Section Branding
Header Content
Class 5A: Buford 17, Warner Robins 14 OT
Primary Content
Hayden Olsen kicked a 24-yard field goal in overtime to give Buford a 17-14 win over Warner Robins in the Class 5A championship game on Friday at Georgia State Stadium.
Warner Robins threw an interception on its first possession in overtime. Jamarius Isaac intercepted Jalen Addie’s third down pass in the end zone. Buford ran two plays and advanced the ball to the 7 before calling on Olsen, who drilled the ball through the uprights for the winning points.
Isaac was the key figure for Buford. He had an interception, a fumble recovery and caught the tying touchdown pass.
The win gave No.5 Buford (14-1) it's 12th state championship and first since 2014. It marked the third straight season that No. 2 Warner Robins (13-2) has fallen short in the title game.
Buford forced the overtime by driving 78 yards in 14 plays and scored when backup quarterback Ashton Daniels threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Isaac with 27 seconds left. Isaac got the drive started when he recovered a Warner Robins fumble. Hayden Olsen’s extra point tied the game 14-14.
Warner Robins was able to move the ball into position to try a 51-yard field goal with two seconds left in regulation. But Cary Payne’s kick was short and wide right, sending the game to overtime.
Buford’s top runner was Gabe Ervin, who carried 24 times for 57 yards and one touchdown, with Victor Venn running 16 times for 50 yards.
Warner Robins quarterback Jalen Addie completed 7-for-14 passes for 63 yards and rushed 14 times for 120 yards and one touchdown.