The steady downpour of rain led to two early Villa Rica turnovers and that led to some early Patriot points as Sandy Creek improved to 10-0, won the region 5-AAAA title and nailed down a number one seed and home games for the first two rounds of the state playoffs.

Sandy Creek struck early, recovering a fumble and kicking a field goal in the first quarter to go up 3-0. In the second quarter, Mike Hilton blocked a punt and recovered it, returning it for a touchdown and giving Sandy Creek a 10-0 lead. Villa Rica fumbled for the third time in the first half and Brandon Putnam recovered it (his second fumble recovery of the night. Alex Green had a two yeard run for a touchdown and the Patriots went into the half up 17-0.

The second half began with Sandy Creek catching fumbleitis, fumbling twice on their first two drives in their own territory but Isaiah Johnson came up with a huge play, stripping the ball from a Villa Rica tailback on his way to the endzone. The forced fumble led to a touchback and Sandy Creek ball and also helped lead Sandy Creek to their third shutout in their last four games.

The final touchdown came on a one yard touchdown run from Mike Spaulding in the fourth quarter. Although the extra point attempt failed, the Patriots won 23-0.

Once again, the entire Sandy Creek defense played magnificently, with Clinard Stokes and Putnam’s name being broadcast over the PA system the most.