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Defense leads Patriots to title game

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11-30-18 — Linden, Ala. — Linden’s Denzel Moseley (9) and Jason Presswood take down Maplesville’s quarterback during the Patriots semi-final victory over the Red Devils.

LINDEN — Graderius Brown connected with Joshua Williams and Kevin Green for touchdown passes and the Linden defense played championship caliber football to punch the Patriots’ ticket to the AHSAA Class 1A state title game. With the exception of one special teams miscue, the Patriot defense played shutout football against the visiting Maplesville Red Devils. The Patriots overcame five turnovers to return to the title game after a seven year absence.

Linden head coach Demetrice Jackson noted his teams’ turnovers but “that shows how strong our team was. They persevered through that.” Regarding his team’s defensive effort, Jackson added “I’m extremely proud of the defense. They played great defense tonight.”

The Patriot defense got things going on the opening Maplesville drive. The Patriots forced a three-and-out on the Red Devils’ first possession and set the tone for the rest of the night.

11-30-18 — Linden, Ala. — Linden’s Joshua Williams regains his balance after breaking a tackle on his way to the end zone during the Patriots semi-final victory over the Maplesville Red Devils.

The Patriots opening drive saw a fourth down conversion, but also a interception by the Red Devils. However, the Patriots held Maplesville on a fourth down conversion attempt. With 2:43 to go in the first quarter, Brown hit Williams across the middle and Williams broke a tackle before finding the end zone to complete the 49-yard touchdown pass. Brown tacked on the 2-point conversion and the Patriots took an 8-0 lead.

A defensive battle ensued. The Red Devils picked off two Patriot passes in the second quarter and the Patriot defense forced the Red Devils to turn it over on downs. The first half ended with the Patriots holding onto the 8-0 lead.

11-30-18 — Linden, Ala. — Linden’s Kevin Green outruns a defender on his way to the end zone during the Patriots semi-final victory over the Maplesville Red Devils.

After the Patriots lost a fumble on their opening possession of the second half, the Patriot defense held and forced another Red Devil punt. With 1:54 to go in the third quarter, Green hauled in a pass from Brown and raced to the north end zone for a 40-yard touchdown play. Brown added his second 2-point conversion to give the Patriots a 16-0 lead.

On the ensuing kickoff, the lone defensive miscue of the night resulted in a Red Devil touchdown. A successful 2-point conversion closed the Linden lead to 16-8 with 1:40 to go in the third quarter.

A fourth quarter defensive battle ensued, as neither team was able to reach the end zone for the remainder of the game. The Patriots’ stands and sideline erupted as the last few seconds ticked off the clock and the Patriots claimed the 16-8 victory.

11-30-18 — Linden, Ala. — Linden’s Tyrik Daniels forces a fumble during the Patriots semi-final victory over the Maplesville Red Devils.

On making it to the title game, Jackson said “It feels great. And I thank the man above, Jesus Christ, for it.”

“The players became coaches this week.” Jackson stated that his players were able to watch film this week and “they were able to notice sets and know what was coming. The defense was ready tonight.”

The Patriots will travel to Auburn next week to take on the Mars Hill Bible Panthers from Florence for the AHSAA Class 1A state title. The kick is set for 3 p.m. next Thursday at Jordan-Hare Stadium on the Auburn University campus.

11-30-18 — Linden, Ala. — The Linden Patriots celebrate after receiving the AHSAA South Region winner’s trophy following their semi-final victory over the Maplesville Red Devils.