Joshua Williams scored long touchdowns on offense and on defense, and Linden’s defense came up big as the Patriots upset the Class 1A No. 1 Brantley Bulldogs 22-7 in the state football semifinals Friday.
Williams scored on an 88-yard interception return in the first quarter and broke off a 70-yard touchdown run to close out Linden’s scoring in the third quarter.
Jamarcus Williams added to a stout defensive effort with a 55-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the second quarter for the Patriots.
Linden will meet Pickens County in the Super 7 in Tuscaloosa Thursday at 2:45 p.m.
Coach Travis Lockett spoke highly of his team’s defensive effort after the game.
“Brantley is explosive. They have a good quarterback and we tried to pressure him,” Lockett said. “We tried to put him into situations that he was uncomfortable in. We got two take-aways and stopped them on fourth down three times.
“To hold the No. 1 team in the state to seven points, that says a lot.”
Kevonta Alston led the Linden defense with 10 tackles, while both Tim Thurman and Daryl McIntosh had nine. Tyrik Daniels turned in seven tackles and Stephon McIntosh added six. Thurman, Daniels and Stephon McIntosh all recorded sacks.