REDZONE 2021: Linden Patriots

State Champion Patriots Have Tough Road in Repeat Attempt

Opening on the road is tough any season, but starting the year with three straight away games with the target of defending AHSAA Class 1A Champion on your back is a trial worth taking for this season’s Linden Patriots. Gone from this year’s squad are five Alabama Sports Writers’ Association All-State selections. However, losing quality talent on the way to a rebuild and continued contention for the Class 1A Region 3 title is nothing new for the school sitting in the county seat of Marengo.

Head Coach Travis Lockett points to the team being talented but young, so building consistency and developing as a unit week to week will be keys to a successful season. Likewise, the Patriots will have to avoid injuries, complacency, as well as having players fall ill because of the on-going global pandemic. Linden will also have to avoid the outside noise being the defending champion for the first time, find a way to stay motivated and work to not be distracted by last season’s success in attempts to be successful for the 2021 season.

As far as the scheme is concerned, Lockett does not see much change on either side of the ball. Multiple looks will allow the Patriots to adapt to the opponent ahead.

Leading the offensive side at the quarterback position is Dewoyne Charleston who Lockett describes as “a true pocket passer with sneaky athleticism.” Charleston, a 5-foot-9 senior, is described as having pin-point accuracy and lets his leadership be shown by example due to his quiet nature.

Joining Charleston in the back field at running back is Jarvis Packer, who was described as “the most explosive and dynamic player on the team and can score from anywhere.” Patriot fans can also expect to see sophomore Roderick Brown and freshman Tyran Richardson to get some carries.

All-State player Albert Jones returns to lead the offensive line. Jones is a two-year starter on the offensive line and can play any position along the offensive front. However, one position Linden hopes to not see Jones is at center, where Tycarius Anthony anchors the line. Anthony is another versatile lineman for LHS as he can play any position up front from center to tight end. Coach Lockett called him, “the most athletic and physical player on the team.”

Along with stars Jones and Anthony, the freshman Tyshaun Jacobs is a third returning starter for the unit. Also receiving snaps on the offensive line are juniors Antonio Jones and Demetric Edwards, while the 6-foot-2 and 210-pound sophomore Amarion Johnson will feature as the starting tight end.

Holding down the starting positions at wide receiver are senior Preston Forrest, joined by junior Lazavier Waters and freshman Donald Walker.

The defensive line starters look a lot like the offensive line starters, which is common for the always competitive Patriots. Tyshaun Jacobs, Albert Jones and Amarion Johnson look to hold down the defensive front.

While Roderick Brown will receive some offensive carries, it’s linebacker where the 5-foot-9, 200-pound sophomore excels. Brown is the team captain and has been starting since eighth grade. Antonio Jones and sophomore, Keoni Sorzano will also play linebacker.

Jarvis Packer is the lead safety and will be helped in the defensive backfield by freshman, Keilyn Edwards and junior Xavier Williams. Meanwhile, Lazavier Waters and junior Kashaun Sanders will anchor the corner spots.