Patriots are region champs again, Panthers back in playoffs

One of the many banners lining The Battlefield in Tyrone read like a checklist with county champs and sub-region champs checked off. Next to region champs, the box was empty but read "consider it done."

It's done.

Thanks to three touchdowns from Rajion Neal and yet another impressive defensive performance, the Patriots took home their second consecutive region title and their fourth in school history.

Sandy Creek will open the state playoffs at home next Friday against the fourth seed from region 8-AAAA.

Starr's Mill hosted Villa Rica and won 41-6. Zach Laksey opened the scoring for the Panthers and Justin Smith added two first half touchdowns to two Payne Spencer field goals. Starr's Mill never looked back. They now return to the state playoffs as the third seed from region 5-AAAA and will meet the second seed from region 8-AAAA on the road next Friday.

Whitewater missed the state playoffs for the first time in school history this season, but defeated Alexander 41-9 in the regular season finale. Josh Clemons and Brandon Collins both had two touchdowns in the win and Blake Jaurigue recovered a blocked punt and ran it back for a touchdown as well.

McIntosh fell to Douglas County 13-7 with their lone score coming on a touchdown pass from Cam Porter to Matt Fergus.

Fayette County lost to Tri-Cities 41-27. Jensen Floyd scored the first touchdown for the Tigers, while Eric Lauderdale added two and Darnell Brown added another.