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Keith High will open its football season on Labor Day weekend.

The Bears travel to Marengo County for a showdown against Linden on Friday night. It’s the Region 3, 1A opener for both teams.

Keith lost its first two opponents, Wilcox Central and Greene County because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bears also lose next week’s opponent, R.C. Hatch, to the coronavirus.

“We’re excited, but not having a tune up game before Regional play hurts us,” Bears coach Anthony Lumpkin said.

Linden, ranked fifth statewide in Class 1A, has dominated the series with Keith.

The Patriots have won 9 of 11 games played between the two teams, including a 40-8 victory last season.

Lumpkin expects another tough challenge from the Patriots.

“Linden’s well coached and they play hard,” Lumpkin said. “We’ll see just what we’re working with.”

Terrell Lumpkin, Lumpkin’s son, will start at quarterback, succeeding Jared Edwards, The Selma Times-Journal football player of the year last season.