The Sandy Creek Patriots did not score on their first possession in their Class AAA second round state playoff game, but they did get two Mike Hilton touchdowns in the first quarter (4 yd td run and 2 yd td run) on their way to a 42-14 win over the Troup Tigers.
“Hilton is close to full speed and gace us a big lift,” said head coach Chip Walker after the game. “I think our O-line did a great job too.”
Troup cut the lead to 14-7 with a 74 yard touchdown run, but CJ Washington had a one yard touchdown run and Cole Garvin connected on a touchdown pass with Demarre Kitt to make the score 28-7 at the half. In the third quarter, the Tigers stopped the Patriots on their first possession of the second half and scored on the next drive to cut the lead in half once again. Hilton capped an 80 yard drive with a seven yard touchdown run to make the game 35-14. Khiry Lain intercepted a Troup pass on their next drive and 10 seconds later Garvin threw a 56 yard touchdown pass to JaQuay Williams. The Sandy Creek defense then held strong for the remainder of the game and Juwan Pulliam added an interception to protect the lead.
“The defense played great,” Walker said. They gave up that one big play n the first half and the Tigers scored on a short field in the second. Overall, I’m really proud of the effort. Troup is a good football team.”
The Patriots (12-0), winners of 41 games in a row, will play Gainesville (11-1) next week and a coin flip tomorrow morning will decide where the game will be played. Gainesville beat Monroe 16-13. It was the only time since their season opening loss to Buford (49-0) that they have been held under 40 points.
Landmark Christian (10-2) played in Savannah against Calvary Day and won 21-7. They will face Aquinas next week on the road. The War Eagles beat Aquinas in the season opener 10-8. Aquinas beat Wilcox County 32-14 tonight.
In other games tonight, Northgate lost to East Paulding 27-21 and Newnan fell to Dacula 32-21.
