After losing their first two games to begin the season, the Sandy Creek Patriots appear to be back, winning their Region 6-AAA opener Friday, 24-17 over host Villa Rica, for their second straight victory.

The Patriots (2-2, 1-0) struck first against Villa Rica, with Blair Taylor scoring on a 63-yard run on the opening drive of the game.

Villa Rica answered with an 11-yard touchdown run on its first series, but it would be the last time it would score in the first half.

Creek scored two more times in the half -- Zack Lopez kicked a 28-yard field goal, and Rio Johnson threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Braxton Lane -- to grab a 17-7 lead.

Villa Rica came back in the second half, scoring on an 18-yard run and a 25-yard field goal to tie the game at 17.

Johnson and Lane put Creek ahead for good on their team's next possession, hooking up on a 75-yard touchdown pass.

It was the best game of the season for both Johnson and Lane. Johnson completed 11 of 18 passes for 203 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, and Lane caught nine passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns.

Creek's Isaiah Johnson sealed the victory late with an interception.

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