The chilly night air did not stop the red-hot Sandy Creek Patriots from dismantling the Eastside Eagles 55-0 in the first round of the playoffs.

The Eagles knew they had a tough test in front of them, traveling to Tyrone to play a juggernaut Sandy Creek program. The Patriots were the only AAAA team to finish the season undefeated this year and are primed to return to the top after winning back-to-back state titles in 2009 and 2010.

As daunting as their task was, Eastside played well in the first half, particularly on defense. They were able to hold a high-octane offense to 21 points before halftime. The defense was opportunistic, forcing two turnovers deep in their own territory to keep more points off the board. The first came on the game's opening drive. After Sandy Creek raced paced past midfield Marcus Griffieth would fall on a fumble to end the series. Midway through the second quarter cornerback Tre Cooper stepped in front of a pass and picked it off at the ten yard and took it back to midfield.

Unfortunately for Eastside, the Sandy Creek defense was even more stout all game. The Patriots kept the Eagle backfield combo of quarterback Demario Terrell and running back Alex Smith in check. The Eagles best offensive series came at the end of the third quarter when they drove deep into Sandy Creek territory. On fourth and six from the 26 yard line, Terrell found a receiver just past the sticks, seemingly setting them up in great scoring position. Unfortunately for the Eagle faithful a block in the back nullified the first down and killed the opportunity.

Meanwhile the Patriot offense exploded in the second half. Sandy Creek scored everytime they touched the ball in the third quarter and again on the first play of the fourth to stretch the lead out to 49-0.

The loss ends Eastside's season with a record of 7-4. Sandy Creek continues on with a 11-0 mark.