CONTRIBUTED

In its first game since claiming the 2009 PYFL Super Bowl, the Sandhills Patriots varsity football team picked up right where it left off with a 22-0 victory over the Richmond County Packers.

The Patriot offense was led by running back Chance Castillo, who rushed over 130 yards and two touchdowns. Troy Roper scored the Patriots' other touchdown on a 12-yard run around the left end.

Quarterbacks Bailey Benton and Bradley Black combined to throw over 100 yards for the Patriots and both did an excellent job directing the Patriot attack.

The offensive line of Sam Fetla, Layton Barber, Will Millikan, Eric McCaskill and Alex Mason dominated the line of scrimmage and were key to the Patriot victory. Carson Maples connected on a 32-yard field goal just before the pass to give the Patriots a 9-0 lead.

Defensively, the Patriots were without one of their captains and middle linebacker, Ryan Lipomi, and nose guard Thomas Lehto, due to injury. The rest of the defense stepped up, holding the Packers to less than 50 yards in total offense. Keegan Good and Detavia Baker each had interceptions, and the Patriot defense forced several fumbles.

Captains Jaylen Taylor and Landon Winningham made numerous tackles during the contest.

The Patriots jayvee team defeated the Richmond County Packers 8-0 to improve their record to 3-0.

The Patriots offense moved the ball well on its first two drives of the game, but had no points to show for it as two touchdowns were called back for penalties.

The game turned into a defensive battle that did not break open until late in the fourth quarter when Patriot standout Zach Martinez received a pitch from Pres Remington and took it 57 yards for the first score of the game.

Martinez and the Patriots special teams unit then converted on the extra point.

The Packers had one final possession to try to tie the game; however, Patriot linebacker Dan Shay intercepted a Packer fourth down pass to seal the game for the Patriots JV squad.