The Buford High softball program is quickly becoming one the most consistent fast-pitch programs in the state.

For the fifth consecutive season and sixth time in eight years since taking up fast-pitch softball, the Lady Wolves (21-4) will appear in the Elite 8 at the South Commons Softball Complex in Columbus.

Buford, the back-to-back Class AA state champions start the trek to a possible third straight state title with a quarterfinal game against Rockmart at noon on Thursday in Columbus.

The Wolves steamrolled through the opening two rounds of the playoff brackets, beginning with wins by the score of 5-0 and 9-0 against Sonoraville in the first round.

Last Friday, the Lady Wolves breezed past Walnut Grove 9-0, 9-1 in the second round in Buford. The state finals are scheduled for Saturday at the South Commons.

In volleyball, North Hall (28-14-2) and Flowery Branch (21-18) both survived long road trips in the first round of the playoffs last Saturday.

The Lady Falcons traveled to Savannah and swept past Richmond Hill in their opening round match.

With the win, Flowery Branch advances to face Riverwood on Tuesday in Atlanta. Flowery Branch is seeking its first trip to the Elite 8 in school history.

Meanwhile, the Lady Trojans advanced to the second round with a first-round victory against Baldwin last Saturday in Milledgeville.

North Hall visits Class AAA’s top-ranked St. Pius X in the second round Tuesday night in Atlanta.

The playoff picture in football will start to take even more shape this week.

Many games have playoff implications, including North Hall at Chestatee, Flowery Branch at West Forsyth, Rockdale County at Habersham Central, Lumpkin County at White County and Riverside Military at Oglethorpe County.

In Region 6-AA Buford visits Blessed Trinity. Last year, Blessed Trinity had a lead on the eventual state champion Wolves until the final seconds of the game.