Buford Defeated Grayson in Regional Football Clash
The Buford High School football team secured a 23-13 victory over Grayson in a recent Georgia state matchup.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Football
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Top-ranked Buford defeated Grayson 23-13 on the night of September 18, 2026. This victory marks the first time Buford has ever defeated Grayson in football.
Why it matters
The win solidifies Buford as a front-runner for the national championship and maintains their undefeated season record. Grayson now faces an increasingly difficult path forward following their third loss of the season.
Jameer Cantrell fueled the win with 84 rushing yards, 10 solo tackles, and 5 tackles for loss. DJ Hunter contributed to the offense by connecting with Braylon Williams for a touchdown.
The players
Buford High School
This educational institution is recognized for its top-ranked football program in the Georgia Massey Ratings.
Grayson High School
The school operates a highly competitive football program that previously suffered losses to North Gwinnett and Sandy Creek this season.
Jameer Cantrell
He is a standout player for Buford who recorded 84 rushing yards and 10 solo tackles during this game.
DJ Hunter
He is a quarterback for the Buford football team who successfully executed a touchdown pass in this matchup.
Braylon Williams
He is a football player for Buford who caught the touchdown pass thrown by DJ Hunter.
The details
Jameer Cantrell opened the scoring for Buford, followed by a touchdown pass from DJ Hunter to Braylon Williams that helped seal the win. Grayson entered the contest coming off previous losses to North Gwinnett and Sandy Creek.
Timeline
The teams previously met during the 2024 7A quarterfinals.
The game took place on the night of September 18, 2026.
Grayson is scheduled to face an opponent from Florida next week.
Season Trajectory
This win reinforces Buford's position as the top-ranked team in the Georgia Massey Ratings during their pursuit of a national title. Conversely, Grayson's latest defeat complicates their season narrative as they prepare to face a new opponent from Florida next week.
Buford remains undefeated as they hold their spot as the state's top-ranked team. Grayson's loss drops them to a difficult position with three defeats, leaving their playoff seeding vulnerable heading into next week's game.
The takeaway
This victory demonstrates a major shift in the competitive balance between two prominent Georgia programs. Staying informed on regional rankings is essential for tracking which teams maintain momentum as the season progresses toward the playoffs.
Further reading
For more on high school competition across the state, visit Georgia Football.
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