Despite coming into the game with an undefeated record, the Linden Patriots fell to a powerful Southern Choctaw team in Friday’s contest by a final score of 33-13.

“We have to continue to work on the things we have been working on fundamentals, tackling, blocking,” Linden Head Coach Andro Williams said after the loss.

The Indians received a Linden kickoff to start the game and after Linden held the Indians on their first drive, they were forced to punt.

Linden’s Marquise Shelton navigated through several defenders on Linden’s second play of the night, but couldn’t hold on to the ball resulting in a fumble.

The Indians were not able to capitalize on the Patriots mistake and ended the drive with another punt.

The second quarter opened with the Indians vying for their first score of the night on the Patriots 1-yard line. After a 1-yard run by Danny Napier for the Indians, Linden trailed the Indians 6-0 with 11:57 left in the second quarter.

The scored soon changed in Linden’s favor after a 90-yard run by Anthony Robinson Jr. making the score 6-6 with 6:32 left in the half.

However, another Linden mistake put the ball in the hands of Southern Choctaw. This time resulting in points after Gregory Hill scooped up a Linden fumble and ran 74-yards for a touchdown making the score 12-6 going into the half.

The Patriots began the half with momentum after an interception by Jalen Lewis as the Indians made an attempt to throw deep into the end zone.

This drive lead the Patriots into a fourth and inches situation where they failed to convert the third down.

Indians player Chris Powe added points to the board on a 4-yard run with 49.4 seconds left in the third quarter. Southern Choctaw succeeded on the conversion making the score 20-6.

Jalen Lewis opened the fourth quarter trying to turn the game around for the Patriots on a 54-yard touchdown reception from Anthony Robinson Jr. making the score 20-13.

The Indians capped their score for the night with two additional touchdowns late in the fourth quarter. Their final score for Friday’s game was on a 96-yard run with 45.3 seconds left in the game.

“We made some mistakes, but I am glad the team continued to fight all through the game,” Williams said. “We have to continue to work on the small things to continue to win.”

The loss is Linden’s first regular season loss since Gulf Shores on Oct. 7, 2011. Linden heads into the first round of the playoffs next week to host Kinston.