The last time they met, the Linden Eagles celebrated a stunning 35-7 state playoff win at Fenton Stadium, sending their cross town rivals home.
Fenton is the big kid on the block used to celebrating championships at Linden’s expense. However, Linden avenged an early season loss and dominated the game.
The two teams are taking different approaches heading into Friday night’s regular season battle at Fenton. The men from Linden have moved on and rarely mention that game. The Fenton squad has stewed every minute since and are loaded for bear.
“We’ve talked about it every day since Nov. 4 (the night of the game),” said Fenton coach Jeff Setzke. “You don’t like losing to you rivals Linden.”
The good news for Fenton is Linden running back Bryce Eliuk graduated. He blitzed Fenton for 278 yards on 18 carries and had touchdown runs of 81, 82 and 44 yards.
The bad news for Fenton is Linden returns a lot of talent which includes a handful of Division-I players.
Receiver Dylan Dreaske is being looked at by Eastern Michigan. Tight end Monte Keener (6-foot-7, 240 pounds) is headed to Rutgers to play football.
Here is more bad news for Fenton. Linden plays that the world hates us style of football and refuses to give up no matter the situation.
Here is the most important thing. Both teams are 4-1 overall and tied for first in the Flint Metro League – Stripes Division. Winner is in the driver’s seat for the league title. The two teams tied for the league title last season with Linden at 4-1.