REDZONE 2020: Linden Patriots
After a very uncharacteristic six win season, Coach Travis Lockett and the Patriots are only looking up for the 2020 season. Two seasons ago, the Patriots made it to the Class 1A title game but ran into a formidable opponent in Mars Hill, who handed the Patriots their only loss of the season.
Lockett indicated that the Patriots need to improve mentally and physically, and be highly disciplined in all three phases of the game to be successful in 2020. That success will be determined by working hard every day and continuing to improve on a daily basis. That is the action plan to get the Patriots back to the position of being able to compete for a state championship.
With a large senior class, developing the talent and football knowledge of the underclassmen will be a key ingredient for the program’s success. Lockett understands that developing his players is the key to giving them opportunities to further their education at the next level. The Patriot program has had great success in working to build relationships with colleges and universities to help provide opportunities for its players year after year.
As with many teams, complacency is the Patriots main obstacle, according to Lockett. His team is full of talent and they must focus on getting better every day by demanding excellence from everyone.
The Patriots have multiple seniors who have as much experience as any coach could ask for.
Joshua Williams, who holds 16 Division 1 offers and has verbally committed to Rice, is a four year starter who has been a captain since his freshman year. Williams is a smart, instinctive player who understands the offensive and defensive playbooks. He’s a playmaker and excellent student athlete, holding a 4.0 GPA and a score of 29 on the ACT. Tim Thurman, an Army commit, is a four year starter who leads by example and is also very vocal in his leadership. Thurman is the most versatile player on the team and can play any position needed.
Mekhel Miller, another senior, hasn’t missed practice in five years. He led the team in tackles in 2019 and is the ultimate team guy who does everything the right way. Senior Tyrik Daniels is a force to reckon with on the defensive line. Daniels led the team with 12 sacks in 2018 and tallied 16 in 2019.
The dependable Johnny Blackmon, a senior, will be on his own island, playing lock down at his cornerback position on defense. The three year starter will also be a key wide receiver target for Williams.
Fellow senior Zelly Aldridge is the ultimate competitor and most explosive athlete on the team. Aldridge led the Patriots in rushing, receiving, return yards and touchdowns in 2019.
Sophomore Albert Jones returns after starting at center in 2019, which was his first year ever to play football. Jones is becoming a vocal leader on the offensive line who knows everyone’s responsibilities.
Likely offensive starters include Williams at QB, Aldridge and Thurman at RB, Blackmon and Savion McIntosh at WR and Jones, Miller, Antwarne Cosby, Jeremy Witherspoon and Tycarius Anthony on the line.
Defensively, the Patriots will start with Daniels, Jamarcus Williams and Kevonte Alston on the line, Thurman, Miller, Stephon McIntosh and Daryl McIntosh at LBs, and Joshua Williams, Blackmon, Aldridge and Dewoyne Charleston in the defensive backfield.