It’s one of those “dream matches”.   Ali vs. Tyson.  Holyfield vs. Marciano. Hulk Hogan vs. Stone Cold.

When the Buford Wolves were sitting there reeling off state championship after state championship the old school West Rome folks watched with a grimace.

The West Rome Chieftains dominated the early 1980’s. After setting a record and winning four straight state tiles (1982-1985) the alumni walked around with a power stroke for decades.  That record was untouchable.  The mighty Valdosta couldn’t even do it.  Enter, ironically enough, the Wolves.

In 2007, Buford went on a tear and won four state titles in a row.  This was after winning one in 2001, 2002 and 2003. In  2011, our neighbors to the north, Calhoun, stopped the Wolves from winning 5 in a row to the delight of Chieftain alumni.  Of course, the following year they went on a tear again, winning a state title in 2012, 13 and 14.  This time our neighbors to the east, Cartersville, prevented the Wolves from winning four in a row.  Think about this, had Cartersville not escaped with a win last year this year’s title game against Rome would again been for a record five straight.

The “streak” has almost been something West Rome alumni held their heads up high for.

Rome folks have eyed the Buford Wolves for years always wondering. Now, in 2016, the Rome faithful will finally get a taste of the big green machine.

A win for Rome this season would be something longtime Rome fans would savor as if it was a last meal.

The Floyd County community has sat and watched Calhoun win titles, Cartersville become dominant and win a title (about to be 2 in a row) and their teams rejoice over a second round playoff game.

Not since Darlington won a football state title in 1998 has a school from Floyd County even tasted a ring.  Before that it was Pepperell in 1991.  The community is pulling for the Wolves for sure.  However, as Ric Flair always said, “to be the man you have to beat that man.”

So last week I went 9-1 in my Potts’ Picks, brining my yearly football total to 98-41. I figured I try to pick this year’s Georgia football championship games.

Class AAAAAAA – Grayson over Roswell

Class AAAAAA – Valdosta over Tucker

Class AAAAA – Buford over Rome

Class AAAA – Cartersville over Thomson

Class AAA – Cedar Grove over GAC

Class AA – Benedictine over Fitzgerald

Class A public – Macon County over McIntosh Academy

Class A private – Eagles Landing over Fellowship Christian