LINDEN &045; The Linden High School Patriots not only survived the second round of the state playoffs on the road against an undefeated Millry, but the group also found a way to route the No. 1 seed favorite 43-6 on their home turf.

This week the group plays at home, but they are again facing an undefeated foe &045; one which has hovered at the top of the 1A rankings all year &045; Maplesville. And far from being secure with the home field advantage and confidence coming out of last week’s big win, Linden High School head coach Andro Williams said his team is going to have to play the best football they have all season to move out of Friday’s quarterfinal round against the Red Devils to the semifinals.

Williams said, in Maplesville’s 11 wins so far this season, the team has averaged approximately 40 points on offense a game. He said at the same time during the regular season, the group has only allowed opponents six or seven points a game.

To limit the Red Devil’s offensive production, Williams said his front seven on the defensive line are going to have to have a big game, with success disrupting Maplesville’s blocking schemes. He said his defense as a whole is gong to have to play position ball and be at the right place to disrupt the offense and limit big plays.

Williams said getting to the quarterfinals this week is a big thing for his team, while going deep into the playoffs has become routine for Maplesville. A win Friday will mark a big step in the Patriot program.

Linden has never, that I know of, advanced to the semifinals. I don’t think they have ever won over 10 games in a season. There are a lot of challenges for us this week.&8221;