Corky Kell: Sandy Creek Patriots football preview

Sandy Creek won back-to-back state titles in 2009-2010 and returned to the podium in 2012 with a perfect 15-0 season, including a 45-10 rout over Ridgeland in the state championship. The 2012 campaign was so dominant that the Patriots managed to outscore their final six opponents 266-43. The only game that was even within two touchdowns was a 31-20 victory over Burke County in the quarterfinals. For the year, the 15 victories averaged out to a 35-point average margin of victory. Last season, the Patriots dominated once again, but met their match with eventual state champion Griffin in the quarterfinals. The Bears upset Sandy Creek and snapped the Patriots’ streak of 27 games without a loss.

Quarterback Cole Garvin (Marshall) and wide receiver Demarre Kitt (Clemson) are playing on Saturday’s now after leading Sandy Creek’s passing attack the past three seasons. The Detroit Lions All-Pro and record-setting receiver Calvin Johnson was a star at Sandy Creek and Kitt has followed a similar path during his career. Kitt earned the prestigious Super 11 before this past season and chose to play his college ball in the ACC like ‘Megatron’.

The ground game will be strong with this year’s team but it will be built a lot different than the past two seasons. Eric Swinney and Delvin Weems were a two-headed monster in the backfield together, with both guys rushing for more than 2,000 yards and just south of nine yards per carry during the span. Swinney will have to do it alone this year as Weems packed up and transferred to Tucker. The result could be a huge senior year for Swinney, the Ole Miss commit. Swinney will likely see those rushing and passing numbers increase and he was good for 22 rushing touchdowns and four receiving touchdowns last season.

On defense, pass rusher Trent Sellers is already committed to Georgia Tech and stands 6-foot-3, 230 pounds. His teammate Javonte Lain is pledged to Old Dominion and he is another big-bodied 6-foot-3 force on the edge.