The Sandy Creek Patriots are back on top of the state. With a 21-17 win over Cedar Grove on December 10 at Center Parc Stadium, the Patriots won the fourth state football championship in school history.

In a back-and-forth game between region foes ranked among the state’s best all year, the Patriots prevailed with stingy defense and timely scoring.

“There are no words to describe this feeling,” said Sandy Creek coach Brett Garvin. “To see it come to fruition for the kids, they wanted it so bad all year, I’m just tickled pink for them.”

It was Sandy Creek’s first trip back to the state championship since 2012 when they won three titles in four seasons. On the other sideline was a fierce Cedar Grove team on the hunt for their fifth championship in seven years.

The winning score came when the officials ruled Travis Franklin scored on a 2-yard touchdown run with less than a minute play, his second score of the day. Kaleb Cost intercepted a pass on the ensuing drive, sealing up the victory and setting off a celebration for the Patriots.

The win was sweet for Principal Tosha Oilver in her first year at the helm of SCHS. She has been impressed by the culture surrounding the team, including four coaches on the staff that won championships when they were Patriot players.

“This feels incredible and amazing,” she said. “Everybody has been incredible. The community has been rallying behind us since the playoffs started, and it’s just a groundswell of support. We are really excited, and we are really going to celebrate.”