Patriots take in-county playoff battle with Panthers, 47-14

The Linden Patriots hosted their in-county rival Marengo Panthers Friday night in Linden. The 20-minute ride back Dixons Mills probably seemed a little longer than the ride to Linden, after the Patriots won their first round playoff game against the Panthers by a score of 47-14.

Johnny Blackmon led the Patriots with 68 yards and two touchdowns on two carries. Tim Thurman had one carry for a 54-yard touchdown. Zelly Aldridge collected one touchdown and 58 yards on five carries. Stephon McIntosh had 3 carries for 44 yards.

Joshua Williams connected on six of seven passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns. Blackmon had two of those catches, covering 92 yards with one touchdown. Savion McIntosh had 62 yards and a touchdown on two catches. Tyrik Daniels had one catch for 33 yards.

Daryl McIntosh led the defensive effort with 10 tackles, including one sack. Kevonte Alston had seven tackles, one forced fumble, a fumble recovery and one sack. Thurman added 7 tackles. Daniels and Roderick Brown added five tackles each and Antwarne Cosby recorded five tackles. Blackmon picked off two passes on the night and also recovered a fumble for a 55 yard touchdown.

The Patriots will host the McKenzie Tigers next week in the second round of the 2020 AHSAA state football playoffs. McKenzie defeated Loachapoka 54-32 in their first round game.