SWEET WATER &8212; Friday&8217;s night game was billed to be one of the best of the year. Some people were even comparing it to the Sweet Water-Thomasville game.

Linden was undefeated and very confident. But Sweet Water did their homework and gave the Patriots a strong dose of reality.

The Patriots started the game fired up, and drove the ball down the field and took the lead on their first possession 8-0. That was all it took to wake up the &8217;Dogs.

They took their opening possession and returned the favor on a 34-yard scamper by Johnnie Lockett. The two-point conversion failed, and the Patriots led 8-6.

Unfortunately for the Patriots, Johnnie Lockett was just getting started. His next carry resulted in a 15-yard touchdown. This time, the two-point conversion was successful, and the score stood at 14-8.

Anthony Landrum got in on the scoring in the second quarter with an 11-yard run. Drew Luker then hit Scottie Nelson on a 15-yard touchdown pass late in the second quarter, and the halftime score stood at 28-8.

The Bulldogs got the ball to start the second half, and picked up where the left off. This time, it was Landrum with a 42-yard and 1-yard touchdown runs making the score 42-8. Not to be outdone, Johnnie Lockett dashed 36-yards to pay dirt. The score now stood at 49-8.

The Bulldogs amassed a total of 512 total yards while holding the Patriots to only 193. Sweet Water had 449 rushing yards on 56 carries, while holding Linden to only 23 on 15 carries.

Anthony Landrum was the leading rusher with 141 yards on 22 carries. Johnnie Lockett was second with 103 yards on six carries. Demaraquis Williams finished with 41 yards on four carries.

Coach Williams said after the game they had just lost to a great football team. He said that they have to get back in the weight-room, and continue to grow as a football team. &8220;The Bulldogs are like a Machine,&8221; he said. &8220;They are by far the best team that I&8217;ve seen this year.&8221;

Coach Luker returned the compliment to Linden.

&8220;We were physical and played with a chip on our shoulders,&8221; he said. &8220;Coach Williams has a great program, and he will build them into a championship team if the community stays behind him and gives him time.&8221;