Miner_Pride

On 9/29/2019 at 5:22 PM, DaveMosbey said:

Ahhh good to see mention of the Kickapoos!!!!!   and the Twigs as well!! 

 

On 9/27/2019 at 8:39 PM, ts32 said:

Watching the Greene County Sports Network webcast tonight for the first time.

I get it now. I mean the “shortcomings”

Guys, just give me down and distance, ball on whatever yard line, time remaining and I could cover Miner football remotely from the comfort of my kitchen!!! On scoring plays, how many yards did it cover and how much time was on the clock! Instead of all the jibber-jabber!

I don’t mean to trash GCSN.Rocks. Like Phil Harris Golf Course, at least it’s something, it’s there and it’s convenient.

But for crying out loud, at least give us the basics!!!

yep.. .this is what I am most proud of with my broadcast of 20 years...... history.. stats.. .game set up... what's happening... info.    If I were listening what would I want to know... that's my approach.. and of course... loving LInton Miner Football like I do.

B 24 Reed, Tanner 11 6'0 190

Well I couldn't get hold of any ND Stats... prolly one of the only times I've not been successful in getting info... but one thing I did notice with the ND roster ( which i got thru our AD)... several new additions to the Cougar roster this year... by my count 6 seniors and 3 juniors on the list that were not on 2018 roster.   a few of these kids are starters as well.. 6'2 6'3 and 6'4 receivers...  so Coach Fine must be getting some kids on the field that walk the ND halls.  I did see a 3 or 4 not on the roster from 2018.. 2 would be seniors... but that's way better than I've seen in prior years.  

judging by the poll responses... several games are tossups!

 

Ok.. well I had some time!   Poll games I did not want to duplicate the same games on the 2A thread so... go there to vote on these:

4-1 2A #8/#9 Linton-Stockton @ 4-1 #9/#11 North Daviess

4-1 2A #4/#4 Scecina @ 4-0 #1/#1 Lutheran

2-3 #13/-Lafayette Central Catholic @ 4-1 2A #6/#6  Rensselaer Central

Here is my thoughts on 1A Sectionals mid season:

Sectional 41

CULVER                                                3              2

NORTH JUDSON                               3              2

WEST CENTRAL                 3              2

LAKE STATION                   1              4

WINAMAC                          1              4

GARY ROOSEVELT            0              5

SOUTH CENTRAL (UNION MILLS)              0              5

SOUTH NEWTON              0              5

 

Not really sure here.  Top two SAG team are Culver (36.68) and N Judson (36.38).  13^th and 14^th in 1A Sag. Nobody ranked in any poll in this sectional. Winamac tops in SOS with 50.7.   These two met in week one and it was a 2 point win for the Bluejays 26-24.  The Cavaliers other loss came to 5-0 3A Knox 42-14.  They did hammer 3-2 West Central 44-0, and 2-3 Triton 44-14 last week.  North Judson also lost to Knox 35-7, but also to 3-2 2A North Newton 48-20.  They are coming off a 28-8 win over Winamac last week.  The Trojans of West Central opened up 3-0 over a combined 1-14 opponent, then were blasted back to back with Culver’s 44-0 , and N.Newton’s 55-8.   Winamac may be 1-4, but three losses were to undeaten 3A Knox (27-0), 4-1 2A Pioneer (50-0) and 4-1 2A LaVille (35-6).   This looks like a 2 team battle between Culver and North Judson

 

Sectional 42

TRADERS POINT CHRISTIAN         5              0

FRONTIER                                            4              1

CARROLL (FLORA)                            3              2

CLINTON PRAIRIE                             3              2

CLINTON CENTRAL                          2              3

LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC 2              3

NORTH WHITE                                   1              3

TRI-COUNTY                                       1              4

 

LCC may be 2-3, but they consistently get votes in polls, currently at #13 in AP.  The Knights have the 8^th highest 1A SAG at 48.64, and by far play the toughest schedule at 59.77, in a sectional where 5 of the 8 teams have SOS of 260 or worse including a couple 300+.  LCC comes into this week’s highly touted matchup with 4-1 2A Rensselaer Central after a 24-14 win over 3-2 2A Tipton.  After opening with a 22-7 loss to 3-2 3A Tri-West, LCC lost to two 3A ranked programs both 4-1 on the year; 50-28 to Guerin Catholic, and 50-0 to West Lafayette. No other team in Sect 42 will be of that caliber, so you’d have to thin the Knights would be a shoe-in for this sectional crown.   Now I realize we have Traders Point Christian sitting 5-0, and Frontier at 4-1—with that lone loss coming to Traders Point last week convincingly 55-12.  The TPC Knights started up football in 2013 losing their first 17 games before finally getting to .500 in 2017 (5-4) and starting 7-0 last year in a 10-2 season losing in sectional champ game to South Putnam.   The Falcons haven’t traditional been a strong football program, but starting 4-1 matches their 4-1 start in 2017 (ended 5-5).  Frontier outscored their opponents 134-28 in their opening 4 wins over Anderson Prep, South Newton, Clinton Central and North White…but those teams are a combined 3-15.  Clinton Prairie is also 3-2 but against +.500 0-2 losing to 4-1 Attica 50-14, and 4-1 Sheridan 47-38.  Putting up 38 on the Blackhawks shows they can put points on the board against anyone.   Truth is, can anyone in this sectional compete head to head with LCC? 

 

Sectional 43

SOUTH ADAMS                 5              0

MONROE CENTRAL         3              2

TRI-CENTRAL                      2              3

SOUTHERN WELLS           1              4

TAYLOR                                1              4

UNION CITY                        1              4

WES-DEL                              1              4

MADISON-GRANT           0              5

 

Certainly a sectional with a team definitely the favorite in South Adams.  Ranked #3 in AP and #1 with the coaches, they also have a commanding 71.87 SAG, 1^st in 1A and 50^th in the State.  The other major factor being last week’s 34-15 dominant win over who would be considered the other favorite to win this sectional 3-2 Monroe Central.  The Starfires put a 41-0 hurting on 4-1 2A Bluffton, and an opening week 40-0 blanking of 3-2 2A Winchester. They have disposed of two 0-5 teams handily (3A’s Bluffton and Heritage), and certainly have the game of the year thus far in small school Indiana facing unbeaten rival Adams Central this week!  The Golden Bears ranked #6 in both AP and IFCA fell by 8 to those Flying Jets in week three 21-13.  They have wins over 3-2 2A Blackford 37-28, 1-4 1A Union City 36-7 and 1-4 1A Southern Wells 41-6.  They face 1-4 Wes-Del, and likely get back on track before an important meeting with 4-1 2A Eastern Hancock and closing out with 3-2 2A Shenandoah.   South Adams faces 2-3 2A Woodlan in week 8.  Tri Central had a great run with four straight 10+ winning seasons 2012 thru 2015 including a state title in 2013, but three straight sub losing seasons since then.  They are 2-3 thus far, both wins in the opening 2 weeks over 1-4 2A Frankton and winless Noblesville Home School.   They have lost to Sheridan, Clinton Prairie and last week 28-0 to 3- 2 2A Delphi.   This sectional would seem to be South Adams to lose…but I bet the Golden Bears crave a chance at redemption.

 

Sectional 44

 

ADAMS CENTRAL             5              0

SOUTHWOOD                    5              0

CHURUBUSCO                   4              1

FREMONT                           3              2

NORTH MIAMI                  3              2

TRITON                                 2              3

NORTHFIELD                      1              4

CASTON                               0              5

 

Three top 10 ranked teams encompass Sect 44, with heavy hitters Adams Central (#2/#3), Southwood (#5/#4) and Churubusco (#10/#9).   Southwood has the top SAG at 61.3, 2^nd in 1A, 85^th overall, but AC is close by at 54.99 #5 in 1A, 107 overall.  All eyes this week of course are on the Flying Jets game with South Adams in a battle of unbeaten.  While Adams Central has beaten 3-2 2A Eastside (21-14) and 3-2 Monroe Central (21-13) in 1 score victories, they have 3 blow outs over Bellmont, Jay County and Heritage as expected, as all three opponents are 0-5, a combined 0-15.  The result versus the Starfires will shine some light on things.  They also have 4-1 2A Bluffton and 2-3 2A Woodlan to close out the regular season.  Southwood has 2 sectional crowns out of the last 3 years, and it was Adams Central that took them out last year 38-0.  The Jets have won 10 of the last 14 meetings between these two since 2000.  Course we aren’t at the sectional yet.  The Knights have W’s over 3-2 3A Maconaquah 20-17, and 3-2 1A North Miami (45-7), as well as over 1-4 3A Oak Hill (34-7), 1-4 1A Northfield (20-6) and last week over 2-3 2A Wabash 41-0.   They play above their class the rest of the way out starting with 1-4 2A Manchester this week, and have a final week game with 4-1 3A Tippecanoe Valley.  Churusbusco’s lone loss came in week 4 to 3-2 2A Eastside 42-14.   None of the Eagle’s wins have come over a +.500 team.  They include 26-0 over winless 2A Whitko, 52-28 over 1-4 3A Lakeland, and last week’s 44-19 win over 1-4 2A Prairie Heights.  They did have a nice 40-22 win over 2-3 3A Garrett on the road in week 3.  Looks like their biggest test in this second half of 2019 will be 5-0 3A West Noble in week 8, altho within sectional 44 a meeting between 3-2 Fremont happens this Friday.  Fremont’s Eagles have played a couple Michigan schools splitting them 1 and 1, and they lost to 3-2 2A Fairfield 21-6.  North Miami won 2 then lost 2 before beating winless 2A Whitko last week 53-22.  They beat both Manchester and Taylor (both 1-4 teams) but lose big to unbeated Southwood, and only 21-7 to 4-1 3A Tippy Valley.   It seems this sectional has several good squads with no real safe bet particularly between AC, Southwood and ‘Busco.  Maybe the most competitive in 1A.

 

Sectional 45

 

PARKE HERITAGE             5              0

ATTICA                                 4              1

NORTH VERMILLION       4              1

SOUTH PUTNAM              3              2

COVINGTON                      1              4

RIVERTON PARKE             1              4

CLOVERDALE                      0              5

FOUNTAIN CENTRAL      0              5

 

This is another competitive group, but most of it is between themselves, as this is pretty much the WRC conference!  Park Heritage has jumped out to a 5-0 start after their initial 8-3 2018 campaign.  Yes it’s a new consolidation, but a rich football tradition particularly with the Rockville Rox.  They sit #4 in AP and #5 in IFCA, and already have a big win over Attica 26-6 in week 4 under their belt.  North Vermillion is coming off an appearance at the state final (Losing to Pioneer), but won that title in 2014 (over Pioneer).  Like last year the Falcons started 3-0 but feel to 4-1 2A Linton-Stockton 38-20 in week 4.  They hope to replicate 2018, and that started with a 35-0 win over 1-4 Riverton Parke. They also have a 42-28 win over 3-2 2A South Vermillion to their credit.  They will face off with the 4-1 Red Ramblers Friday in a terrific gauge on Sect 45.  Then it will be the Wolves and Falcons in week 5 in what could be a showcase of things to come.  Granted, Attica has a chance to answer their detractors after their loss to Parke Heritage earlier.  They have wins over 3-2 Clinton Prairie 40-14 and 3-2 2A Seeger 36-20, and come in owners of a 50-0 win over winless Fountain Central (there’s another odd saying).   Parke Heritage has some work as well with 3-2 2A South Vermillion Friday, but have put up big points offensively this year averaging 47.8 per game with only Attica holding the Wolves under 50.  They also beat 3-2 2A Seeger, 52-7, but Eastern Greene, Covington and North Central are a combined 2-13.  However, they did shut down Attica, who averages 46.5 ppg in their 4 wins.   South Putnam won their sectional last year coming into them with a 3-6 record. They have now moved into the more competitive Sect 45, and sit 3-2 as perhaps a dark horse.  Their two losses have come to unbeaten teams- 2A North Putnam (42-21) and 3A Edgewood (42-28). However two wins have come against 0-5 teams- 1A Cloverdale and 3A Owen Valley.  They did hand 3-2 3A Greencastle at 22-16 setback two weeks ago.  They meet 4-1 3A West Vigo, 2-3 3A Sullivan, 3-2 4a Northview, and then 4-1 2A Heritage Christian these next 4 weeks!   Given the Wolves handiwork with Attica, you’d have to say the meeting with North Vermillion would be a good feel for where things will stand. But, playing a team twice in a season isn’t always the best thing and sets the stage for adjustments to be made, not to mention injuries in any small school situation can change things in a blink of the eye.  PH seems to have everything going for them right now, but the Falcons can put points up as well.  The real interesting thought is South Putnam.  They clearly play a schedule that would test either NV, PH or Attica.  The Eagles could come into sectional again with a losing record, but may still sneak up on folks.

 

Sectional 46

 

INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN           4              0

INDIANAPOLIS TINDLEY                4              0

SHERIDAN                                           4              1

COVENANT CHRISTIAN                  2              3

INDIANA DEAF                                  1              1

PARK TUDOR                                     1              4

ANDERSON PREP ACADEMY        0              4

EDINBURGH                                       0              5

 

This one sure looks like a 2 team race to meet each other in the sectionals to determine the winner...and you’d hope it would set up to be the finale.  Talk about a team that has been knocking on the door without getting over that hump. Well that’s clearly the Lutheran Saints.  Being a Linton guy, I know all about getting to Semi’s and not getting to State (well I did thankfully get over that).  Lutheran has been in four semi-state losses in the last 5 years.  North Vermillion has put them out twice.  A lot has always been made of the Saints regular season schedule strength compared to schools like NV, Linton, Eastern Greene etc but when it comes time to play, the nay-sayers get comeuppance.  I’m sure this rings high on the annoyance list for the #1 ranked Saints. They have the 4^th ranked SAG in 1A at 57.77, 97^th in state, and of course the best SOS of this sectional group.  Historically Lutheran has skated through this sectional, as honestly at this point four of the eight have negative SAG rankings, and two other are sub 20.  Sheridan moves in from Sect 44 and adds some weight to this sectional immediately.  Even so, the Saints have proven their metal by beating 3-2 4A Beech Grove in week one 27-22, then a 35-14 blast of 3-2 2A Ritter, a 28-14 win over ranked 3-2 2A Triton Central before the referee non show up cancelled a sure win over Shortridge.  They outmanned 1-4 2A Cascade last week 46-28.  All eyes will be on their yearly squabble with 4-1 top 5 ranked 2A Scecina.  The Blackhawks have quite the luster to their 1A history in football but you gotta go back to 2012 to see Sheridan hoist a sectional champ trophy.  Their lone loss came in a monster 42-41 affair going 4-1 2A Western Boone.  They have reeled in 4 straight wins, not necessarily over any powerhouses, but all teams above or close to .500.  49-29 over 2-3 Clinton Central, 50-19 over 2-3 Tri-Central, 36-35 in tight one with 3-2 2A Delphi, and last week’s 47-38 win over 3-2 1A Clinton Prairie.  Perhaps an area of concern is giving up 32.4 ppg? It doesn’t look like the Hawks will be challenged until week 8’s meeting with current unbeated 2A Eastern (Greentown).  Will they be battle ready for a head to head with Lutheran come sectionals.  I will give shout out to Tindley at 4-0 including a 24-19 win over Covenant Christian last week. 

 

Sectional 47

 

NORTH DECATUR                             4              1

KNIGHTSTOWN                                3              2

MILAN                                                  3              2

OLDENBURG ACADEMY                3              1

TRI                                                          3              2

HAGERSTOWN                                  2              3

SOUTH DECATUR                             2              3

CAMBRIDGE CITY LINCOLN          1              4

 

47 doesn’t have the bright lights and attention grabbing details of most other 1A sectionals.  North Decatur has been on the fringe for several years hanging around .500.  They went 8-4 in 2015 reaching the sectional finale losing to W.Washington in 1A, but you have to go all the way to 1998 to find ND’s last sectional title (losing to Sheridan in the regional).  Their one loss came in week 3 in a close 20-15 fall to 3-2 2A Lapel.  They got a big 21-0 win over co-47 Milan last week as the Indians are almost always a player in this sectional.  The Chargers also took out 3-1 Oldenburg 39-7 as well as 2-3 South Decatur 39-7  to put themselves at the top of the heap in sect 47.  They face the Rams of Paoli (3-2 2A) this week and what should be a showcase game for them.  Knightstown has 3 wins, but none against +.500 teams.  They opened with a 21-0 win over 2-3 Hagerstown, but have lost handily to 3-2 2A Winchester (50-8) and 4-1 2A Eastern Hancock (46-27). They have wins over 1-4 2A Union County (52-7) and 1-4 1a Union City 27-12.  The Panthers could have a solid record going into post season, especially if they get past unbeaten 2A Northeastern in week 8.  They knocked on the door last year at 9-2, but haven’t taken home the sectional prize since 2009.  As mentioned Milan is usually in the thick of the conversation, and opened up with three 3A teams, winning the first two 40-20 over 1-4 Rushville, and 35-14 over 2-3 Batesville.  They fell to 4-1 Lawrenceburg 42-14, but won against Co-47 South Decatur 42-6. Their 21-0 loss to N.Decatur will serve I’m sure as motivation to get back for a rematch.  Tri is another 3-2 entry who did just knock off 2-3 2A Centerville 34-21, and played unbeaten Northeastern tough in a 20-7 loss. But a 1 point 21-20 win over 1-4 Wes-Del coupled with a 2 point 23-21 loss to 1-4 Union City don’t bode well in sectional championship talk.  Lastly, Oldenburg Academy sits 3-1 and is the only ranked team of the bunch (#14 AP).  The Twisters came into existence in 2013 and have never made a serious sectional threat.  They do have the only win against 4-1 1A Switzerland County (20-14), but were handed a 39-7 loss against Sect 47’s North Decatur.   I don’t think there is a clear cut pick here yet, but the Chargers have the initial nod.  Their 38.22 SAG is best in this group, and 12^th in 1A.  Milan at 34.05 would be next in SAG, 19^th in 1A.  None of the group have particular SOS in their favor, altho ND again has the best number at 171.  This is another sectional where the draw plays a big part in how it pans out.

 

Sectional 48

 

WEST WASHINGTON                      5              0

NORTH DAVIESS                               4              1

PERRY CENTRAL                               2              3

ROCK CREEK ACADEMY                 2              3

SPRINGS VALLEY                              2              3

NORTH CENTRAL (FARMERSBURG)          1              4

TECUMSEH                                         1              4

EASTERN GREENE                            0              5

 

My old stomping grounds with Linton to many a year, this group still feels like home to me.  Perry Central ruled this sectional for many a year, and is finally back from 2A.  They are ranked at #15 in AP and #12 in IFCA, but the top team here are the Senators ranked #8 and #7.  Another surprise is the return of North Daviess to the polls with a #9/#11 ranking, their first time in many a year.  This sectional truly would seem to be West Washington’s to lose.  They last won a sectional in 2015, losing to Linton in regional 35-13.  They had won it before in 2012, again losing to Linton 28-0 in regional.  They have reached the sectional finale in 2 of the last 3 years including last year’s loss to North Central 14-0, and 2016’s loss to Eastern Greene 34-32.  Last week was truly their first test, and they beat 3-2 2A Paoli in a 34-30 shootout.  The knock on the Senators coming into that game with SOS, but they did beat up 2-3 2A Mitchell 50-6 and 2-3 co-48 Springs Valley 46-0.    They face defending sectional champs North Central this week, but the Thunderbirds are rebuilding at 1-4.  A meeting with the Commodores will be more telling, as will a season closing 3-2 3A Salem matchup.  North Daviess has not been 4-1 since the 8-3 2013 season.   The Cougars had reached sectional finals in 4 of 5 years (2008-2012) never winning any of them.  2^nd year coach Trent Fine has them believing in cougar land as they rolled off 4 wins to start the year, and had allowed just 10 points in that span.  The knock again was SOS, as those wins over Tecumseh, North Central, Eastern Greene and Washington were against a 2-18 opponent W/L.  The big spotlight was on last week, and despite their first loss, the 7-6 defeat at the hands of 4-1 3A West Vigo served notice that the Cougars were game.  In fact, they had went for the win on a 2 point conversion, and had missed a FG at the very end.  This with their starting QB injured in the 2^nd half on the contest.   They have another spotlight on them this week in Elnora facing long time rival 4-1 2A Linton-Stockton.  They have lost 10 in a row to the Miners. The Cougars will also face 4-1 2A North Knox in week 8.   Perry Central suffered through back to back losing seasons in 2016 and 2017, but have a lot of hardware in football successes that include a state runner-up in 2001, and a handful of semi-state appearances.  However, it’s been since 2010 that the Commodores have won a sectional title.  They dropped games to 4- 1 2A Tell City 12-6, 3-2 2A Forest Park 30-20, and 3-2 2A Paoli 28-6. They had wins over a combined 2-8 of 2A Crawford County 50-6 and 1A Tecumseh 40-0.  As I stated above, West Washington seems to be the cream of this crop, and the annual meeting between the Senators and Commodores in week 7 will let us know where PC is at.  North Daviess is certainly making strides but not quite at WW’s level.

 

 

13 minutes ago, Tanka Jahari said:

It's a shame the Miners aren't playing the Wolfs this year. It would be a great game watching Linton take on the best football team from the WRC. My personal opinion is that the Wolfs would win in a shootout. 

would have been fun for sure.  Love Coach Moore... Would like to talk with him again!  I think the Miner D would be more than PH has seen this year... and same for Miner offense. 

1 hour ago, miner_35 said:

Just to be picky Big D, North Knox did beat Vincennes Lincoln in 2016, 20-18. 😉 Love the write up as always!

i just knew that NK had beaten VL more recently... I just blew over it!  Thanks!!

14 minutes ago, Coach Nowlin said:

Do not be fooled by Andrean's record.   They will be a very tough out come week 10/11/12.    

My thoughts exactly....

Yes.. it's gonna be long.  but I know some of you enjoy this stuff.  Get a drink..a snack... and please feel free to comment, correct and opine on all things 2A.  Prolly a good idea to not copy the whole thing to quote something though.. that makes for a lot of scrolling!!    I don't think I can get one of these as thorough for 1A this time... maybe next week... but I'll have something tomorrow for 1A!

Now.. read on fellow small school fans!

Sectional 40 Outlook

 

Going into week 6 you have four teams at 4-1, two of them ranked in the top 10, and another making their move into the polls for the first time in many years.  I think it’s safe to say the heavy favorite, and regardless of W-L will be Evansville Mater Dei. The Wildcats always have a high SOS doe to playing in the SIAC, and are 12^th in that regard in 2A, 142^nd in State.  They are currently ranked #4 AP/ #3 IFCA, with the only blemish a 10-3 loss to 4A Evansville Memorial (#4 in both polls).  They pounded 4-2 3A Indian Creek 49-14, 2-3 2A Whiting 56-12 and winless 4A Evan. Harrison 38-7 to start 3-0, and rebounded that first loss with a 45-27 win over 2-3 5A Evan.North.  They have 3 huge games in the coming 4 weeks, first off with Caslte (3-2 5A), the close with Central (5-4 4) and Reitz (3-3 4A)… and each of those teams with field talent the Wildcats will likely not face in 2A for at least several weeks.  This certainly puts them at an advantage coming into the postseason.   With Southridge having been bumped to 3A, the 2 time defending Sect 40 champ has no chance to defend. 

That leaves the Linton Miners as one of the challengers.  At 4-1, the Miners are ranked #8/#9 in polls coming off their 1^st losing season since 1996.  Their only loss was a 28-20 battle decided in the final minutes to those unbeaten Raiders of Southridge.  Linton has reeled off 4 straight wins- 35-0 over winless 2A Monrovia (odd just saying winless Monrovia);  35-12 over 2-3 3A Sullivan; 38-20 over 4-1 1A N.Vermillion, and last week’s 27-16 win over 2-3 4A Boonville.  The Miners upcoming games are local rivalries with 4-1 1A #9/#7 North Daviess , and on the road to surprising 4-1 2A North Knox.    The Warriors (#12 in AP) opened up with a loss to Sullivan 15-12, but have been on a tear outscoring opponents 197 to 20 in 4 wins over 0-5 1A Eastern Greene (65-0), 1-4 1A Tecumseh (44-0), 2-3 4A Boonville (34-20) and last week’s 54-0 win over 1-4 1A North Central.   For a team known for their defense (Allowing 7.00 per game), the offense has put up 41.8! 

The other team in the mix at 4-1 are the Marksmen from Tell City.  They haven’t won 4 games or had a winning season since 2013, but 2^nd year coach Aaron Clements is trying to change that statement. Their lone loss came in week 2 with a 42-6 setback of perennially ranked 3A unbeaten Heritage Hills.  Two wins over 2-3 1A teams, 12-6 over Perry Central and 41-6 over Springs Valley last week. throw in a couple more wins over 0-5 South Spencer 32-6 and winless 3A Pike Central 48-14.   The rest of Sectional 40 consists of 3-2 Forest Park, Crawford County and North Posey both at 1-4, and the winless Rebels of South Spencer.  The Rangers haven’t opened up 3-2 since 2011 (4-7 finish), and both losses have come to powerhouse programs (Gibson Southern and Southridge)

 

In the end… and at this point, it would hard to bet against Mater Dei.  With the competition level faced in the course of the year.  It does get pretty physical, particularly these upcoming games.  Can they stay healthy etc… but they could lose all their upcoming games and I’m sure still be the favorite out of 40.  Their current SAG sits #3 in 2A 63^rd in Indiana.  The Miners are at 55.18 #11/104, while the Warriors at 52.36 (13/116).   Tell City is further back at 36.25 (29/179).   A big game to get a feel on the dark horse comes in week 7’s Linton vs North Knox in Bicknell.  However the Warriors are focused on county rival 1-4 3A Vincennes Lincoln. They rebooted this series in 2015, with the Alices winning all four.  The series lied dormant since their last meeting in 1996.  Tell City will have 2 major tests to finish out 2019- this week with Southridge, and in week 8 with Gibson Southern.

 

Sectional 39 Outlook

 

When looking at the list of teams, one certainly stands out as a favorite.. and that would be the #14/#10 ranked Tigers of Triton Central.  Indianapolis Scecina has been the thorn in their side the last two years, dropping the Tigers in Sectional play.  At 3-2 they own wins over 1-4 2A Cascade (20-7) and 2-3 3A Greensburg (37-13), as well as winless 2A Monrovia (47-0). There were beaten 28-14 by 1A #1 Lutheran, and somewhat surprisingly feel 21-13 to unranked 3-2 3A Indian Creek last week.  two other quality program names pop up in 39- The Paoli Rams, and Providence Pioneers.  The Rams are 2 time defending champs, coming off a 12-1 year, but have dropped 2 of their first 5 this year. One of those a hard fought 34-30 loss last week to #8/#7 1A West Washington.  The other loss a 40-24 defeat to 2-3 3A Corydon Central in week 2.  They have wins over 2-3 1A’s Perry Central (28-6) and 42-18 over Springs Valley, as well as an opening 34-26 win over 1-4 4A Madison.  They have a solid test this week in traveling to 4-1 1A North Decatur.

Providence opened beating a solid 4-1 team from Kentucky (Bethlehem) 29-20, but managed only 7 combined points in losses to 4-1 5A Floyd Central (28-7) and to 5-0 4A Silver Creek (27-0).  They rebounded with a 35-6 win over 1-4 2A Clarksville… but again offense disappeared in a 13-7 loss to 3-2 3A Charleston. They host Holy Cross (Ky,) this week, another solid team at 4-1, and have two tough closing games with 3-2 1A Milan, and 4-1 2A Linton-Stockton.  They will be battle tested.  Of course the best record in Sect 39 belongs to the Pacers of Switzerland County at 4-1.  They suffered loss #1 to 3-1 1A Oldenburg Academy last week 20-14. However in terms of sectional talk… the Pacers have won against a combined 1-10 opponent. With North and South Decatur, as well as Milan on the horizon… we will learn more about how good or not good the Pacers are.   Rounding out 39-  Mitchell at 2-3, Clarksville and Union County at 1-4 and Eastern (Pekin) 0-5.  Two of Mitchell’s three losses have been to unbeaten teams- 3A Edgewood (44-30) and 1A W.Washington (50-6). They’ve won 2 in a row, but against 1-9 opponents. 

 

In the end--  Paoli doesn’t seem to be getting any love from pollsters, while Triton Central is.  The Tigers are rated 52.09 tops in 39, 14^th in 2A 117^th in state.  Closest behind is 46.56 from Providence, who also have the toughest schedule rank in this sectional and 81^st in the state.  Paoli sits at 36.37, and 268^th in schedule strength.

 

Sect 38 Outlook

 

38 is home to a lot of competition, two top-10 ranked teams, four of the highest SAG ratings in class 2.  The highest rated of the bunch is Scecina at 61.97 (8^th in 2A/82^nd overall), also the #4 ranked 2A team across the board in the polls. They also have the toughest schedule rank at the current time in 38.  The Crusaders have quality wins over 38-mate 3-2 Shenandoah 28-18, and 3-2 4A Beech Grove 55-35.  Their lone loss coming to a 1-4 team, but in 4A Roncalli 34-7.  A big one this week as they face off against 1A top dog Lutheran.  Scecina, as always, will be battle tested come sectional time as they also have #7 Triton Central, Ritter, and a regrouping Monrovia to close out 2019.   Heritage Christian is a t 56.20 in SAG (10/100) and ranked #7/#8.   The Eagles also separated themselves from the heap with a 48-7 slam of Shenandoah in week 2, and also own the lone win over another Co-38 with a 38-20 win over Eastern Hancock. The lone L for HC was a 23-5 loss to 4-1 #9/#7 3A Guerin Catholic in week 3.  They battle 3-2 2A Lapel this week at home. 

The aforementioned Royals suffer in terms opponent level, with a 270 schedule strength ranking, they did beat 1A 3-2 Knightstown 46-27 last week rebounding from the loss to Heritage Christian.  The other three wins are over a combined 1-14.  Shenandoah is ranked #14 in coaches poll, respect for their tough schedule (171^st in state).  Their losses were in weeks 1 (28-18 Scecina) and 2 (48-7 Heritage Christian), both top10 2a programs. The Raiders do have a 22-20 win over 3-2 2A Lapel, and a 20-6 win over 3-2 2A Centerville.  Shenandoah will continue a tough schedule as they have Northeastern, Eastern Hancock and Monroe Central down the line.  I’m sure they’d like another shot at both the Crusaders and the Eagles.  Northeastern?  Yes they are 5-0, and haven’t been 6-0 since an 11-0 start in 2011 (ended 11-1).  They were 4-0 last year then dropped 5 of their last 7.  They are in a tough fight in this sectional…I can say that I’ve seen they ever have won a sectional. While 5-0, their schedule strength rank in 303, and SAG at 32.17, 6^th in their own sectional.  They did beat co-38 Winchester (3-2) 27-14, and 3-2 1A Tri 20-7.  They have Shenandoah in a couple of weeks.  

As mentioned Winchester sits 3-2  and a couple of those losses to undefeated team (40-0 to 1 South Adams, and 27-14 to Northeastern). They very well could run the table and be 7-2 going to sectional play.   Centerville started 2-0, but has fallen three times in a row (Shenandoah, Winchester and Tri) with 5-0 Northeastern up next.   Indy Howe is 1-4, getting win #1 last week 31-0 over Indianapolis Washington.

 

In the end…  boy this could be a battle.  Scecina has to be the favorite.  They have the experience with 6 sectional titles in the last 8 years.  It would seem Heritage Christian the logical best challenger… but can’t discount the Raiders should they get rolling especially come sectional time. Their meeting with Northeastern in week 7 and Eastern Hancock in week 8 will be interesting.

 

Sectional 37 Outlook

 

On paper, there really isn’t any other team to look at other than Western Boone.  Typically you have another powerful team here in Monrovia, but that isn’t the case in 2019.  Now I realize that there is an undefeated team in this mix with North Putnam, and a team winning can’t be totally discounted. But let’s peruse the facts  WeBo has the 5^th best SAG (65.67) in class 2A, that’s 67^th in the state total.  They are ranked 3^rd  AP and 2^nd  in IFCA. They’ve been at the top in both polls, but a 1 point 42-41 loss to 4-1 4A Western in week 2 knocked them back.  Their SOS is 2^nd only to Cascade in this sectional at 46.26 and 126^th in the state. They’ve put the only loss on 1A #11/#10  Sheridan 41-6, beat 3-2 3A Tri West 27-13 and easily disposed of winless 3A Crawfordsville 49 zip and then 2-3 3A North Montgomery last week 28-14.  I would appear without a major hiccup, that they will roll onward to 8-1 by regular season’s end, altho week 8 against 3A Danville and a week 9 battle with current 2-3 4A Lebanon still looms.   The Cougars are at 41.47 SAG (22/122) have won three games by a total of thee points (21-20 over N.Montgomery, 28-26 over 3-2 2A Southmont, and 42-41 over 2-3 3A Sullivan).  They did handle 3-2 1A South Putnam 42-21 and last week a 33-6 win over winless 1A Cloverdale. They face 3-2 3A Northview this week.  Not counting the Cougars out….and everybody loves an underdog too. 

           Past those 2 teams, you have Seeger, South Vermillion and Southmont all at 3-2.  All sorta bunched together in terms of Sag and Schedule Strength.  The Patriots have won 2 in a row, both over 1-4 1A opponents- Riverton Parke 50-0 and Covington 33-21, but they’ve lost both games against +.500 teams (5-0 Parke Heritage 52-7 and 4-1 Attica 36-20). They have Sheridan in a couple weeks.  South Vermillion comes off a 26-0 loss to 2-3 3A Sullivan, and earlier lost 42-28 to 4-1 1A North Vermillion- these being the only .500 opponents the Wildcats have faced.  The Mounties of Southmont have also won their last 2, both 0-5 in 3A Crawfordsville (36-8) and 4A Franfort (33-12).  One of their losses was a hard fought tough 2 point loss to unbeaten 2A North Putnam in week 2 28 to 26.   Speedway (2-3) plays a lot of bigger schools, and lost to 4A 3-2 Beech Grove only 21-13, plus a 42-7 loss to #1 Scecina.  The Cadets at Cascade have the toughest SOS in Sect 37, and are 1-4.  Their lone win coming over winless 1A Cloverdale 51-6.  They unfortunately have faced, and lost to 3-2 2A Triton Central, 4-1 Scecina, and unbeaten 1A #1 Lutheran. The 2^nd half of the schedule looks a bit easier for them.  As for 0-5 Monrovia, times are tough… will losses to 5-0 3A Edgewood 14-7, 3-2 3A Ritter 14-6 to start things off; things might have been different with 2 W’s going into a loss to 4-1 2A Linton (35-0), and 3-2 2A Triton Central (47-0).  Last week ended a streak of 6 wins in a row over Speedway, losing 35-7. With both Lutheran and Scecina still to be faced, the Bulldogs schedule is tough.

 

In the End.  This has to be Western Boone’s to lose. 

 

Sectional 36 outlook:

 

Interesting here.  You have a 5-0 and a 4-1 team, yet neither are ranked. Four 3-2 teams also, and it’s two of them who get the attention in polls- Eastbrook #11/#7 and Tipton -/#15.  Eastbrook has the highest SAG Ranking in 36 at 66.21, which is 4^th in 2A 66^th overall, but even more telling is the SOS of 62.77, 55 overall.  The Panthers opened up with 2 losses, 35-19 to 4-1 4A Marion, then 44-7 to unbeaten 4A Delta.  After a blowout win over winless 1A Madison-Grant, Eastbrook put the first L on 4-1 4A Mississinewa 21-14.  Last week it was a 38-13 win over 1-4 3A Oak Hill.  The Blue Devils have always had football respect around the state, and started 3-0. However the first two wins came against dual winless opponents (Madison Grant and Elwood). They narrowly defeated 2-3 3A Twin Lakes 19-14, then ran into 2A  #2 unbeaten Lewis Cass falling 28-7.  Their 2^nd loss followed on the road to 2-3 1A Lafayette Central Catholic 24-14.  They should rebound with winless 3A Northwestern, and a big game will be in week 8 with 4-1 4A Western.  Back to the thoughts about the 5-0 and 4-1 teams-  Eastern (Greentown) is proving 2018’s 7-0 start wasn’t a fluke. Problem is they have the 273^Rd SOS, worst in Sectional 36.Their SAG of 48.32 puts them 2^nd behind Eastbrook, and 16^th in 2A.  The Comets have beaten a couple 3-2 teams- 28-14 over 2A Delphi, and 35-0 over 1A Carroll (Flora).  They also have wins over Oak Hill, Taylor and Madison-Grant- a combined 2-13.  They could very well be 7-0 again and face Sheridan come week 8 with a chance for redemption.  They need that step.

 Alexandria’s SOS of 22.2 is not any better, and falls at #271 in the state, and their SAG of 33.32 is actually 6^th in the sectional of 8.  They only beat 1-4 1A Wes-Del by two 18-16, and lost to 2-3 2A Wabash by two 36-34. But since those first two weeks, they have run off three wins- 42-14 over 1-4 2A Franton, 42-0 over winless Madison Grant, and a good 40-35 win last week over 3-2 2A Blackford.  They should get win 5 this well over winless Elwood, then face a couple big ones with Eastbrook then Mississinewa.  Lapel’s Bulldogs sit 3-2, but after a 3-0 start that included the only loss this year on 1A North Putnam 20-15, they have lost a couple close contests.  22-20 to 3-2 2A Shenandoah, then 21-13 to 3-2 3A Ritter.  I think Lapel is in the mix, but we will know more when they face 4-1 2A Heritage Christian in week 7.  Blackford is also 3-2, including an opening day 37 to 28 loss to 3-2 1A Monroe Central.  3 wins over a combined 3-13 opponent got the Bruins winning, but last week’s loss to Alexandria 40-35 in Hartford City was a battle.  They should recover in facing back to back winless Madison-Grant and Elwood before engaging Eastbrook and Mississinewa.  Frankton (1-4) and Elwood (0-5) bring up the bottom of the pack.  The Eagles beat the Panthers last week 41-12. Both with tough matchups this week in Eastbrook (Frankton) and Alexandria (Elwood)

 

In the End… This could be quite the battle.  Both Tipton and Eastbrook play a better schedule than Alexandria or Eastern (Greentown).  We will see how the Tigers fare against Eastbrook in week 7.  I don’t know that Tipton and Eastbrook have ever faced off.  It will be key on the blind draw in 36.  With Lapel out there… and not forgetting the Comets should they run the table and get over the hump with the Blackhawks.  

 

Sectional 35 Outlook:

 

35 is interesting in that you have Woodlan- the state runnerup in 2017; The Eastside Blazers-always a tough out, and now the Fort Wayne Luers Knights.   Luers, was in 3A Semi-State last year, and no stranger to post season success, and despite a 1-4 start, you know the Knights will be involved in any discussion.   This is a case where a SAG rating (11.94) is hard to really take serious when considering that Luers has faced 6A 3-2 Carroll (Fort Wayne) losing 42-0, 2-3 3A Concordia (Lost 49-21) and 2-3 5A Ft. Wayne North (losing just 19-14 last week).  The other loss came to #8/#10 5-0 6A Homestead (51-0).  Ahead are two 5A schools both +.500 including 4-1 Dwenger, a 4A and closing with 4-1 6A Snider.  Hard to find many 2A schools with that type of schedule.   The one Knight win this was in week 2’s 29-26 battle with winless 4A Ft. Wayne Wayne.  The Warriors of Woodlan had not scored a point in their opening 2 losses to 4-1 4A Leo (36-0) and to 3-1 Marion Local of Ohio (49-0).  Their two wins came however against a combined 1-9 opponent (Heritage and Southern Wells).  So perhaps this is a rebuilding year for Woodlan?   Perhaps a statement was made by the Bluffton Tigers in week 4 ending a 7 game losing streak to the Warriors with a 13-6 win at Woodburn.  Bluffton’s 7 win 2018 season was their best dating back beyond 1994, and at 4-1 they are on the right path.  They opened with wins over 1-4 1A Northfield 24-20 and 1-4 2A Manchester 43-20.  It didn’t help to get pounded 41-0 by unbeaten 1A South Adams…but then again the Starfires are very good.  Plus the response in beating Woodlan proves this club is mentally tough as well.  Things should roll forward after last week’s 43-19 win over 0-5 4a Jay County… as they face 1-4 1A Southern Wells, then 0-5 3A Heritage… but a stern test awaits in week 8 with unbeaten 1A #2/#3 Adams Central.  

Eastside’s 2 losses have come to 5-0 1A Adams Central in a dogfight 21-14, and to 5-0 3A West Noble 38-19.  They tagged 4-1 1 Churubusco with their only loss of the year 42-14, and handed 2-3 3A Garrett a 23-8 loss last week.   The remainder of their regular season looks light… three 1-4 teams, and a 3-2 1A Fremont tilt.  Could this be the year for the Blazers to get what looks like their first Sectional title?  Fairfield chimes in a 3-2 including a 38-6 loss to that 5-0 West Noble team last week. They had won 3 in a row before that with a 22-18 win over Osceola Grace, 8-0 over 1-4 2A Central Noble and 21-6 over 3-2 1A Fremont.  It’s hard to put the Falcons on the same level as the others mentioned above at this point. They close out with Churubusco.   Closing out the group is Central Noble and Prairie Heights at 1-4, with Whitko at 0-5. 

 

In the End- Eastside has the highest SAG at 51.34, 15^th in Class 2A 119 overall, and SOS is technically also an Eastside win at 43.12.   Woodlan closes out extremely tough with two current undefeated 1A teams in South Adams and Adams Central.  Luers has a schedule loaded with bigger faster stronger teams including 4-1 Dwenger and 4-1 Snider.  Could this be Bluffton’s time?  Their SAG at 40.11 is in the range of Eastside, but at this point they’ve only played one +.500 opponent (South Adams), and at the moment their remaining schedule has only 1 +.500 opponent (Adams Central).  That matchup with the Flying Jets will tell us watching from the wings a lot. 

 

Sectional 34 Outlook:

 

The home of the new #1 ranked 2A team in unbeaten Lewis Cass.  But also the 5^th ranked Pioneer Panthers…freshly bumped up from and defending 2 time champs of 1A.  Then there is #8/#12 Laville in the mix.  Pioneer has  the #1 SAG in 2A at 70.32, 55^th in state, but the Kings are 59^th in state, #2 in 2A with 68.44.  Cass has been in the Sectional champ game multiple times but you have to go back to 2012 for their last crown.  They have not started 6-0 since the 10-1 2006 campaign.  Pioneer and Cass have met to start the season as they for years…with Pioneer winning the last 5.  It was the Kings who narrowly took the W 28-22, and as well a 28-7 week 3 win over Tipton.  To stay unbeaten though Lewis Cass has to take on 4-1 4A Western, and 4-1 3A West Lafayette.

 Pioneer took out LaVille head to head 36-14 in week 3, and has blow out wins Winamac, Caston and Attucks.  They will have a week 7 clash with unbeaten 3A Knox.   LaVille opened up 2-0 with wins over 2-3 2A Bremen (27-7) and 2-3 1A Triton (59-14) before the Pioneer loss.  They also had blow out wins over Winamac and Caston, and face Knox this week in a telling game.   34 also has a couple of 3-2 teams-Delphi and Rochester.  The Oracles started 2-0, then fell to 5-0 Eastern (Greentown) and 4-1 Sheridan.  They did rebound with a 28-0 win over 2-3 1A Tri-Central.  The Zebras have dropped games to unbeaten Knox 34-27, and 4-1 3A Tippecanoe Valley 34-14. Their 3 wins are  against a combined 3-12 opponent.   Bremen and Wabash both sit 2-3, while Manchester is 1-4. 

 

In the End… it would seem the perfect draw would be Pioneer and Lewis Cass in opposite brackets with a rematch in the end.  I’m sure Laville would like  to be in that mix, and they will be especially is Pioneer and Cass are in the same bracket.  Cass appears to have the overall more difficult schedule, and will be well tested come sectional time.

 

Sectional 33 Outlook:

 

Here you have the new kid on the block, Boone Grove at 5-0, and a respected football power in Rensselaer Central at 4-1.  I say new kid only because the Wolves 1^st full season was in 2011 but by 2012 they were 7-4, and have been in back to back sectional championship games the last two years.  The Bombers won the state title in 2014, and in several semi states through the years, however they’ve not got past their sectional since then.  Boone Grove ranked #10 in AP/ #11 IFCA doesn’t have Schedule Strength on their side. In fact at 29.11 they are 7^th of the 8 Sect 33 teams, and 235^th in state.  They’ve just faced one +.500 opponent, and won 37-0 over 3-2 4A East Chicago Central. They will face 3-2 3A Hanover Central this week, as well as a season finale with 2-3 2a Whiting…also a sectional 33 foe.  The Bombers own the highest SAG at 65.04, slightly above the Wolves at 62.34.  RC is 6^th in 2A SAG, 69^th in state overall.   The Bombers have put the only Loss on 4-1 4A Western with a 2814 in week 3, and have a 13-9 win over 2-3 4A Kankakee Valley, and a 35-0 win over 2-3 3A Twin Lakes.  However they were mauled by 3A #1 4-1 West Lafayette last week 44-6.  They meet 2-3 1A LCC this week in Rensselaer. 

The Aforementioned Oilers of Whiting sit 2-3 but have a solid pedigree in post season with a regional appearance last year, and a state final trip in ’15.  Two of their three losses were against solid opponents, week 2’s trip to Evansville and a 52-12 loss to Mater Dei (#2/#3) and a 36-0 loss to 4-1 3A Calumet.  However, the 40-14 loss last week to 2-3 3A River Forest was surprising to see. They did hand Hammond Clark their lone loss of 2019 in week 1 27-20, and have a huge week 9 meeting with Boone Grove heading into sectional play.  The toughest SOS in this sectional belongs to Andrean.  The 59ers move into 2A from 3A, and have a schedule loaded with 4 and 5A competition.  They opened with a 48-20 loss to unbeaten #9/#12 6A Merrillville, and also fell 33-10 for unbeaten #3/#1 4A New Prairie. Their loss last week was to 3-2 4A Hobart 33-20, but face 0-5 5A Munster this week.  Their 2 wins have come to 3-2 3A Hanover Central 33-23 and over winless 3A Hammond 33-10.  North Newton also sit as 3-2 with quality wins over 3-2 1A North Judson 48-20 and 3-2 1A West Central 55-8, however they were well handled by Rensselaer Central 50-14 in week 2.  Bowman Academy (2-3) Hammond Noll, and Wheeler (2-3) fill out the Sectional List.  The Bearcats lost 40-0 to Boone Grove last week,  

                                                                                                                                                                                     

In the end you have to wonder if Boone Grove lack of competition gives them a shot at a team of Rensselaer’s experience in big games.  You also have to consider Andrean also plays a schedule that certainly prepares them for sectional time.  Plus the Fighting 59ers have an illustrious football post season history, winning the state title in 2013, runner up in 2014 and a 10-2 2018. They aren’t getting much poll attention (tied at #15 in coaches poll this week).  The Oilers seem to be in a funk with back to back losses to the tune of 76-14.   My head goes with the Bombers at this time…and wonder if Andrean can stay healthy against such bigger teams. 

 

 

 

Definitely hate to see my friend ts32 head out.. but I KNOW we will still get to hear his thoughts...perhaps even more-so right here.. no matter where he roams!

 

So I am hearing the starting QB at ND suffered a Concussion at West Vigo and will not be playing this week. Hopefully he will be ok as the year progresses.. Certainly been a terrific start for 2019 in Coach Fine's 2nd season at ND.  

Boonville.   Well I have to admit that I don’t have much knowledge of history with the Pioneers.  I know they were Big 8 champions in 2018---a conference that will be decimated by the defection of its major teams in the coming year.  Typically the domain of Jasper, Vincennes Lincoln and Mt.Carmel at the top of the heap, the Pioneers had their best season possible ever.. but best I’ve seen dating back to 1980.  They had an 8-2 2003, and won the 2004 sectional (losing to Columbus East 26-24 in regional).  That remains the only Sectional crown the Pioneers have earned in the last 20+ years.  In fact, they were 11-0 going into Sectional 24 championship last year, but fell 49-20 to 13-2 Evansville Central.  Central would go on to lose an epic 16-10 4-Overtime loss to Ft.Wayne Dwenger for the 4A State Title.   Head Coach Darin Ward came to Boonville via Corydon Central in 2015. Ward had good success with the 3A Panthers going 34-12 over 4 years and a regional crown in 2011.

 

The Pioneers opened up strong with a 42-6 win over Washington, then went to Vincennes and handed the Alices a 19-6 loss.   This set up a battle with Jasper in week 3, a team prior to 2018, Boonville had dropped 17 straight to the Wildcats.  However, the Pioneers bested the Wildcats twice in 2018.  Jasper came in 0-2… but those loses were to Evansville Memorial (35-20) and Southridge (21-17).   I don’t think people were surprised with the Jasper win, but perhaps the 35-0 result.   Going into last week’s meeting with North Knox football folks started questioning how much Boonville had indeed lost from that 11-1 2018 team.   After all their wins were against a combined 1-7 opposition.  Washington  has won 1 game in their last 13 contests (0-4 this year),  and Vincennes Lincoln 17-5 the last 2 years was clearly going  through a rebuilding process this year (1-3) 

 

 Top on that list was their 1,921 yard running back Conner, and their top 4 receivers in Hicks, Farmer, White and Schuck.  They totaled 851 yards of QB Phillips’ 1,049 passing yards in 2018, and 41 of his 55 completions.  Phillips is back at QB, and he is a big QB, 6’2 210 lbs.  He ran up 659 yards and 17 TD’s last year on 115 carries…so we will see a lot of him keeping the ball.  He has 205 yards on 39 carries this year with just 1 score.  Conner’s replacement is Junior #5 Devin Mockabee, who added 343 yards and 4 TD’s last year… this year averaging 7 yards a tote, has 396 yards on 57 carries and 5 TDs.  Mockabee is a speedster, but still 6’0 170.   The fullback is #30 Sr Reed Overton (5’0 205). He has just 3 carries all year. He had 187 rush yards and 3 TDs against the Alices, 133 on just 6 carries in week one against the Hatchets. Jasper held him to just 6 yards on 13 carries, whle he gained 70 against the Warriors last week.  The Pioneers run 3 wides most every play…but they are all 1^st year starters in #26 So Tyler Scarbrough (5’9 155), #2 Jr Nick Wilkinson(5’8 150), and #9 So Mason Phillips (6’0 160).  Jackson Phillips, the QB and older brother of Mason, has thrown for 378 yards on 33 of 55 passing with 4 TDs and 2 picks, a 60% clip.   Wilkinson leads the receiving group with 7 catches for 67 yards, but it’s Scarbrough in yardage with 83 on 3 catches, 2 of those TDs.  Actually Mockabee has 97 yards receiving on 5 catches out of the backfield. Mason Phillips has 5 catches (40 yards) as well as #7 Jr Skyler Rudisill (6’0 180).  Last week I saw #88 Sr Willie Rouch (6’4 215) in a lot at TE for the Pioneer with impressive size… with 1 catch for 3 yards.  I’ve also see #24 Jr Colin Wolfe (5’8 180) at RB, and #11 So Jacob Heidorn (6’0 140) at WR.  Phillips threw for 131 last week against NK (10-17) and for 145 with 3 TDs (8-11) against Washington. Up front…  it’s #71 Sr Austin Fortune (6’0 265) and #52 So Blake Goines (6’2 275) at tackles, center #53 So Jared Broshears (6’1 270), and guards #57 Jr Cordel Heuring (6’1 215) and #58 Jr John Krantz (5’11 230).  I’ve also seen #53 So Thomas Hall (5’8 150) in there.   Those be some big boys.

QB	10	Phillips, Jackson		12	6'2"	210
RB	5	Mockobee, Devin		11	6'0"	170
FB	30	Overton, Reed		12	5'9"	205
WR	26	Scarbrough, Tyler		12	5'9"	155
WR	2	Wilkinson, Nick		10	5'8"	150
WR	9	Phillips, Mason		10	6'0"	160
RT	52	Goines, Blake		12	6'2"	275
RG	58	Krantz, John		11	5'11"	230
C	65	Broshears, Jaren		12	6'1"	270
LG	71	Fortune, Austin		12	6'0"	265
LT	57	Heuring, Cordel		11	6'1"	215

 

 

Linton’s D certainly will be undersized compared to that Pioneer O line.  But that’s usually the case for Linton these days.  Linton has used a 5 man front a lot this year, but opted back to the base 4-4 last week against the Falcons.   This is that base 4-4:

ILB	8	Lannan, Luke	12	5'10	185
ILB	2	Eslinger, Gabe	10	6'0	180
OLB	5	Dyer, Lance	12	5'11	175
OLB	11	Dyer, Trevor	12	5'10	165
DE	79	Mongeau, Tyler	12	6'1	205
DT	64	Boldrey, Hunter	12	6'0	255
DT	55	Rogers, Vedder	11	6'1	225
DE	51	Smith, Dalton	12	5'10	205
CB	23	House, Gavin	11	5'7	160
CB	18	Roberston, Devyn	12	6'2	165
FS	43	Howard, Cash	12	5'10	175

 

Lannan was 2018’s leading tackler, and is again this year with 33, 5 TFL and 2 sacks.  Eslinger is right behind at 31/4/1.  Howard has 28, and has been very good in both run support, and last line of defense.

Robertson has come on strong, as have the entire DB group with 7 picks.  The five man front has utilized #59 Sr Braden Jackson (5’7 170) and #25 SR Quin Miller (5’11 175) at NT, and both have made plays there.  We’ve also seen quite a bit of #58 So Donovan DeBruhl (5’11 235) at DT, and #35 Sr Avery Puckett (6’2 175)  at DE on passing situations.  The Miners have been staunt against the run.  N.Vermillion were the first to put more than 100 yards on the ground, and that was only because Reynolds busted for a 49 yard TD run at the end of the gain against subs.  Opponents have been held to 2.24 yards per carry and just 2 rushing TDs.  It’s been thru the air that Linton has given up yardage.  In 3 of 4 contests, they’ve allowed 220+ yards, the most being in week 1 in their lone 28-20 loss with 267 yards.  However, the other two games had 259 and 220, but it took 33 and 35 pass attempts to achieve that, and both were solid Linton wins.

 

Offensively, Linton comes in fairly balanced.  207.5 rushing, 156.0  363.25 over all.

QB	15	Goodman, Trey		11	6'1	170
RB	8	Lannan, Luke		12	5'10	185
WB	43	Howard, Cash		12	5'10	175
WB	5	Dyer, Lance		12	5'11	175
WR	28	Hauser, Clayton		12	6'1	170
WR	18	Roberston, Devyn		12	6'2	165
LT	51	Smith, Dalton		12	5'10	205
LG	55	Rogers, Vedder		11	6'1	225
C	79	Mongeau, Tyler		12	6'1	205
RG	69	Giles, Damien		11	6'0	225
RT	57	Giles, Landon		11	6'0	210

 

                They come in after posting the highest offensive output of 470 at North Vermillion last week.  Linton average 5.2 yards a carry as a team, with 829 total yards and 10 TDs.  Led By Lance Dyer’s 318 yards on 36 carries and 2 TDs and Lannan’s 286 on 53 with a single score.  However they are not the only weapons in the Miner rushing arsenal at Howard has 3 Rsuh TDs on just 81 yards and 20 carries, and QB Goodman added 111 on 36 with 4 more scores.  The offensive line has been a constant, led by seniors Smith and Mongeau.  Smith with 13 pancake blocks to date.  The Miners will run with a TE, and that’s where Sr #35 Avery Puckett (6’2 175) fits in.  The passing game has seen a revival or sorts with Goodman hitting 62% of his 62 attempts (38) for 624 yards, 8 TDs against 1 pick.  The big target is Robertson, with 20 catches for 320 yards and 3 TDs.  He caught 8 for 106 last week.  Hauser lines up opposite, and has 7 catches to 94, Dyer and Howard both out of their WB spots add 5-155 2 TDs and 5 for 42.  Goodman’s 209 Passing Yards last week was his season best. 

As for the Pioneer D:I saw them in a 4 man front against Vincennes, and a 5 man against North Knox.

I’ll show the 5 man:

OLB	24	Wolfe, Colin		11	5'8"	180
MLB	30	Overton, Reed		12	5'9"	205
OLB	44	Foor, Elias		12	6'1"	220
DE	22	Hary, Keller		12	6'1"	185
DT	58	Krantz, John		11	5'11"	230
NT	52	Goines, Blake		12	6'2"	275
DT	57	Heuring, Cordel		11	6'1"	215
DE	74	Dorsey, Cameron		11	6'4"	265
CB	11	Heidorn, Jacob		10	6'0"	140
CB	26	Scarbrough, Tyler		12	5'9"	155
S	5	Mockobee, Devin		11	6'0"	170

yep.. I tried to do this too quickly!!!   

I'll try to correct!

Good Luck in Senator Land!

 

Hope to have time to add some info for these games.. but wanted to get this out there... COmments welcome!

 

Rankings (AP/IFCA/GRID)

4-0 2A Rensselaer Central (4/4/5) @ 3-1 3A West Lafayette (1/1/1)

3-1 1A South Adams (3/1/3) @ 3-1 1A Monroe Central (6/6/6/)

3-1 3A West Vigo  4-0 1A North Daviess (9/11/13)

3-1 1A Triton Cenral (7/7/7) @ 2-2 3A Indian Creek

4-0 1A West Washington (8/7/6) @ 3-1 2A Paoli

3-1  1A Knightstown @ 3-1 2a Eastern Hancock

3-1 1a Milan (14/-/12) @ 3-1 2A North Decatur

3-1 1A Clinton Prairie @ 3-1 1A Sheridan (11/10/10)

4-0 1A Frontier @ 4-0 1A Traders Point Christian

3-1 2A Tipton (12/11/13) @ 1-3 1A Lafayette Central Catholic (13/-/16)

3-1 1A (Carroll (Flora)) @ 4-0 1A Eastern (Greentown)

3-1 4A Indy Attucks @ 3-1 2A Pioneer (6/6/6)

I couldn't help notice that Boonville had a few different players out there against Nk that were out there against Lincoln.  I didn't see any Jasper video.  #74 Cameron Dorsey... who I saw at DE against VL.. is 6'4 265 has no stats agasint the Warriors.  But his overall stats had him 20 Tackles in 3 games.. one of the top 3 for the Pioneers.  On the 2-deep I was sent this week, he's not listed on the Defensive side at all!  .. but is a backup tackle on offense.   Looks to me like they ran 5-3 hoping to stop NK run...and weren't too concerned with the pass.  NK didn't need the pass (33 yards on 6 catches)...but couldn't stop the rush (48-356 5 TDs).  #20 Doades had a career night (just a soph) with 219 rushing yards on just 15 touches.   In that game looks like the moved #24 Wolfe to DE from one of LB spots, and put #32 Pulling (Soph) in at LB.   Course #22 Hary (Sr) is at the other DE, and listed as a starter... I didn't see him in the Lincoln game..so perhaps he had been out and Dorsey in?   Dorsey a pretty big boy though. 

My gut tells me that Boonville underestimated  North Knox...or maybe was looking ahead at Linton.. or the Jasper loss put them in a funk mentally....   or they just got handed their lunch....  I definitely don't they will underestimate Linton, and I definitely would think a loss to NK at home on homecoming would snap them out of a funk and make for an intense week leading into tomorrow's long bus trip.  I would expect a more focused team, one with something to prove.  Week 5 is a key time.  Linton cannot and will not I'm sure take Boonville for granted...

Linton, on the other hand... is coming into week 5 playing well.  The passing game still puts up numbers...but hasn't given up the big plays like in week one's loss to Southridge.  I think the guys are playing much better in recognizing things and reacting.  NV threw 35 times, Sullivan 33...so that's a lot of passing to get those yards.  And the Offense has been an oiled machine.  We have not had the self destructive fumbles..unforced at that.  We did have penalties offensively that is what really stopped the offense when we didn't score. 

We do run a different scheme than the pound n ground of NK.  I doubt we are physically as big at NK up front either. 

Looks like the weather is gonna be nice again!  5 for 5!

 

Dan

 

 

22 hours ago, kingtut said:

I would have edited the darn thing.  I don't like making mistakes like that but there was no edit function on my post for some reason or other.

ahh don't worry about it.  I have edit.. I use edit.. and I am the King of grammatical errors and spelling....  I just type to fast!!

I will admit to being very surprised by the Warrior win.   Certainly this makes me think twice about the Warriors..   The talk was that their D was good, but the offense?   I only saw video from the Sullivan 15-12 loss...and thought.. yes. .the D held a potent Arrow attack at 15, all early... but the offense?  Then they put 65 and 44 points back to back and held both opponents to 0.. but again... Eastern G is 0-4, Tecumseh is 1-3 (their win over 0-4 Pike Central).  I thought Boonville would be too big too quick too much depth... etc...  I had looked at that big QB and that speedy RB and some of those big guys up front and thought.. ok.. we will see what NK can do.  Well we did.  THey held the Pioneers to 6 for a long time.. and 2 TD's til deeper in the game... but the surprise here is the 34 points put up.  Holtman Doades 219 rushing yards!!  Cole Richter another 116??    I was very surprised.  I guess maybe I put too much stock in the Pioneers beating Vincennes Lincoln 19-6.  I mean they are 1-3 too.  And Washington is 0-4 as well.   I thought the Jasper loss might be more that Jasper was ultra fired up after a loss to Southridge....and considering the Wildcats other 2 losses are to Memorial & Heritage Hills!  

Sounds like NK was very physical.. and just pounded the Pioneers up front.  I mean that's what NK's offense has been for many years now.   That's how they make their hay.   Now if Linton can match that physicality.. which is definitely a Miner trademark, and run the ball anywhere like the Warriors did.. which is another Miner trademark.. I feel good about the Miner chances this week.  But that said.. i would imagine this was a major disappointment for boonville.  I would imagine there will be some serious work put in this week and some massive challenges presented to the Pioneer players...  They are the defending Big 8 champs.. I know there has to be some pride there.  I can't fathom they won't be better prepared for this week... some changes or alterations made...  i know Linton cannot take Boonville for granted.  It's a chance to play someone in 4A and prove ourselves just as it was for North Knox. 

I'm still amazed we are Linton-Stockton.. I mean we are... but around here it's Linton!

 

No love to the Wildcats, Bruins or Blue Devils tonight?@@ !!

Seems most think the Senators roll all over Valley...  That the Wolves are for real over Attica.  A little more split with the Miners and Falcons.  How well the Miners can defend the wide open pass of NV...but yet not surrender chunks to Ellis and Reynolds out of the backfield... we will see early on.  On the reverse side though-- NV has not been able to stop the Miner offense in their last several meetings.  If they bank on stopping the run, can the Miners utilize the passing game that has been rejuvenated this year?    Defenses will be the deciding factor tonight. 

All Linton MIner home and away.. regular and post season...   93.3 FM WQTY, and www.wqtyradio.com...   https://www.mediafivesports.com

A little late start... but I waited too late to update all my spreadsheets!!

 

NV offense...

Linton Offense

NV Defense?

 

Correct Linton D 5 Man Front

 

 

So.... is it Wolfs.. or is it Wolves???!?!

 

18 hours ago, Ilovefootball said:

2007 Rockville offense...played better competition and scored at will against all of them except for the other juggernaut Seeger.  Even scored 28 on a Sheridan team that is comparable if not better than recent pioneer teams...Matt king made other players look silly with his elusiveness in and out of the pocket, solid O-line, punishing RB Zach clapp who also had some wiggle to him, a trio of receivers in Aaron bridge, Daniel Martin, and Taylor Harper.  And of course billy Bettis toe bashing field goals including a game winner against Seeger that year.  Josh Smith Attica and Seeger 03-04 teams were up there and scary but when it comes to offensive balance i give the nod to the Rox.  I put NV behind those offenses.

I remember that 2007 team well.... I try not to remember tho LOL!

Evansville Memorial at Evansville Mater Dei

 

A big game in the southern portion of Indiana.  The Wildcats under 23 year coach Mike Goebel host the John Hurley led Tigers of Memorial.  Mater Dei is ranked 1^st in 2A (AP) and 2^nd from IFCA and owns a solid win over 2-1 2A Whiting in week 2 56-12.  Memorial is ranked 4^th in AP/ 5^th in IFCA and beat 4A 1-2 Jasper 35-20 in opening week, as well as a long road trio to handle 1-2 4A Northview 24-0.  They come off a 40-28 win over an improved 1-2 5A  Evansville North squad.  Mater Dei easily handled winless 4A Evansville Harrison 38-7 last week. The last two years have seen Memorial dominate the Wildcats, 51-14 last year, then 37-14 in 2017, but Mater Dei won the prior 7 meetings.  The Tiger’s senior class has known a lot of success at 40-6  Sagarin would have this a 12.4 pt win for Memorial.  Memorial at 86.03 (2^nd in class, 21 in state) and Mater Dei at 76.63 (3/48).   The Wildcats do have the 13^th highest scoring offense in the state (47.7), which is 2^nd in 2A, but nothing shabby about the Tigers 33.0 avg and Memorial’s schedule strength (67.95) is 12^th in 4A, 48^th in state, much better than the 190^th state rank of 39.5 for the Wildcats. 

 

Linton-Stockton at North Vermillion

 

Coach Brian Crabtree’s Falcon’s lost just two games in 2018; one in the state final to Pioneer, the other in week 4 to Linton’s Miners 34-7.   The Miner’s have bested NV in each of the last 5 meetings by a combined 220-59 points.  The Falcon seniors would love to change this tide in their final clash with Coach Brian Oliver’s squad.  At 31-9 in their career, 3 of those losses come from Linton.  Linton is coming off their worst WL season since 1996 @ 5-6, and wants to restore some luster to the program.  After a hard fought error filled 28-20 loss to unbeaten 3A Southridge to open the season, Linton regrouped to beat 1-2 3A Sullivan 35-12, and winless 2A Monrovia 35-0.  North Vermillion coasted 43-8 over 4A winless Oven Valley on the road, and last week 35-0 over winless Covington. Squeezed between those two wins was their toughest battle thus far, a 42-38 win over 2-1 3A rival South Vemillion.  The Miners have a Sag rating of 62.55, 6^th in 2A, 86^th in state, while the Falcons sit 9^th in 1A (142 overall) at 48.27. This would favor Linton on the road by 14.3 but the Miners have been susceptible to the passing game of which the Falcons could spotlight.  Both offenses put up points.  NV at 40/game, Linton at 30.  SOS is a clear nod to the Miners at 47.54 (14^th in 2A, 33^rd overall) compared to 21.25 (31/266) for the Falcons.  The Miners are slowly getting attention in the 2A polls, jumping to #12 AP/ #11 IFCA, while North Vermillion sits at #3 AP #4 IFCA In the 1A Polls. 

 

 

 

Delphi at Sheridan

 

The renewal of a series that played from 2001 through 2010.  The Oracles opened that series with 2 blow out wins (34-0 and 35-7) before the tide turned and the Blackhawks won the last 8.  Coach Strasser has the Delphi program coming off their best win season (9-1) since a 9-2 2000 season ended in a sectional title loss.  2018 saw them fall to Rensselaer Central in the opening round.  They’ve started off with 2 wins this year (29-0 over winless 3A Benton Central, and 20-9 over 2-1 1A Carroll (Flora), but they lost last week 28-14 to 3-0 unbeaten Eastern (Greentown) . The Blackhawks, under the 54 year tutelage of Larry Bud Wright took a hit in the opening week to a high ranked 2A Western Boone (2-1 #4/#3) 41-6.  They have responded to that with back to back wins over 1-2 1A Clinton Central 49-29, then 50-19 over 2-1 1A Tri-Central. Neither team’s SOS is above 20, both in the lower realms of the state rank (276, 294), and their SAG rankings are neither identical.  Sheridan seems to have the more potent offense at 35/ppg, while the Oracle D allows just 12.33 per game (11^th in 2A).  That Western Boone score certainly hurts the numbers for Sheridan.  Still the Blackhawks are ranked #12 in both polls, and having played the highly ranked Stars will have given them  good game experience.   This game being at Sheridan, I have to think the Blackhawks would be favored by more than the 0.64 Sagarin gives them.  Perhaps the Oracles can prove people wrong.  No votes in either poll says they haven’t earned that respect yet.  Here is an opportunity.

 

 

Heritage Christian @ Eastern Hancock

 

The 2^nd year in this series that saw the Eagles hammer a 33-6 win last year.  Coach Armstrong is trying to get the Royals back to that 3 year run of 34 wins and 5 losses (2013-2015), coming off a 3-7 season in his 1^st year.  They have started strong at 3-0 win wins over 3A Northwestern 42-15, 1A Wes-Del 48-22 and 1A Fountain Central.  The only thing is those teams are combined 1-8.  The 17.88 SOS for the Royals is 57^th in 2A, 280^th overall.  Heritage Christian however is 19^th in 2A, and Coach Ray also had the Eagles out strong with huge wins over 3A winless Manual 56-0 and 2A-1-2 Shenandoah 48-7.  Then the Eagles suffered the 23-5 loss to 3A unbeaten Gueren Catholic last week.  This sets up a battle of high scoring offenses--- EH at 46 per  game, 3^rd in 2A 17^th overall; HC 36.33 9^th in 2A 46^th overall.  However, it’s the Eagle defense to watch- 10.00 allowed per game, 7^th in 2A, 30^th over all.  Doug Armstrong is just starting his 2^nd year in Charlotteville, but is in his 18^th year coaching.  The Royals are at #16 in coaches poll, which 4-year coach Ray has Heritage Christian at #9 in AP, #13 in IFCA.   The SAG favors the Eagles by 16.5 (61.09 to 44.60).

 

 

Tri-West @ Western Boone

 

Based on the history between these two programs…. This will be a game to watch!   From 2000 on, in 19 meetings the Bruins have a 12-7 edge, but the Stars have won the past 2 tight games 7-0 and an overtime 35-34 win in 2017.  Tri-West opened the year with a 22-7 win over 1-2 1A LCC, then fell to 5A Plainfield 28-13.  WeBo lead off with a convincing 41-6 win over 2-1 1A Sheridan, before a 1 point 42-41 loss at 2-1 4A Western.  Jason Ward is in his 1^st year as head coach of the Bruins, and coming in after a 62-6 shellacking of winless 4A Frankfort, his team is 9^th in 2A in scoring D at 13.67 per game.  Justin Pelley’s 7^th year at Western Boone has a potent offense that averages 43.67 per game, 5^th in 2A and 25^th in the state.  They rebounded from the tough Western loss to pound winless 4A Carwfordsville 49-0.  Both have similar SAG rankings with WeBo slightly higher at 57.72 to Tri West’s 54.40.  This would favor the starts by slightly more than a field goal.   SOS however is solidly in Tri-West’s favor 44.73 to 28.37. The Stars are the defending 2A state champions, and ranked #4 in AP. #3 by the coaches.  The Bruins sit at #15/#14 in polls, and were winners of their sectional in 3A in 2018.  The Scores of their battles in the last 7 years have been by 1 score or less. This is accented by the total points over that period being 170 for TW and 160 for WB! 

 

 

 

 

Tipton @ Lewis Cass

 

The Kings have not started 3-0 since their 2015 campaign that ended one and done with a 6-4 mark.  Head Coach Jeff Phillips has had back to back 7-5 seasons, but like Tipton, they’ve been unable to get out of their sectional.  IN both cases it was Eastbrook who ended the Kings season. For Coach Aaron Tolle, the Blue Devils come in on the heels of great 9-2 seasons in ’18 and ’17, but ended losing to Western Boone in their sectionals both years.  Tipton comes in ranked #8 AP #7 IFCA in 2A, Lewis Cass a solid #3 across the board in 2A.   Cass has the top scoring offense in 2A at 48.33 (12^th in State overall), but Tipton is up there at #11 (33.33).  The Kings defense has also shined, allowing just 9.33 per game (5^th in 2A, 27 in state).  But again, the Blue Devils have allowed just 11.33 (9^th/38^th). That’s about as far as the number go in terms of being close.  Tipton’s Schedule Strength is a paltry 16.2, due to wins over winless 2A Madison-Grant 19-6; Winless 2A Elwood 62-14, and 1-2 3A Twin Lakes by six 19-14.  Cass opened up with a big win over two-time 1A defending champs Pioneer (2-1) now 2A with a 28-22 win.  Their first over the Pioneers in 6 years.  The Kings then reeled off a 49-6 win over 1-2 3A Maconaquah and a 68-0 pounding of winless 3A Benton Central.  Their SOS is 10^th in 2A at 51.56.  This may be a reason for the huge disparity between the two in SAG rankings.  Cass is heavily the favorite by nearly 40 with the top SAG rating in 2A at 78.38 compared to 38.69 for Tipton.   The Blue Devils have won the last 3 meetings, 27-15, 17-13 and 31-21. 

 

 

 

Beech Grove @ Indianapolis Scecina

 

                The Hornets have lost 3 straight to the Crustaders and Ott Hurle including last year’s 21-12 decision. The lone loss on BG’s record came in week 1 to 1A #1 Indianapolis Lutheran by only five 27-22.  Scecina opened up with a 28-18 win over 1-2 2A Shenandoah.  Both team have beaten winless Cascade and 1-2 Speedway…but the margins indicate a more dominant Crusader balllclub.  They handled the Cadets 45-14 compared to a 28-13 Hornet margin. Same thing with the Sparkplugs- Scecina wins 42-7 while BG only won by eight 21-13.  This Crusader senior class has gone 34-7, but want to go further that the sectional title they had last year.   Mark Weller and the Hornets have gone one and done in sectionals 13 of the last 18 years, and you have to go back to 2000 for a sectional title shot.  They aren’t a particularly high scoring team, just 23.67 (26^th in 4A) and will face the 8^th highest scoring O in 2A (38.33)… plus a Crusader defense allowing just 13 ppg (14^th in 2A).  SOS marks are close with the Hornets at 44.25, Scecina at 42.02.  However,  the Crusaders- ranked #2 in AP, #1 with the Coaches, have the #4 2A Sag rating at 67.17.  The Hornets are at 31 in 4A at 52.33.  This makes Scecina the favorite by 14.6 pts.