The game ended earlier than expected for Newberne Sunshine Tigers player Rico Long, when he

was wheeled away on a stretcher after suffering an injury to his shoulder on Friday night in Linden.

The Linden Patriots beat the Newbern Sunshine Tigers 34-14 Friday night in a game, where Linden coach Luther Davis criticized his players for not quite performing up to his expectations.

The Patriots scored first in the game on a 65-yard punt return from Robert Poole (#6). Patriot running back Kevin Robertson (#45) then scored on a 23-yard touchdown run as well as scoring on a two-yard touchdown run as the Patriots took a commanding 20-8 lead.

The Sunshine Tigers then scored on a 20-yard touchdown run by Ira Llong (#46).

In the second half, the Sunshine Tigers M. Lewis (#12) then scored a touchdown on a 43- yard interception.

Patriots running back Floyd Charleston (#5) then scored on a 82 yard touchdown run.

Poole (#6) then scored on a two-yard quarterback sneak before Long’s injury.

Players, coaches as well as crowd members all prayed briefly for Long after he was taken away on a stretcher.