High school football rivalries have a way of making legends out of players and comedians out of fans. And Friday night’s Georgia 6A semifinal between Carrollton and Buford was no exception. These top-seeded teams were battling for bragging rights and home-field advantage. Buford, with a 4-0 playoff record against Carrollton, looked to extend their dominance. But in a clash filled with drama, momentum swings, and a second-half comeback, the Buffs 5-Star commit quarterback Julian “Juju” Lewis didn’t just carry his team to victory—he lit up social media in a way that stung Buford as much as the final score.
After the game, Julian Lewis shared a post from the Carrollton Barstool meme page on his Instagram story that perfectly encapsulated the night. The meme showed Lewis photoshopped as WWE icon The Undertaker, rising from a coffin to grab an unsuspecting Randy Orton by the throat. The Buford Wolves logo was hilariously slapped on Orton’s face, symbolizing their early dominance in the game. The caption? “Juju isn’t playing,” a cheeky jab at the QB’s slow start. But just like the Undertaker in the ring, Lewis roared back, turning the game on its head in the second half.
The Wolves came out strong, jumping to a 17-7 lead behind a stellar first half that included Tyriq Green’s 13-yard touchdown run and some sharp defensive play. It looked like Carrollton might meet its match as Buford’s aggressive game plan kept Julian Lewis in check. But in football—and apparently, in meme-worthy comebacks—it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. They almost had the Trojans in the first half, echoing the famous meme. But after completing 14-of-18 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns, Carrolton’s QB rose from the dead.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The turning point came late in the second quarter when Juju connected with A.J. McNeil on a 48-yard touchdown bomb, leveling the score at 17-17. From there, it was all Trojans. Carrollton’s defense stiffened, keeping Buford scoreless in the second half, while the nation’s No. 2 QB orchestrated a masterclass of clock management and precision passing. By the time the dust settled, Carrollton had scored 23 unanswered points to clinch a 30-17 victory, leaving the Wolves howling in frustration.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The intense rivalry between these powerhouse programs is a microcosm of the state’s football culture, which is never short of drama. With Carrollton advancing to the final, they’ll face the winner of Grayson vs. Douglas County, and if Friday was any indication, the Trojans are riding high on confidence. But this raises a few eyebrows: what was the reason for the slow start of Shedeur Sanders’ replacement in 2025?
The question of whether Julian Lewis would suit up was answered very well
The big question ahead of the GHSA Class 6A semifinal against Buford was about Juju’s availability. The Trojans’ young phenom quarterback, Julian Lewis, was at the center of speculation all week, with fans and analysts alike dissecting every hint about his status.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It all started in Carrollton’s 46-6 quarterfinal win over Hillgrove when Lewis appeared to injure his throwing hand early in the second quarter. The buzz only grew louder when reports surfaced that he’d undergone x-rays and was later seen on the sidelines sporting a cast. Talk about drama
Coach Joey King didn’t exactly clear the air during his weekly Zoom conference. When asked about Lewis’ availability, he played it cool, saying, “JuJu is day-to-day, and our trainers are working extra hard to get him ready.” He even gave a nod to HIPAA laws, keeping the exact details of the injury under wraps. But Lewis suited up anyway, and boy, he ended it in some style and humor!
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
Challenge Your Sports Knowledge!
Solve the puzzle and prove your knowledge of iconic players, terms, and moments.
Debate
Did Juju's Undertaker meme sting Buford more than the actual loss? What's your take?
What’s your perspective on:
Did Juju's Undertaker meme sting Buford more than the actual loss? What's your take?
Have an interesting take?