: 9:30 to 11:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24

• Where: Duluth High School, 3737 Brock Road, Duluth

• Cost: Free

• For more information: Email events@duluthga.net or visit duluthga. net/community/duluth_drive-in_theatre.php

• About the event: The city of Duluth will present the PG-rated film “Beetlejuice” during a drive-in theater event. Registration is required and can be made at the web address above.

Oakland Cemetery Virtual Pumpkin Carving Workshop

• When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25

• Where: Online

• Cost: $10 plus $1,85 fee for HOF members and $15 plus $2.13 fee for the general public

• For more information: oaklandcemetery.com/event/pumpkin-carving-workshop/

• About the event: Learn how to carve the perfect Oakland Cemetery-themed Halloween pumpkin with this virtual workshop. Participants will be emailed a stencil of Oakland Cemetery’s main gate, a list of suggested materials for carving and the Zoom link for the workshop.

Boo-nanza on Bellview Street hosted by the Winder Public Library

• When: 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29

• Where: On the Winder Public Library lawn

• Cost: Free

• For more information: winder.prlib. org/our-events/

• About the event: The library invites guests to gather on its lawn around the flagpole for some semi-spooky stories and songs. Guests are asked to adhere to social distancing and bring a blanket to sit on. A take-and-make craft will be provided while supplies last. Event is for ages 2 and older.

Spooktacular Trunk or Treat

• When: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30

• Where: Enchanted Events, 1260 Mars Hill Road, Watkinsville

• Cost: Free admission

• For more information: www.facebook.com/MagicalEnchantedEvents/

• About the event: This event includes trick-or-treating, bounce houses, costume contests, face painting and other games and festivities. Food and crafts will be available for purchase

Drive-In Movie Night — “Hocus Pocus”

• When: 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30

• Where: Lawrenceville’s Depot District at 394 N. Clayton St.

• Cost: Free

• For more information: Call 678-4076653 or email events@lawrencevillega. org

• About the event: The film “Hocus Pocus” will be shown on the big screen during the city of Lawrenceville’s Drive-in Movie Series. Registration for the event will open at 8 a.m. Oct. 26.

Halloween at the Hudgens Movie Night

• When: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30

• Where: Hudgens Center for Art & Learning, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Building 300, Duluth

• Cost: $5 for Hudgens members and $8 for non-Hudgens members

• For more information: Call Education & Development Coordinator Stephanie Lloyd at 770-623-6002, ext. 214, or email her at slloyd@thehudgens.org

• About the event: The center will screen “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in the Hudgens Sculpture Garden. Guests are invited to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets and coolers. The movie begins at 7:30 p.m., but guests may begin arriving at 6:30 p.m. Snacks and drinks (beer and wine only) are permitted and food trucks will be on hand.

Fright Night

• When: 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 When:

• Where: Fernbank Museum, 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta

• Cost: $21.95

• For more information: www.fernbankmuseum.org/events/calendar-ofevents/2020/10/30-fright-night/

• About the event: This is Fernbank’s annual adults-only Halloween event

featuring music, a costume contest and access to the outdoor experience Woodland Spirits. No one under the age of 21 allowed. Space is limited and online ticket reservations are required and can be made through the web address above. Face coverings are required at all times and guests are asked to practice physical distancing.

Creepy Crawlies

• When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31

• Where: Fernbank Museum, 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta

• Cost: Included with general admission, which costs $20 for those ages 13 to 64, $19 for seniors age 65 and older and $18 for children ages 3 to 12

• For more information: www.fernbankmuseum.org/events/calendar-ofevents/2020/10/31-creepy-crawlies/

• About the event: Event includes creepy crawly encounters, a mad science lab, story time, trick-or-treating, a creation station and the outdoor Halloween experience Woodland Spirits. Space is limited and online ticket reservations are required and can be made through the web address above. Face coverings are required at all times and physical distancing is encouraged.

Trunk or Treat

• When: 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31

• Where: Jackson County Baptist Church, 79 Memorial Drive, Jefferson

• Cost: Free

• For more information: www.jcbaptist. com/event-details/trunk-or-treat

• About the event: The event will include games, inflatables, candy, a cookout, a raffle and more.

Forest Night Walk

• When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31

• Where: Fernbank Museum, 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta

• Cost: $10 for museum members and $20 for non-members

• For more information: www. fernbankmuseum.org/events/calendarof-events/2020/10/31-fernbank-forestnight-walk/

• About the event: Take a guided walk through Fernbank Forest. Masks are required and physical distancing will be practiced on the trails. Event is recommended for all ages. Space is limited to 15 people and advance reservations are required online and can be made through the web address above.

Student of the Week

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE CITY OF BUFORD

Kennedi Nichols

12TH GRADE

Kennedi Maleah Nichols is a senior at Buford High School. She was born in Alexandria, Virginia, but moved to Huntsville, Alabama, at a young age. She was raised in Huntsville, but her family then relocated to Buford when she was 14. Kennedi started her years at Buford as a freshman in high school in the 20172018 school year, and she is set to graduate in spring 2021. Kennedi looks up to her two older sisters, Kiami and Tori, who have graduated high school.

Kennedi is very active in the arts at BHS. She participates in the musical theatre and dance programs. In musical theatre, Kennedi is a leader for younger students as a Buford High School Senior Thespian officer. As an officer, she organizes thespian meetings and helps to introduce different aspects of the theatre to new thespians. She helps young students to discover and grow their love for all kinds of theatre, from improv, to drama, to musicals. In addition to her role as a thespian officer, Kennedi is a backto-back One Act State Champion in Musical Theatre. She was featured with a principal role in the show “Company” as a sophomore, and she appeared in “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” last year in her junior year.

In addition to her activity in the arts, Kennedi flexes her extensive trivia knowledge as a captain of the Buford High School Quiz Bowl Team. She was team captain her junior year when the team appeared on WSB-TV’s competitive high school trivia program, “High Q.”

In her free time, Kennedi likes to sing, dance and play piano. She also enjoys baking and fishing. Kennedi shows her creative side, as in the past few months, she has had a growing affinity for making

videos on TikTok.

“They allow me to be creative and do whatever I want,” she said of the videos.

During the summer, Kennedi stays busy as she works as a camp counselor at Bogan Park in Buford.

Kennedi is a top-tier student at Buford. She carries a GPA of 3.9, and she is enrolled in multiple AP classes. Her favorite subject in school is science. She said she enjoys learning explanations about why the world works the way it does.

Outside of class, Kennedi enjoys watching shows and videos that explain weird things that she experiences every day, such as the science behind yawning. Her favorite class she has taken in high school is AP psychology because it combines science and humanity in an interesting way. She said she has always loved to learn about behavioral patterns and to observe people and how their minds work. Kennedi loves AP psychology because she enjoys learning about the explanations for why people act the way that they do.

When asked who her favorite teacher is at BHS, Kennedi said she could not pick just one. She deeply appreciates every one of the teachers and staff members who have dedicated themselves to the success of their students and supported her in her endeavors.

After she graduates from high school, Kennedi hopes to study theatre at Michigan University. Her ideal pathway would be to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and pursue a career as a professional screen or stage actor. She is also interested in a degree in health care, which would cater to her love of science and psychology. Kennedi is set to have a great senior year at Buford, and she will certainly have plenty of success beyond.

— Torin Smith for the North Gwinnett Voice

North Gwinnett High names 2020 Teacher of the Year

Anoshka

Ramkumar

2020 has been a rough year for many students, as the coronavirus pandemic has created a large educational divide between the students in online format (Digital Learning) and the students who are attending in-person classes socially distanced at their schools. Many teachers are struggling with this new concept of teaching while looking at a Zoom screen as well as making sure their in-person students are getting equal learning experiences. In a time like this, it is clear which teachers are creating the most unique environments to overcome the barriers of mixed format learning.

North Gwinnett High School’s Mr. Kevin Blankenship (Mr. B) is an AP world history teacher who has always made a significant and positive impact on his students. He has been teaching at North Gwinnett for 14 years and is known for his day-brightening humor and entertaining personality in the classroom. Many students have stated on numerous occasions how much they look forward to his class and how often it has made their day better.

“My favorite part of being a teacher is just being around the

“ ” I hope that Teacher of the Year brings me extra French Fries at Chick-fil-A.

— Kevin Blankenship

kids. It keeps me young,” Mr. B said. “You always want to have fun in life and hearing their goals and dreams and their aspirations in life makes me feel like I am living my life over again.”

Mr. B said he enjoys teaching AP world history, “because I feel like through history I get to tell a story, the story of life, and to me, that is extremely valuable.”

Like many other teachers, Mr. B has been impacted by the new format of mixed learning, where a majority of his students are at home and attending class through Zoom.

“I miss the crowd and the energy I get from having a class of 35

kids to now having only three or four in the room at a time, he said. “You want every kid to experience the same energy and experience, so I try to be as much of my normal self as possible. I try to keep both environments the same so that my digital kids don’t feel like they are at a disadvantage for being at home.”

Many teachers right now are struggling with catching up with technology, often having connection issues and other problems while trying to provide their digital students with the same education as their in-person kids. Mr. B said he thinks every teacher, especially during these times, deserves to be Teacher of the Year.

“The people in Gwinnett, they really care about their kids,” he said. “I walk through the halls and I see 250 teachers finding new ways to teach their kids and I feel like they are all doing such a great job. I’m grateful for the award, it’s an honor and a privilege, but every teacher right now deserves to be Teacher of the Year all day and every day.”

When asked what the honor means to him, Mr. B delivered a humorous response that reminds many of his unique personality— “I hope that Teacher of the Year brings me extra French Fries at Chick-fil-A.”

Buford tops best public schools list for Georgia for sixth year

Alicia Couch Payne

Buford tops the best public schools list for Georgia for sixth straight year

Alicia

Couch Payne

With the Buford City School System’s desire to achieve Triple A Excellence, it should come as no surprise that BCSS has topped the list for the “Best School Districts in Georgia” by Niche.com. This makes the sixth year in a row that Buford has won this honor.

Buford received an overall grade of A+ from Niche. The grade breaks down into an A+ in Academics, Teachers, Clubs and Activities, Administration, Food, College Prep, Health and Safety, and Sports. The school system received an A for Diversity, as well as

Resources and Facilities.

BCSS is ranked as No. 1 of 182 for the Safest School Districts in Georgia. The school system comes in at No. 1 of 181 for the Best School Districts for Athletes in Georgia. Bu-

ford comes in at No. 15 out of 10,817 districts nationally for Best School Districts for Athletes. BCSS ranks No. 1 in Georgia for the Best Place to Teach.

Each school in the Buford City School System is given its own grade. Buford Elementary received an A, Buford Academy earned an A+, Buford Middle School and Buford High School also received an A+. Buford Senior Academy was not listed.

Buford boasts a 93 percent graduation rate, which is well above the state graduation rate of 82 percent and the national rate of 84.6 percent. Buford also outperforms the state and nation on the SAT. Buford’s average score is 1170, while the state average is 1043 and the national average is 1030.

According to Niche, Buford has a student to teacher ratio of 12:1, while the national average is 17:1. The average salary of a teacher at BCSS is $62,865. The school system spends an average of $14,134 per student each year while the national average of expenses per student is $12,239.

Buford Academy is ranked as the No. 1 Best Public Elementary School in Georgia. Buford Middle School is ranked as the Best Public Middle School in Gwinnett County and the fifth-best in the state. Buford High School comes in at No. 3 for the Best Public High School in Gwinnett County and No. 15 for the state.

For more information on Niche and their rankings, please visit niche.com.

Buford softball advances to second round of state playoffs

Alicia Couch Payne

BUFORD — Buford has a dynamic varsity softball team this year led by senior Abbi Perkins and anchored by a bevy of freshmen up and comers. With a team of 11 upperclassmen and 10 underclassmen, no one was really sure of what to expect this season, especially with such a young group of pitchers.

Buford’s bullpen has one senior, two sophomores and three freshmen. It has primarily been the job of the younger pitchers to carry the team, and they have really come through for the Wolves. Pitchers like sophomore Olivia Duncan and freshman Emma Grace Williams have proven they can compete with anyone.

The Wolves are ranked seventh in the state with an overall season record of 28-4 and 15-0 in Region 8-AAAAAA. Buford’s four losses were all to solid teams in Class AAAAAAA. To put Buford’s success this season into perspective, Buford has averaged 7.90 runs per game to its opponent’s 2.47 runs per game going into the state playoffs.

With Buford taking the region title, they earned home-field advantage for the first round of the GHSA Class AAAAAA Playoffs. The Wolves took on the Raiders from East Paulding in a doubleheader Oct. 19 at the Buford Softball Complex. Buford beat East Paulding 8-0 in game one and 21-10 in game two.

In game one, Duncan (10-1) pitched her eighth complete game of the season, as well as her fourth shutout of the season. In six

innings of work, Duncan gave up only four hits while striking out seven. She did not allow any runs nor did she walk a single batter

against the Raiders.

Freshman Mackenzie Pickens led the offense in the first game going 2-for-4 with

two doubles, two RBIs and a run scored. Freshman Adrianna Martinez hit a two-run home run, earning herself two RBIs and a run scored. Sophomore Emma Castorri was 3-for3 with three doubles, an RBI and two runs scored. Rounding out the first game’s offensive standouts for Buford was junior Shamya Young who was 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored.

Williams (11-1) pitched for 3.3 innings for Buford in the second game. She gave up nine hits and nine runs. Senior Riley Reese took over and pitched the remaining 1.6 innings. Reese gave up one run and one hit while striking out four and walking one.

The highlight of game two’s offensive efforts was a grand slam by Perkins in the second inning. This was the first grand slam of Perkins’ high school career. She was 4-for-4 during the second game with her grand slam home run and three doubles, which earned her seven RBIs and a run scored. Junior Taylor Malvin was 3-for-4 with a triple, four RBIs and four runs scored. Sophomore Chloe Hatcher went 2-for-4 with two doubles, two RBIs and three runs scored. Rounding out game two’s offensive standouts for the Wolves was freshman Tavye Borders who was 2-for3 with an RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base.

With the wins over East Paulding, Buford advances to the second round of the state playoffs. The team was set to play Oct. 22 at the Buford Softball Complex against River Ridge.

Buford volleyball team wins Region 8-AAAAAA over Dacula, Lanier

SUGAR HILL — The Buford Wolves’ varsity volleyball team captured their first-ever region win in Class AAAAAA after knocking off first Dacula and then Lanier in the Region 8-AAAAAA tournament held at Lanier High School on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Buford made quick work of Dacula with set scores of 25-17, 2514 to advance to the finals against Lanier. Although the Wolves’ performance in the final match was not perfect, they dug in and pushed past Lanier 25-15, 25-8, 25-20 to capture the region title.

In the match against Dacula, junior Mikayla Hayden and sophomore Ashley Sturzoiu led the team with seven kills each. Senior Grace Adams racked up 26 assists against the Falcons.

Hayden and Sturzoiu had the most kills against Lanier with 10 and nine kills, respectively. Adams had an impressive 35 assists for Buford in the match with the Longhorns, while Senior Macy Upshaw ended the match with 15 digs for Buford.

“We are excited to get the region championship under our belts, but know we have some work to do to be prepared for a playoff run,” said Buford head coach Hadli Daniels. “We believe we are capable of playing with anyone when we have our minds right and are playing together.”

With Buford (28-2) winning the Region 8-AAAAAA title, the team earned home-court advantage when it was set to host the first round of the state playoffs on Wednesday, Oct. 21. The Wolves were set to take on Rome.

Region 8-AAAAAA Championship title Tuesday, Oct. 13

Friday Night Lights: The Recap

North Gwinnett 31 | Mill Creek 0 SUWANEE — For the fourth year in a row, the North Gwinnett Bulldogs beat out fellow Region 8-AAAAAAA rival Mill Creek.

North Gwinnett (5-2) held Mill Creek (2-3) in check all night holding them to minus-8 yards, 19 rushes for minus-12 yards and 5 of 16 passing for 4 yards. The Bulldogs would rush for 131 yards on 43 carries and had 166 yards passing. Mill Creek managed only three first downs to North’s 19.

Mill Creek had to play without starting quarterback Hayden Clark against a very talented North Gwinnett defensive line with the likes of Kemar Brown and Jordan Hancock.

North got on the board in the first quarter with a 38-yard field goal from Cody Leach. The Bulldogs would

add three touchdowns in the second quarter from Barrett Carter, Hayden Morton and Ashton Wood. Seth Anderson had a 33-yard reception from Wood in the third quarter for a touchdown. North would not put any additional points on the board in the fourth quarter.

North has a by week on Oct. 23 and will play again on Oct. 30 at Collins Hill in a region game.

Buford 44 | Habersham Central 7 MOUNT AIRY — Buford (4-1,

2-0) traveled to take on fellow Region 8-AAAAAA opponent Habersham Central (3-3, 1-1). Powered by the dynamic duo of Gabe Ervin Jr. and Victor Venn, who each had over 100 yards rushing, the team cruised past the Raiders to a 44-7 win.

Ervin would get the scoring started off in the first quarter with an 11-yard touchdown run. Alejandro Mata made a 34-yard field goal in the second quarter. In the third quarter, Venn would rush for 3 yards for the touchdown. The Raiders got on the board with a 62-yard touchdown run just after Buford put up its first of three touchdowns it would make in the third quarter. Dylan Wittke found CJ Clinkscales for a 24-yard touchdown pass and then Ashton Daniels completed a pass to Peyton Rinker for an 11-yard touchdown to end the third quarter. The Wolves would add two more touchdowns

Buford High School Varsity Football Player of the Week is #22 Gabe Ervin Jr. Ervin is a 6-foot, 200-pound running back for the Wolves. The Nebraska commit had 10 carries for 178 yards and two rushing touchdowns in the game against Central Gwinnett. In the game against Habersham Central, Ervin amassed 120 yards on 16 carries and scored two rushing touchdowns

before the night was through. Wittke would run the ball 18 yards into the end zone and then Ervin danced in for a one-yard touchdown leaving Buford’s damage at 44 to Habersham Central’s 7.

The Wolves had 364 yards, while the Raiders put up only 152 yards. Buford’s night wasn’t perfect, however, as they had eight penalties for 75 yards. The Wolves would also have a fumble and an interception.

Buford also has a by week and will resume region play on Oct. 30 at Shiloh.

Venn rushed for 123 yards on 14 carries while Ervin rushed 16 times for 120 yards. Clinkscales had the longest reception of the night at 24 yards.

Amari Wansley led the defense with the most tackles at four. Victor Payne was not far behind with three tackles and one for a loss.