The Linden Patriots (11-1) will host the Brantley Bulldogs (12-0) in the quarterfinal round of the Class 1A AHSAA playoffs.

Brantley is riding a streak of five consecutive shutouts in which they have scored 46 points or more in each game.

Linden is coming off of a 46-0 shutout over St. Jude in round two of the playoffs.

Something has to give in this game, and it will come down to who executes better and minimizes their mistakes.

Linden head coach Andro Williams said that his team has to play mistake-free football and do what they know how to do.

“We have to make sure we play mistake-free football,” he said. “We have to do the little things, play four quarters and control their studs.”

Williams said Brantley’s two biggest weapons are their quarterback and running back.

“Andrew Lowery, their quarterback, is a great passer,” Williams said. “He is the coach’s son and he knows their scheme in and out. He is a student of the game and he can hurt you with his arm and his legs. Their running back, Andrew Parker, is their bell cow. He’s a hard worker and a hard runner and is known for his runs after contact.”

Williams added that Brantley is always strong on defense, and the fact that they have only given up 33 points all season is proof of that.

“We have to make sure we put drives together and control the clock,” he said. “We have to stay on blocks and limit negative plays. Defensively, we have to make sure we don’t give up big plays through the air as well as on the ground.”

The winner of this game will advance to the semifinal round and will play the winner of the game between Maplesville and McIntosh.