Miner_Pride

I guess it's because we lost so much.... especially considering Gennicks at QB, and so many 3 year starters. I guess. But there are some good kids coming back... Paul Oliver will move to QB, Christian Shonk was a starter on D at NT/ILB, Russell Goodman led the team as a Freshman at ILB. Jesse Voigtschild a sparkplug as a soph at WB and DB, Ty Boyd at DT and OT. Paul Oliver coming off a stellar frosh year at WR and DE>. Hayden Feltner will have to step up at WR but was solid when he did see action as a sophomore. Ashton White was a force on the defense side of the ball as a junior. Hank Gennicks on both sides of the ball in the trenches. Jacob Breedlove at 6'7 at OT last year.. expect he'll see some defensive time his senior year. Blane Kirkman with a chance to make his mark his senior year. Eli Scott got valuable time starting early in his soph season at WB...will be another one with opportunity as a junior. Several Linemen graduated... who will step up and seize their moment? Wide Receiver/DBack are areas of concern...who steps up? Of course, the QB will be a new face to the position, but both Johns and Cox are gone from the RB slot-- Ahh the joy of football. Someone always steps up in summer workouts, someone always works their way into getting their shot. Let's hope we all stay healthy first and foremost.. The schedule looks a lot different with North Vermillion gone, and long time rival North Daviess gone... annnd the week 9 opponent of 2 years.. South Putnam Gone.. 4A Western will have a haul to Linton in September.... and St Teresa from Decatur Illinois has been a powerhouse.. Phalen in week 9? I think there will be growing pains....but you don't know how kids will respond....

I have another thing to add... and that is that I know in Linton and for other men kids from small school football programs, it is a HUGE honor to be selected to play in all-star games... especially with a state north-south game. These kids are held in high regard for such an honor and the town they represent are extremely proud.... none of these guys is going Div 1 or heading to the NFL... so it truly is a big moment to take the field with fellow players from across indiana. I don't want to see these events disappear.

I watched all of this last night on video. I think the kids simply emulate what they see on Sat and Sun and on ESPN nightly. Trash talking....all the over the top attitude. It got to be about every play where was someone shoving someone. I thought is was ridiculous... possibly your last game and you wanna turn it into a street brawl. I felt bad for the kids just playin the game..and to win and represent their school. I don't wanna name names or numbers but there were a handful that just seemed wanted to start things. that extra shove...and mouth runnin. I expect some of it.. naturally with motors running... but I'm glad the officials did what they did. Clearly it was going to escalate to the point of a true brawl. Truly.. I think the only way to reel this type of showing is to warn both teams ahead of time... that it isn't gonna be tolerated. A few ejections and 15 yard penalties negating big plays would surely make a point.... wouldn't it? maybe not these days.

yeah I really wondered why they volunteered to jump up to 3A as well. We were well represented in the greene/Daviess area with Linton in 2a Bloomfield IN 1a and the COugars in 3A... woulda been awesome to see those 3 make it to finals, but only Linton did. THe Linton/ND game came down to a Hart jumper at the buzzer for Linton to win. I can't imagine ND jumped to 3A to avoid the Miners. They'd won the last couple meeting before this year. I would have like to be a fly on the wall for that decision.

I understand what you are saying.... but it is tragic for these boys in the program. Tragic for the family already being scrutinized. They on the doorstep to reaching state finals and possibly bringing home Linton's 1st ever Basketball Title....best record in Linton history. They have put so much work in... to be this close. Pressure is already on with every big game, and now more pressure because of this. I feel for his son. I feel for the other seniors and the team as a whole. it's tragic for sure to be a junior high kid and see everything written, or on TV and hear the comments people make. I ain't making excuses for Coach. I like him as a person. I supported his in the prior arrest and suspension. I spoke with him personally. But this can't be excused. I was hoping maybe he'd get in a program, but it's plausable that he couldn't really commit to that until the season was over. There is obviously a problem, beyond his control. He'll be forced into it now I would imagine....and I hope it changes his life for the better. He is a good guy, and has done good things for many kids... but this example can't be accepted. I would hope the Linton community and school officials would leave the door open for him to return by setting a path he must follow. He would have to be willing to take that path, and be willing to be constantly under the eye of authorities. They gave him the chance this last time and he blew it. Now it must be dealt with more seriously. As for these players---I can't possibly pull harder for them. I know several of these key players a bit more because they all played football. I know their work ethic and dedication, and just all around good kids. It's a senor laden squad. 3 senior starters, another come in 6th. A junior who started as a freshman, and another freshman in their starting 5. They won 5 games (i think..maybe 6) with Coach Hawkins at the helm (Normally JV coach). Including in those wins were victories over St.Joseph_Ogden Ill by 2, Evansville Christian by 10, & Bloomfield (#1 in 1A) by 1, and a huge win at North Daviess by 2. So they can win without Coach Hart... it's just now the storyline may get bigger than the actual game. These boys have to be feeling adding pressure.. But I know the community will rally around them.

It's such a tragic situation for the kids who have put in the hard work to get where they are... not to mentions his son...who has to somehow be able to focus....no way he's not affected....because it's ALL anyone will talk about. I feel for the family. I sincerely hope this senior group can pull together enough to lead this team to the championship and bring it home. But it's a lot to ask 16-18 year olds.

Yes Steve Weber has accepted the offer from Marshall, (Illinois) as head coach of the Lions. Steve was a line coach with Martinsville last year and enjoyed a great season with the Arties. This after several years at the helm of Bedford N.Lawrence, and many years of success at Linton. Glad to see Steve back as a HC.

or I would assume whomever prepared the charts for the announcers made the mistake. WHen I did the MD-Linton game I was keenly aware MD had 2 kickers both with impressive kicking stats...so I was surprised to hear a wrong name multiple times on a FG... BUT....I also know I had all week to prepare for the MD game, not to mention we played them in each of the last 5 years... so I knew what I was going to see pretty well. I guess that would be my point. Not saying get rid of the guy, he's the guy... but it would be great to have guys involved who know the teams very well too. Course I also think a 3 man broadcast crew would be crowded and hard to keep talk-over chtter down...but it would make for an interesting session..... but...it just occured to me... the local guys would be doing the games for their local coverage on radio already....so that pretty much ends that thought...!

I love a hard nosed player who delivers a hit when necessary but quite honestly why have your stud RB take a hit on the sideline that could on said play pop an ankle or knee or shoulder when he could dart OOB and not risk an injury much more detrimental to his team than perhaps another yard or two gained. Now....if it meant a 1st down I sure want him to make that effort. and, if there's one defender to break a big gain... make that effort. But all other circumstances I say live to fight another day...especially late in season. My only exception to this is in a game where you want to make a statement early on...but it would sure suck to lose your bread and butter on a play he could have ducked out of bounds without the hit. I don't think a question of toughness is warranted given this kid's effort season long. I'd honestly expect a coach to tell your RBs and WRs to so the same thing. I admit I love to see the collision, and it sure can fire up a team on either side of the ball.... but dang 350 yards is pretty impressive.

I thought you couldn't switch schools for athletic reasons??

I have long wondered why the state final broadcast doesn't bring in the folks who have covered the team involved all year to the broadcast. Perhaps not as the main guy, the main play by play guy, but to add the knowledge of what the team does...who is who.. because I am amazed at how many times the wrong kid is named... and I know mistakes happen...and they don't really have much time to dive and research a whole season's worth of games. I know I'd much rather hear the voice of someone who really understands who the team counts on, who gets it done and what a team is about. I'd love a 3 man team....one from both sides and a neutral host.

Linton to face unknown in Regional Tilt with Lapel Bulldogs. First things first. Linton has reached the Class 2A Regional for the 1st time in program history. The Miners moved up because of the IHSAA “Success Factor” in 2017 after back to back 1A state final appearances, and the big win in 2016. I know I’m not the only Linton fan who feels there were really good Miner teams in these 2A years that could have made deep runs in 1A. Linton stayed in 2A due to enrollment (by last count we were 8 students above the 1A Cutoff), and did not back down from the challenge. Coach Oliver and the Miners have had to deal with Southridge (before they bumped to 3A) and Evansville Mater Dei both in their 2a Sectional losing to the Wildcats in sectional championship with an 8-4 2020 team, and last year’s unbeaten team losing 28-27 in semi-final. 2019’s team was 9-1 before a cold journey to the Reitz Bowl ended the season. The move to Sectional 37 opened up new horizons, but it was anything but a given that Linton would waltz through that group of 8. The Miners went the hard way facing 7-2 South Vermillion (47-21 Win) then hosting 7-3 Southmont in what was a 35-7 halftime blow-out ending with a Miner interception at Linton’s 15 to hold of the Mounties 35-29. That list of 8 included Linton’s oldest and bitterest rival in Sullivan. The Arrows at 7-4 were geared for upset hosting Linton at Sportland Field, and held a 24-21 lead going into the 4th quarter. However, the Miners ground out a score, and Hunter Gennicks closed out the Arrows with a 35 yard run for a 33-24 Linton win bringing Linton’s 1st 2A sectional title back to Miner City. Tim Miller is in his 12th year at Lapel, starting in 2012 with a 2-9 season. For 4 years the Bulldogs finished under. 500 but yet won a sectiional in 2014 losing to LCC in regional play 54-12. From 2016 onward Lapel has had winning seasons, losing to Ritter in sectional championshin of ’16. They won back to back sectionals in 2017 (9-4) and 2018 (8-5) win wins over Shenandoah each year, then being eliminated by Eastbrook on both occasions. The 2020 edition of Lapel winning another Sectional beating Frankton, but one more their nemesis Eastbrook took them out 46-13. Miiler, who has a 70-57 record all at Lapel, replaced Nate Andrews who won sectional in 2008 (10-3 losing to Ritter in regional) and Woody Fields won in 1995 with a 5-6 squad. Lapel has never advanced past the Regional level. Linton, in Class 1A for most of their history, has 14 sectional titles, 10 Regional wins, and 2 trips to Lucas Oil to their resume. However, until last week, post-season success hasn’t resulted in hardware. Linton has gonee 6-5 in post-season play since moving to 2A. Like Sullivan last week, the 7-5 Bulldogs cannot be judged by their W-L record. Those losses were in week 1 to 3A 8-3 Hamilton Heights 34-7, and back to back losses in week 4 and 5 to unbeaten 1A’s Indy Lutheran (52-14) and North Decatur (43-18). The other losses came to 5-6 Eastern Hancock 29-22 in week 9 and 7-4 Heritage Christian 42-38 in week 7. The Bulldogs avenged both losses with a hammering of the Royals 41-13 in Sect 38 semi’s then a big win over the favored (by many) Eagles of Heritage Christian 21-20 last week. Lapel has quality wins over 6-5 Shenandoah 33-21, & 6-4 3A Heritage 32-37, as well as the sectional wins over EH and HC. They beat 3-7 Frankton and 4A 2-8 Jay County but each wasn’t big margin (21-7, 29-21). The dead hammer 4-6 Winchester 49-19 to open Sectional 38 action. Linton has wins over 7-5 Sullivan twice (40-20 & 33-24), 4A 8-4 Boonvill in a 50-40 shootout, 42-7 over 1A 6-5 North Vermillion 64-14, 7-4 1A South Putnam 35-10, as well over a 52-27 win over a full strength Monrovia team in week 3. Monrovia plays in regional action tonight against unbeaten Owen Valley. Add to those quality wins the victories over 7-3 South Vermillion and 7-4 Southmont. The Miners blasted though Parke Heritage (1-9) North Daviess (5-5) North Knox (4-6) and Eastern Greene (2-8) by a combined 202-20. The Miner offense averages 46.5 ppg , 426.7 per game, 305.1 of that on the ground. The Offensive line is led by 3 seniors with Center Nathan Watson (6’0 255) and guards Wrigley Franklin (6’3 225) and Aiden Giles (6’3 200). Soph Hank Gennicks (6’2 250) and Junior Jacob Breedlove (6’7 300) at tackles. Last week we saw Junior Ty Boyd (6’1 210) and Freshman Russell Goodman (6;2 180) at Tight End on occasions. They will face off with Lapel defensive front and LB group that has allowed 350.3 per game, 27.3 ppg. I don’t have anything stat wise from their Winchester win but I suspect that would lower those numbers since the Bulldogs stuffed them 49-14. The Bulldogs have DE’s Chandler Lowes (11 6’2 180) and Matt Carpenter (11 6’5 195) with DT’s Jaydon Rodriguez (11 5‘9 215) and Anthony Prater (12 6’2 320). The Linebackers are Bruin White (12 5’10 175), Ethan Hewitt (12 5’10 175) and Luke Sundheimer (12 5’10 170). The Db’s are Rylie Hudson (10 5’10 185) and Landon Brown (11 6’0 165) at corner, and leading tackler with 93 Tyler Lutz (12 5’10 170) and Nick White (1 6’0 150) at safety. After Lutz, B.White has 88 stops with 9 TFL, and Carpenter with 72 stops and a team high 12 TFL. Sundheimer adds 67. They will have to contend with Hunter Gennicks, the Miner QB (12 6’0 195) who leads Linton with 1,707 rushing yards, 158 carries, 10.8 per run and 29 TDs. He is surrounded with other weapons who have proven each to make big plays-Hunter Johns at RB (12 5’8 180) 109-712-12, and wing backs Braden Walters (11 6’5 190) 63-419-4 and Jesse Voigtschild (10 5’7 150) 59-446-5. Gennicks has passed for 1,459 yards on 105 of 193 (54.4%) 19 TDs to 3 picks. He had a season high of 209 yards mid-year at North Daviess. His rushing total bolstered by a 239 yard performance against Southmont, and nine 100+ efforts. Considering he and other 1st teamers got little in any action in 4 games, those number would certainly be higher. Linton has a trifecta of height in receivers led by 6’4 205 senior Logan Webb with 33 catches for 367 yards and 4 TDs. 22 catches each for Paul Oliver (9, 6’3 205) and Walters (11. 6’5 190). Oliver has 5 scores, 372 yards; Walters 5 TD 393 yards. You can’t discount Voigtschild with 10-187-2. When you look at Lapel’ offensive numbers it becomes apparent that Senior Tyler Dollar (5’10 185) is central to their success. He has 239 carries of the team’s total 379 (63%) 2,108 of the team’s 2,977 rushing yards (71%). 26 rush TD (team 38) and 8.82 per carry. He’s coming off a 21 carry 251 yard performance against Heritage Christian, and has 6 games (of 11 played) of 230+ yards. He missed one game, and looks like limited action in the loss to Eastern Hancock in week 9. He looks to be back to 100% with 507 rushing yards and 6 TDs in the last 2 games. He is the workhorse with over 21 carries averaged per game, eclipsing 30 a couple times, and is a 191.55 per game. This means their O-Line has done a great job, and it seems soph Karson Kinsinger (6’5 315) is one to watch at left tackle. Keegan O’Connor (12 5’9 225) joins him at LG, J J Baxter (11 5’10 260) at center. The right side is manned by G Ryan Carpenter (12 5/10 230) and T Chandler Lowes (11 6’2 180). The Bulldogs also have a supporting cast in WB’s Nick Witte (11 6’0 150) and Ryline Hudson (10 5’10 185). Hudson adds 3 TDs on 36-274 rushings, Witter 9-93-2. Bruin White (12 5’10 175) filled in for Dollar against Jay County and had 94 yards rushing. For the year he’s a 43-295 with a TD. The Bulldogs turned to a freshman at QB Devin Craig (6’0 150) in week 4 (against Lutheran of all opponents). I don’t know if it was injury that forced that move or not. Luke Alexander (11 6’0 190) was QB the 1st three week with 210 yards passing on 22-55 but 0 TD and 4 picks. He also seemed more a runner with 18 carries for 60 yards and a TD. Craig has 67 yards on 18 carries over his 9 games. He has however thrown for 1.469 yards a 62.5% clip on 130-208. 9 TD and 9 Interceptions. Colin Jannings (12 6’1 175) and Logan White (11 6’0 150) are wideouts as well as Landon White (11 6’1 150) but it is Witte with 70 catches-over half the completions!- for 833 and 3 TDs. Hudson, also at Wb, is next with 38 for 414 and 3 TDs. Jannings is 23-196-0, Lo White 7-93-2. Clearly Lapel can pass the ball, but it looks like the wings/slots are the target, particularly #20. The Miner D allows just 17.2 ppg, 223.7 per game… and only 86.0 per game rushing, with 2.63 per carry. Something certainly has to give! Monrovia, behind the power running of Belcher, is the only opponent over 200 rushing years, and only 3 other games did opponents crack 100 yards. Pass Defense has been tested but has weathered the storm, allowing 147.2 per game. However there have been games where receivers have found success with Southmont’s 273 a couple weeks back. Sullivan aired it out 33 times -last week hitting 16 for 179, but only 2 passes out of 11 20+ yard passes connected. The efforts of corners Jesse Voigtchild, Hunter Johns and Hayden Feltner (10 6’1 165) were solid along with safety Hunter Gennicks and Braden Walters. Linton will rotate a 3 man front line with Jr Ashton White (11 6’0 195), Hank Gennicks (10/6’2 250) Aiden Giles (12’ 6’3 200) and Ty Boyd (11 6’1 210). LBs are led by leading tackler Russell Goodman (1, 6’2 180) with 108 stops 10 TFK. Christian Shonk (11’ 5’10 180) and Braydn Cox (12 5’10 185) alternate at the other ILB. 6’3 205 FR Paul Oliver (16 TFL) and 6’3 205 SR Wrigley Franklin (15 TFL) are forces at OLB. After Goodman, White has 87 stops 11 TFL, Hunter Gennicks 86, Franklin 80, Giles with 69. Other factors--- Cold Weather… and 2.5 hour bus ride for the Bulldogs…. Kicking game??? Go Miners

I'm gonna admit it. I know little about the Lapel Bulldogs. I know they are always pretty good, and have a terrific senior RB in Tyler Dollar with his 2,108 yards rushing. Considering Lapel as a team has 2,961 yards rushing it's clear that Dollar is their bread and butter. I figure Craig must be a good athlete as well if he's starting at QB as a Freshman... was he there all year? 1,469 yards passing but what stands out is his 62% accuracy. 3 Bulldogs with over 20 catches each in Witte, Hudson and Jennings... Schedule wise obviously it's an indication that Lapel is playing their best right now... revenge wins over Eastern Hancock and then Heritage Christian. Dollar with 251 on the ground last week. HOnestly though, their regular season losses to those two teams were close. Their other losses were to solid teams... 8-3 3A Hamilton Heights... and unbeaten 1A's North Decatur and Lutheran. Like Sullivan last week, 7-5 isnt an indication of the talent Lapel has on the field. I know Lapel has never won a regional so I'm sure they are hungry. Linton hasn't had much success at 2A, with last week's win being our 1st in 2A... I also know I am glad not to be travelling the 2+ hours to Lapel... I can't fathom how Lapel is in the southern regional... I don't mind of course....Mater Dei has been our demise so many times. I see some big boys on the Lapel roster...soph tackle Kinsinger 6'5 325, Prater at DT 6'2 320 and just 4 seniors starting on offense it's a relative young team. DEfense is led by LB Bruin Wilson with 109 tackles 9 TFL... safety Lutz with 95 and 8.5 and DE Carpenter 72/12. The Miners of course I know all about lol. Gennicks at QB with 1,707 yards 29 TDs.... but add key roles from Voigtschild and Walters 400+ yards and Johns at RB with 712 and 12 TDs. Hunter has about the same in passing as Craig at Lapel, 1,452 and both about the same attempts (gennicks 105-193, Craig 130-208)... LInton also with 3 recievers over 20 catches each (Webb, Walters and Oliver) Linton has been led by freshman Russell Goodman at ILB, and junior Ashton White as of late at NT. 6'3 DE's Wrigley FRanklin and Paul Oliver (another freshman) having great seasons as well as Gennicks at safety a key role in Miner defense.

I'm gonna admit it. I know little about the Lapel Bulldogs. I know they are always pretty good, and have a terrific senior RB in Tyler Dollar with his 2,108 yards rushing. Considering Lapel as a team has 2,961 yards rushing it's clear that Dollar is their bread and butter. I figure Craig must be a good athlete as well if he's starting at QB as a Freshman... was he there all year? 1,469 yards passing but what stands out is his 62% accuracy. 3 Bulldogs with over 20 catches each in Witte, Hudson and Jennings... Schedule wise obviously it's an indication that Lapel is playing their best right now... revenge wins over Eastern Hancock and then Heritage Christian. Dollar with 251 on the ground last week. HOnestly though, their regular season losses to those two teams were close. Their other losses were to solid teams... 8-3 3A Hamilton Heights... and unbeaten 1A's North Decatur and Lutheran. Like Sullivan last week, 7-5 isnt an indication of the talent Lapel has on the field. I know Lapel has never won a regional so I'm sure they are hungry. Linton hasn't had much success at 2A, with last week's win being our 1st in 2A... I also know I am glad not to be travelling the 2+ hours to Lapel... I can't fathom how Lapel is in the southern regional... I don't mind of course....Mater Dei has been our demise so many times. I see some big boys on the Lapel roster...soph tackle Kinsinger 6'5 325, Prater at DT 6'2 320 and just 4 seniors starting on offense it's a relative young team. DEfense is led by LB Bruin Wilson with 109 tackles 9 TFL... safety Lutz with 95 and 8.5 and DE Carpenter 72/12. The Miners of course I know all about lol. Gennicks at QB with 1,707 yards 29 TDs.... but add key roles from Voigtschild and Walters 400+ yards and Johns at RB with 712 and 12 TDs. Hunter has about the same in passing as Craig at Lapel, 1,452 and both about the same attempts (gennicks 105-193, Craig 130-208)... LInton also with 3 recievers over 20 catches each (Webb, Walters and Oliver) Linton has been led by freshman Russell Goodman at ILB, and junior Ashton White as of late at NT. 6'3 DE's Wrigley FRanklin and Paul Oliver (another freshman) having great seasons as well as Gennicks at safety a key role in Miner defense. Anyone care to chime in so I can learn more about Lapel... I'd appreciate it!

oh yeah.. .this kind of talk is always going on. I have yearly info that ranks the teams in teams of offense defense etd... but it sometimes is not fair really. The 2000s schedule with Dugger Wood Memorial, Upstart Eastern Greene, North Central were almost always over at the coin toss and certainly by the 1st quarter... Recent schedules have been much more competitive.. Interesting the 2022 and 2021 score. If 2021 would have had the addition of Walters as a soph....which would have opened up some passing options .... or if Eslinger would have been a senior this year with Goodman at ILB and WB....