Class 1A Linden rolled into Central-Tuscaloosa and grounded the Class 5A Falcons in dominating fashion Friday night, outpacing CHS 52-0 in the season opener.

“I thought we played well,” Linden head coach Andro Williams said.

Playing well constituted rushing the ball 43 times for 300 yards for the Patriots. The Pats also went to the air eight times, completing four of the attempts for 87 yards and a score.

Kendarius Fritts ran the ball 12 times for 118 yards. Marquis Shelton toted the rock 10 times for 109 yards and three scores. Shelton also helped the Patriots in other ways.

“Marquis Shelton also jumped in there and helped out on defense,” Williams said.

Anthony Robinson scored on touchdown runs of eight and three yards and completed a 35-yard scoring strike to Terris Lewis. Julian Little added a 16-yard touchdown run and Demetrius Craig returned a fumble 31 yard for a score. The Patriots also got a fumble recovery out of Keiunta Goodwill.

“We’ve got to get more kids on the field,” Williams said of the Patriots’ goal of developing depth. “That’s what our goals are early in the season. I thought we did that tonight.”

With the win, Williams said his team will go back to focusing on some of its essential philosophies.

“We’re going to continue working on getting around that football as a team defense,” Williams said. That team defense held Central to 72 total yards Friday night.

“I’m anxious to see the film,” Williams said. “I thought we did well on the offensive and defensive fronts.”

Linden begins regional play next Friday night when it travels to Fruitdale.