It was only a scrimmage, but the Sandy Creek Patriots looked impressive Friday, defeating the Salem Seminoles 14-7 at The Battlefield in Tyrone.

Creek’s first-team offense, which didn’t play until the second quarter, produced two touchdowns: a 23-yard run by Ragion Neal that capped an eight-play, 67-yard drive in the second quarter and an 11-yard run by bruising fullback Alex Green that completed a six-play, 51-yard drive in the third quarter.

Neal was perhaps Creek’s most impressive player, consistently displaying nimble feet, nifty moves in the open field and speed. He bounced outside left tackle and outraced Salem’s entire defense down the left sideline on his touchdown run.

Known for his size and power, Green bounced off tacklers up the middle and plowed his way forward on his touchdown run.

Quarterback Rio Johnson also stood out, showing off a strong arm. He was particularly effective on Creek’s first scoring drive, completing passes of 19 and 9 yards to the wide receiver he looked to most often, Devon Hughes.

Johnson’s legs also created positive yardage. Two plays before Green’s touchdown run, Johnson took off running down the right sideline for a 12-yard gain.

Creek’s first-team defense had a strong showing, as well; it didn’t allow any points. Safety Russell Bonner and cornerback Jimi Moultrie each had an interception for Creek.

Bonner dove and barely got his hands under the ball for Creek’s first interception, and Moultrie, deep in man-to-man coverage, skied high to snag the ball at its highest point for Creek’s second interception.

The most peculiar aspect of the night was that the scrimmage was played without referees until the second quarter. They showed up an hour and half late. Sandy Creek parents served as fill-in referees.

Creek opens the regular season August 29 at home against the East Coweta Indians.