Rome to face Buford for state title
When Knox Kadum took the final kneel down Friday night to send the Rome Wolves to their first ever state championship game, the next 30 minutes were a blur of emotion and frenzy.
Fans and players met in the end zone, hugging, chanting and cheering an incredible 28-21 win against Stockbridge.
The players were just comprehending what they had done and what they had earned all season long.
“We never imagined this, we just had to push. We had to fight for what we wanted, and it’s finally here,” senior defensive back Jakolbi Griffin said. “And we all fighting and we all came together as a family, and that’s what it is about. Coming together as a family is the core value of the team.”
The Wolves will meet Buford (13-1) in the Class 5A state championship game Friday at 4:30 p.m. at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
Rome is not exactly the senior-heavy team one would expect to see playing in the Georgia Dome next weekend. While veterans like Jakolbi Griffin, Jaylen Griffin and Zach Kadum are big contributors, the team also sports underclassmen like Kadum, Jamious Griffin and Adam Anderson.
But no matter the age, players bought into the vision that Rome coach John Reid and his assistants wanted. The team has not changed anything drastic, instead working on improving with every week of the season.
And few games illustrated the improvement more than Friday’s victory against the Tigers.
Stockbridge led 14-7 at halftime, but the Wolves didn’t waver in the locker room.
“They never thought they were going to lose this football game,” Reid said. “Even at halftime they said, ‘Coach, we’re not losing. Just give us a plan.’ And we got them a plan. I’m just so proud of our kids and the coaching staff.”
The Tigers, who averaged 258 rushing yards per game, were held to 75 yards on 15 carries, while standout Jalen Holston, who had 1,368 yards entering the game, was reduced to just seven yards on three carries.
“Our defensive coaches came up with a great game plan. We worked all weekend, and our kids just implemented the plan,” Reid said. “It’s not assignment football unless you tackle your assignments.”
There is little to no doubt that things will stay the same in Rome practice this week, with the team just trying to improve. And if the players execute like they have all year, then they may be celebrating with their fans one more time.
“This is just awesome, I’ve never seen Rome like this,” Kadum said after the game. “I never thought I would be part of something like this. It’s great.”