Sandy Creek moves on in state playoffs

By the end of Sandy Creek’s first round state playoff game with the Chamblee Bulldogs, the fog was so thick that it was nearly impossible to see 20 yards in front of your face. Luckily, Rio Johnson’s game winning pass to Alex Chisum was a 15 yard pass.

The touchdown broke a 7-7 tie and moved the Patriots to the second round of the Class AAAA state playoffs.

Chamblee started the game with a drive that lasted close to 10 minutes but ended with no points being put up on the scoreboard. Early in the second quarter Johnson connected on a three yard touchdown pass with Jarrett Davis. The drive started after Chamblee fumbled a ball that Brandon Putnam recovered. Matt Solomon also recovered a fumble in the first half.

Chamblee’s touchdown came on a 80 yard touchdown run with just under three minutes to play in the half. The Bulldogs rushed for more yards than the Patriots (155-131) but Sandy Creek outgained Chamblee overall (266-182). Chisum was the star of the offense with nine catches for 103 yards. Quarterback Rio Johnson had a great night as well. He was 15 for 23 passing for 135 yards and two touchdowns.

On defense, Solomon led the team with eight tackles and a fumble recovery, while four players had five tackles (Julian Holmes, Lacy Coleman, Brandon Putnam and Bruce Dukes). Holmes, Coleman and Putnam also had two tackles for a loss each.

Sandy Creek’s game winning drive lasted six minutes, spanned 72 yards and featured five first downs.

The crowd stormed the field and celebrated with the team after the win and will assemble at The Battlefield again next week when the Patriots face Rome.

In other playoff games featuring local teams, Whitewater lost to Tucker, 33-7, Northgate lost to Marist 42-0, East Coweta lost to Bradwell Institute 19-7 and Landmark Christian lost to Bremen, 40-14.

The photo that accompanies this story was taken by Stan Prophitt of KidzSportsPhotography.com