When injuries take a toll on a team, backups are expected to fill in and play admirably.

The fifth-ranked Sandy Creek Patriots played without two key starters Friday, standout running back Rajion Neal and fullback/defensive tackle Alex Green, but they didn't miss a beat as Lucky Charleston ran 29 times for 146 yards and three touchdowns in his first career start in a 28-7 victory over Alexander.

Charleston’s number of carries, yards and touchdowns were all career highs.

“Lucky had a huge game,” Creek coach Chip Walker said. “He was a big reason we were able to move the ball the way we did. He was a workhorse for us.”

Charleston led a Creek offense that compiled 341 total yards.

He wasn’t the only Creek player to make a significant impact in his first career varsity start. Two others, fullback Austin Bennett and defensive tackle Jonathon Caughman, stood out as replacements for two-way starter Green.

Bennett helped paved the way for Charleston’s big night, and Caughman had five tackles, including one for loss, for a Creek defense that held Alexander to 122 yards of total offense.

“Austin Bennett and Jonathon Caughman both played well for us,” Walker said. “They did a good job for stepping in for our injured starters.”

Neal and Green were out with undisclosed injuries. Both are expected to be back soon, Walker said.

Creek (3-0) and Alexander traded touchdowns in the first quarter, with Creek quarterback Rio Johnson (14-of-21, 169 yards) hooking up with his favorite target, wide receiver Devon Hughes (five catches, 92 yards), on a 34-yard touchdown pass and Alexander answering with a 15-yard touchdown run.

Then Charleston broke out in the second quarter, scoring on runs of 1 and 10 yards on consecutive series to put Creek in front 21-7.

A fumble recovery by Creek’s Jarreau Brown set up Charleston’s second touchdown run.

Another turnover forced by Creek’s defense, a third-quarter interception by safety Isaiah Johnson, led to Charleston’s third touchdown, a 1-yard run.

It was the second of three turnovers forced by Creek; cornerback Bruce Dukes had an interception late in the fourth quarter for the Patriots’ third turnover.

Dukes was one of one five defensive players who had at least five tackles for the Patriots. Linebacker Matt Solomon (six tackles), defensive end Brandon Putnam (six), safety Russell Bonner (five) and Caughman were the others.

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