The Buford High football team is coming down the stretch on a run for its fourth consecutive Class AA state title. Standing in the Wolves’ way this week is their Region 6-AA foe Lovett (10-3) in the state semifinals on Friday at Tom Riden Stadium.

These two programs have an extensive history of playing one another in the past five years. Already this season, Buford (12-1) defeated Lovett 37-14.

This marks the second time that these two schools have faced off twice in the same season. In 2007, Buford defeated Lovett in the regular season and in the state championship game.

Buford defeated Cook 21-14 in the state quarterfinals last Friday, which marked its 18th consecutive playoff win at Tom Riden.

On the other side of the bracket, Calhoun (13-0) will visit Class AA’s top-ranked Carver-Columbus (13-0) for a spot in the state title game. Carver is the only school to beat Buford during the regular season, a 14-0 shutout at Memorial Stadium in Columbus.

SEC CHAMPIONSHIP: On Saturday, Auburn (12-0) will face South Carolina in the SEC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Auburn last won the SEC title in 2004 and is making its fourth appearance in the championship game, which began in its current format in 1992. The Tigers made it to the SEC title game by rallying from behind to win eight times this season.

Meanwhile, the Gamecocks are making their first appearance in the SEC championship game. South Carolina solidified its bid to the championship game with a 36-14 victory against Florida on Nov. 13.

If Auburn wins, a bid to the BCS National Championship game awaits.

ATLANTA HAWKS: This week, Atlanta plays host to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday followed by the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday at Philips Arena. Then on Saturday, the Hawks visit the Miami Heat.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Perhaps the most interesting matchup this week will take place when Franklin County visits Gainesville on Tuesday. All four teams between Gainesville and Franklin County were ranked in the Top 10 when the season began.

Also, Class AA’s East Hall visits Class AAAA’s Flowery Branch on Tuesday, and in Class AAA Lumpkin County is at West Hall.

On Saturday, Gainesville will play host to East Hall.

HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING: On Tuesday, four strong programs from four different classifications will meet up at Commerce. Class AAAAA’s Peachtree Ridge, Class AAAA’s Madison County and Class AA’s Jefferson will all be in the field at Class A Commerce.

On Tuesday, another anticipated match will take place with West Hall, Sonoraville and Fannin County at Gilmer.