Miner_Pride

indeed... it seemed like every play there for about 6 plays there was a kid on the ground. I know on the Miners 19 yard score in the 3rd.. our 1st score... Jochem, Kramer and Neukam were off the field... that's your OLB, ILB and safety. I admire they way they kept hanging it there... Kramer particularly.... The Miner Defense definitely played well other than letting a couple receivers get wide open...fortunately only one cost us... but a couple could have been TDs I think had the passes been on mark...altho Padgett (#7) made a great play knocking one down last minute. I was just aghast at halftime being down 13-0... Fumbles and miscues killed that 1st half do Linton.. but it could have been worse that 13-0 at half, and who knows how that would have affected things. Coming out after that score with 47 seconds before the half, AND, the Raiders receiving the kickoff... I thought that was do or die time. Much respect for Southridge as always... I am a Raider Fan any other Friday, and I hate hate hate that we are no longer playing each other after this one. Going to Southridge was always a high point I looked forward to every year... though not getting handed our butts a couple times. We had some doozie ball games, and I am real proud and happy for the kids finally get a W against such a program. I've seen some great players in these last 5 years. I thought Eckert and Kramer played hard at ILB... I had them each with double digits tackles. of course I thought Jochem was a tough kid. I knew he would be from prior years. Not having Schroeder hurt I'm sure at WB and OLB... but the #6 kid made plays and just a sophomore. For Linton... Gennicks showed he can make a big play in the run department, but we gotta get that passing to contribute and help loosen defenses. We have some workhorses with Smith and Eslinger... Eslinger showed his surprising speed on that 55 yard sprint down the sideline... but he's a physical guy... both of these guys are on both sides of the ball. I saw Eslinger deliver some big hits from offensive lineman trying to hit him downfield.... sort of a reverse pancake situation. Hunter "Papa" Johns was really our big player on offense... he had 84 or so yards total.. but it seemed like he had a big run just when we needed it... Wrigley Franklin at DE #51, as well as Cameron Goodman #54 both were in on a lot of plays defensively... and for the most part the DB's were in good coverage. It was as expected a physical battle, and this year I think the Miner experience and perhaps their physical shape won out. Course, there were Miners who were battling that cramping issue... but it seemed to hit the Raiders very hard.. especially right after the half. Best of luck the Raiders... I think they are still gonna notch up a lot of wins in 2021. ANd congrats to my Miners for coming out and responding to a mistake riddled 1st half and rallying for a 2nd half performance more to what we expect. Miner Defense did a great job all night. Best yet.. I don't think I saw anyone on either side injured in the course of the game. Linton had lost a projected starter on the Wednesday before the game...and I hated that... but hopefully he can be back soon. I know Shroeder is always dealing with an injury and hopefully he can be back on the field soon as well. I want to thank Coach Buening personally for the time he took to let me know starters and the pre-game interviews over the years. he's got a great laugh, and is always gracious in our conversations... also the Southridge folks I've met over the last few years in doing the games at Huntingburg.... there is certainly mutual respect.

Always look forward to this meeting. Always a lot of memories... not as many as King Tut... but quite a few. This could be one of the better battles... and last year went into over time!!

Heading into week one, it is the moment these Miner football players have looked forward to since the lights went down at the Roy on November 6 2020. What a crazy year 2020 was with the Pandemic essentially shutting down attendance, and some schools cancelling games and seasons completely. We were so lucky and through diligence played a full season with little issue. That was through the caution of the coaching staff, the players, the school… everyone connected. We thought we would be clear of that issue coming into 2021, but it obviously isn’t. So again, we come into a season with a health issue that is quite serious. Linton brings in 13 seniors into 2021, on a roster of 51 which is much better than the low point of 42 in 2020. Each of these 13 seniors have been 4-year players. They come into their final year off an 8-4 2020 season that was a unique challenge unlike any prior season I have seen! Many if not most of these returning seniors were key players as juniors and will provide a lot of leadership. That starts in a strong defensive side of the ball led by a corps of linebackers that includes 3 of those seniors. #2 Gabe Eslinger, #44 Bracey Brenneman man the inside with #13 Drew Smith and #12 Hunter Johns on the outside. Eslinger (6’0 205) and Smith (6’2 215) led the Miners in tackles from ILB last year with 102 and 100 respectively. They both led in TFL as well with Eslinger’s 19.5 leading the way. Late in the season Eslinger was moved to various defensive positions (NT, DT) and Breneman (6’2 200) was impressive with 40 stops. With Johns, a junior (5’8 170 & 4th in tackles with 60), a starter as a sophomore at OLB, this are should be a strongpoint for Linton. Add to that Seniors Jackson Lynn (6’0 185, who missed pretty much all of 2020 to injury) and #62 Cody Jackson (5’10 195) to that OLB mix. ILB could also see Junior #5 Brayden Cox (5’10 165) and Soph Ty Boyd (#9 6’1 190). The DL also brings back experience with seniors #58 Donovan DeBruhl (6’0 275), #63 Jackson Fields (6’0 205), #17/54 Cameron Goodman (6’3 200) and Juniors #51 Wrigley Franklin (6’3 225), & #56 Aiden Giles (6’3 125). DeBruhl was 8th in total tackles with 40, Fields with 23. Goodman missed most of the 2020 season, but came on strong as a starter at DE at season’s end. Both Franklin and Giles were OL starters who will be involved in the Defense in 2021. Add incoming Jr #74 Nathan Watson (6’0 255), So #77 Jacob Breedlove (6’5 255) and Fr #69 Hank Gennicks (6’2 235) to the depth list. The entire defensive backfield returns in tact with the 3rd leading tackler back in safety #32 Jaydan Miller (5’8 150). Miller had 62 tackles, and 3 of the Miner D’s 19 Interceptions last year. #7 Kaulin Padgett (5’9 190) led the team with 7 picks, and added 25 tackles, while #24 Eli Poe (6’2 175) had 4 interceptions and 30 tackles. These 3 seniors should benefit from their continuity the last couple of years. This year will see Jr #14 Hunter Gennicks (6’0 195) join Miller at safety, and certainly will benefit from Sr #20 Ayden Riggleman (6’0 170) and Jr #23 Logan Webb (6’4 170) able to contribute. Offensively there are just as many positives, and it starts with the QB position. Hunter Gennicks took over at QB1 in week 2 of 2020 as sophomore and became a dual threat to defenses. His ability to scramble and make plays launched him to lead Linton with 916 rushing yards. He could have easily been over 1,000 had there not been games he and other starters sat 4th quarters out in lop sided wins. Stronger, faster and with a year’s experience under his belt as well as the tutelage of his father (offensive Coordinator Jake Gennicks), he should be fun to watch in 2021. The skill unit returns nearly every contributor from 2020. The biggest replacement would be WB Trey Goodman’s 542 rushing and 281 receiving yards, and 12 TDs combined. Drew Smith was an old-fashioned bruising fullback in 2020 with 448 yards and 4 TDs, and both Gabe Eslinger and Bracey Brenneman capable of the same role. As noted above, all three over 6’0 and 200+ they will be a load to bring down. Kaulin Padgett missed the opening 2 weeks of the 2020, but immediately brought the much needed speed from WB in week three and had 443 yards rushing and 4 TDs. Eslinger was injured in week 2, but came back strong albeit on the defensive side of the ball most the way. He did have 6 carries for 60 yards in the semi-final win over North Posey, and no doubt could have stepped in at any time. In 2021 he will be a strong part of the Miner Offense at WB. The Miner rushing attack is always a source of pride, and ran for 2,763 yards, 38 TDs and 230.8 per game in 2020, but the 1,136 passing yards certainly help that cause. No doubt Linton will try to push the air attack to loosen defenses prepared to stop the Miner run. Gennicks throw for 1,099 yards on 70 of 139 passing with an amazing 17 TDs’ against only 2 picks. He returns his top target in Sr Eli Poe at SE. Poe was targeted twice and many times as any other receiver (62 passes his way, 36 to Goodman), and led the Miners in catches (32), yards (392) and receiving TDs (6). Expect to see Linton use more receivers in their basic set in 2021 to go with that passing focus. Ayden Riggleman saw action in 2 SE’s situations in ’20 and Logan Webb will definitely be in that mix. Consider that all three have height (6’2, 6’0 and 6’4) and at 170 pounds, their athleticism could cause coverage issues. 2020’s starting TE at the end of the year was Goodman, who had 2 catches, 1 for a TD in the Sectional Championship. With Ty Boyd and Jackson Lynn expected to be in the TE mix, combined with Goodman 6’3 200 lb frame and experience he looks to be earmarked for one of the tackle positions on the line. That offensive line will have new faces having to replace the twin Giles brothers Damien and Landon. 2 starters return as juniors in another Giles- #56 Aiden (6’3 215), and #51 Wrigley Franklin (6’3 225) both at Guards. To be honest it’s still a working mix but it’s clear there are several players that will be involved, just a matter of where. #58 Sr Donovan DeBruhl (6’0 275) saw starting time as a tackle in 2020, and JV starter now Jr #74 Nathan Watson (6’0 255), Frosh #69 Hank Gennicks (6’2 235) and aforementioned Goodman all seem to be set up for any of the positions going into this Friday. #62 Sr Cody Jackson (5’10 195) is in that mix as well. There are several young sophs with good size that I’d expect coaches to look for who step up and impress in both practices and in JV games. Depth is always a plus in small school football. Special Teams I can only go on last year stats, and that was Jaydan Miller handling place kicking and punting duties. He had been a great asset punting with a 35.9 average, but more importantly placing opponents inside their own 20, as well getting off much needed punts when Linton has been in poor field position. He didn’t start kicking PAT’s until week 8 and finished up hitting 10 of 15 (66.7%). Kickoff duties were with Drew Smith with typically short pooch type kicks designed to hit around the 20-25 sideline… or straight out squigglers down the middle of the field. These often produced turnovers and opponents would not be able to handle the ball before immediately being hit. With Smith expected to be on the field nearly every play, I’m sure there are others getting a look in these days leading up to possible get Smith off the field… although he would not want to. One thing returning to Miner Football last year that has been missing was the big special teams play. Hunter Johns made the memorable punt return TD at Boonville late that seemed to seal a victory for the Miners, and Hunter Gennicks had a kickoff return TD against North Posey. Add to that 19 pickoffs, and Hunter Johns interception return TD against Sullivan… all this mean is more excitement and another level of concern for opponents. So we count down the minutes until the Roy opens up the gates, and hopefully people will come out in full force to support this edition of Miners as they take the field. I was talking with a couple of young sophomores, who didn’t play last year, about that thrill of running out on the Roy that first time under the lights and hearing the crowd. Course…it’s not under the lights actually, and because of Covid there was little to no crowds in 2020. But honestly the attendance at home games has been not near the level of past years. And it’s a real shame with the level of football we have been privy to at Linton. The kids need to see, hear, and feel the Miner Faithful when they are laying it on the line. Every single play in football could be their last. There is that risk with every snap. They need our 100% support!! Southridge comes in from another impressive season at 13-1 halted only in the semi-state loss to Danville 30-7. Danville would lose the state title game to Chatard 42-14. The 2020 Raider roster was loaded with Seniors, 16 in all, and several key ingredients to their success. From last year’s starting lineup against Linton, I see all only one starter back on offense, with only returning from the defensive lineup. One of those is Aiden Jochem (#8, Sr, 6’1 181) who has started since his sophomore year at Tight End/Safety. He will be an obvious main focus as he moves to the RB position in 2021. The Raiders have always done damage with the ground game, and last year featured three 1,000+ yard rushers in Chase Taylor, Camdon Gasser and Matt Springer. Miner Fans certainly recall Cody Calvert, Colton Montgomery, Tucker Shank, & Jayce Harter- all 1.000+ rushers the Miner have had to try and contain. Jochem looks to be in the same mold and Schank with physical toughness, and playing to the end of the whistle. The only other returning starter is Reid Schroeder (#28, Jr, 6’1 198) who played with Jochem at safety in 2020. Schroeder is listed as the starting WB and OLB this year but was in street clothes in their scrimmage last week against Perry Central. He wasn’t on crutches, or in any visible distress so I would plan on seeing him on the field. One thing that you can’t help by notice is how much experience and offensive numbers graduated last year. But we’ve seen this before. Southridge seems to reload and put players in the system and they execute and succeed. Out of 4,459 rushing yards last year only 230 of that is returning this year, and Jochem was at TE. As always though, it starts of with the efforts of the offensive line, and Southridge will have new faces at each position. Let me say this first of all… I don’t know beyond that opening game with Linton in 2020 what might have changed in the season as per starters and playing time for the Raiders. I can only look to the stats, which give good info, but offensive line-wise there isn’t any real way to know who might have ended up a starter, or got a lot of rotations. I do know that from watching the Perry Central scrimmage, and information from Coach Buening that it looks to be anchored with 3 seniors in the middle led by center Cameron Fuesler (#75, 6’2 221) with guards #73 Hunter Eckert (6’2 187) and #57 Matt Altmeyer (5’10 173). Eckert was a skill player last year and made the move to OL. The Tackles are both Juniors- #68 Juan Mendoza (5’10 232) and #51 Crew Gerber (5’10 194). The Raiders always use the TE, and with Jochems’ move to RB, it falls to #14 Cabeb Kramer (6’2 193) with #43 Luke Meyer (Jr, 6’3 174) in the mix as well. With the obvious successful rushing numbers year in and out with Southridge, you know this line will be well versed in the fundamentals! At Quarterback will be Jr Levi Neukam (#2, 6’0 162) who looks to be athletic and able to throw and run well. He only threw 1 pass in 2020, and had 12 carries for 106 yards in duty backing up Taylor. As mentoned, Jochem is at RB and looked strong in the scrimmage. The WB’s are Schroeder, who had 27 rushes for 209 yards and a score last year. In the scrimmage it was #25 JR Joe Witte (6’0 176) at that spot. Opposite WB is Sr #18 Kaden Neukam (6’1 181). He had 4 carris for 77 yards in sparse duty 2020. At SE is Sr #5 Carter Whitehead (6’0 171) who wasn’t on the roster last year. The Receiving corps lost most all of it’s experience in the graduation of Gasser who had 610 of the total 910 yards, and 26 of the 47 catches. In past meetings with the Raiders, their ability to has success in the deep pass has hurt the Miners, so despite their rushing prowess, the DBs have to stay honest. The Scrimmage showed that Neukam isn’t afraid to go deep to Whitehead, alons with #44 Cole Wirthwein or #89 Keaton Allen. Certainly, like Linton, the WB’s play a role in the passing game, besides those mentioned already there is #24 Myles Kerhoff, #23 Gage Werner and #6 Yamil Arroyo as backups. Defensively again it is nearly all new faces, at least as starters from the 2020 Linton game. Jochem returns at Safety, had 87 tackles (4th on team) with 4 TFL last year. #18 Neukam is the other safter (37 tackles in 2020 so he had field time for sure). The Corners are Whitehead, and Witte, neither with a recorded stop last year. The QB Neukam can also be out there but likely not. The LB’s are always a key element to any teams success, but Southridge has always had outstanding backers, and this year they will be #73 SR Eckert (28 tackles 2 TFL in2020) along with Jr #14 Kramer (36 and 2). On the outside will be Schroeder (if he is healthy) who started as a sophomore last year and had 80 tackles with 10 TFL. Certainly he would be missed on both sides of the ball should be not play. In the scrimmage it was #60 Cayden Andrews (Sr, 5;9 167) who had no tackles in 2020. On the other side it was #6 Yamil Arroyo (5’9 173) who is starting as a Sophomore. Up front it is #43 Luke Meyer (JR, 6’3 174) at nose with #57 Altmeyer and Jr #76 Eric Vanegas (5’11 238) at DE’s. Altmeyer had 11 tackles in 2020, Meyer 1, and Vanegas 1 as well. Others who may see action: OLB’s #55 Owen Hunefeld (So 5;10 162), #24 Myles Kerkhoff (So 6’2 172) and #33 Hudson Allen (So 6’1 158). At ILB #27 Anthony Laughlin (Jr 5’9 156) and #23 Gage Werner (So 5’11 157). Up front with #75 Fuesler and #68 Mendoza (both OL starters), and #79 SR Noah Abbott (6’2 221 and #74 Xavier Vanagas (So 6’0 316). At DB #44 Cole Wirthwein (Jr 6’0 142) and #89 Keaton Allen (So 6’2 153) Taylor also handled punting duties in 2020, so that falls as well on Jochem this year, with #87 Max Jessee (Sr 5’10 240) and/or #12 Emiio Flores (So 6’0 168) handing kicking.

Southridge Versus Linton 2021 When the rumors started going around a random post game fire one night that perhaps we might line up Southridge as our first week opponent in the coming years everyone was both excited and concerned. Of course, Linton is never afraid to take on all comers on the football field, so in that spirit that was enthusiasm at facing one the stellar then 2A southern Indiana programs right off the bat. It hit in reality in fall of 2017 when the Miners hosted the Raiders at Roy Williams Field. The Raiders had reached the State Final in 2A twice since 2000, losing both times (36-30 to Ft. Wayne Luers in 2002; and 20-7 to Ft. Wayne Harding in 2006). Head Coach Scott Buening took over after the very successful run Kelly Murphy had, and in his first year led the Raiders to a 10-3 record in 2013 winning a sectional before losing to a tough Paoli team in Regional 24-20. Linton replaced 3A Corydon Central at the Raiders opening game. Southridge had never had a traditional opening game- Corydon was a 3 game series, and like previous 3 game series with Clarksville then Sullivan, they won them all. In fact, Southridge has won 13 straight opening week games. Linton has been there victim in each of the last 4 years, and overall in 7 meetings the Miners have had no luck in notching a win. They lost in post-season meetings 40-0 in 1982 and 26-14 in 1995. Linton brought in history of their own, coming in fresh from back to back state title runs, and finally winning it all in 1A in 2016 34-20 completing an undefeated season with a senior class who had a combined 53 wins and only 4 losses. They had won sectional titles in each of their 4 years as well, in fact the Miners had won 9 of the last 10 1A sectional 48 trophies. But that phenomenal class had graduated, and many questions loomed as the Miners were forced up to 2A due to the state’s success factor policy. Many thought Linton would put in their 2 years in 2A, then return to 1A; but the increase in smaller private/parochial/home school/charter etc would keep Linton in 2A to this day. That first meeting was everything people thought it would be; and another heartbreaking loss for the Miners. However the 17-16 loss proved Linton could play with the Raiders even though statistically Southridge’s running game had proven dominating. The difference on the scoreboard being a failed 2 point conversion by Linton, and a 33 yard field goal by Southridge. The two would meet again in Sectional 2A 40 round two in Huntingburg amidst a downpour. Of course Southridge had and still has stellar facilities with turf field so there weren’t the mud piles and pits of water to deal with. The game would go to the half still at 0-0; indeed a dogfight with both teams missing golden opportunities along he way. Linton reached the Raider 4 and failed on a endzone pass on 4th down, then reached the Raider 16 and again failed on a pass on 4th and 9. Both were 10 play run dominated drives. But the 2nd half was Southridge as they scored the first 3 times they have the ball in the 2nd half. Linton was moving the chains, but could not get the key play they needed when they needed it most. It was a 20-0 final, ending Linton’s season at 7-4, while the Raiders would churn at the way to Indianapolis with the 2A title finishing 13-2. 2018 was a game certainly Miner fans would as soon forget with a 35-7 loss at Huntingburg. Linton forced the Raiders into a 3 and out on their first possession only to fumble the punt. Southridge would seize that chance by scoring, and didn’t look back. They scored on their next possession then we fumbled the kick off and they scored 2 plays later. 28-0 at half with the Raiders calling off the dogs. The only bright spot was a 57 yard Luke Lannan TD run. Then 2019 was another dogfight down to the last minute at Roy Williams and everything fans could want in a game. Linton fumbled 2nd play from scrimmage, and Miner fans thought, here we go. Southridge looked like they were going to drive down and score, but they coughed it up at the Linton 1 yard line! The Miner served notice by driving 96 yards to the Southridge 4 only to be stopped on downs. Southridge answered back with a 76 yards catch and run on a 3rd and 8. Linton then handed another golden opportunity with a fumble at their own 28, and this time the Raiders took that gift, and led 12-0 at the end of 1. Linton would then march 74 yard on 17 plays to score from 3 out and make it 12-7. The excitement lasted up to the last second of the opening half as the Raiders for to the Miner 4 and on the last play Gavin House picked off Chase Taylor’s pass in the endzone. It was back and forth in the 3rd, when finally made noise on a Goodman to Robertson 63 yard play and 2 plays later Goodman went in from the 1 and Linton had a 14-12 lead in the 4th. The Miner defense made a big play with a screen pass was picked off by Luke Lannan and pushed in another TD on a Goodman to Avery Pucket 13 yard pass making it 20-12. The Pat would make it a 9 point 2 score game, but the snap was bad. This would come back to haunt. The Miners had fallen victim to the long pass play several times in the game, but this 62 yard TD pass to Brad Spinger was huge with just 5:53 left in the game. The Raiders went for 2 to tie with big Cale Calvert going in. 20 to 20. Linton punted, and Southridge looked poised to get into field goal range, but elected to go for a 4th and 4 at Linton’s 32 and failed. 2:06 left with a deadlock score what could happen? Snap issues sudden arose as they had the prior series. This time Southridge recovered. And again the pass play did Linton in. Taylor hitting Garrett Voegerl from 24 out with just 1:13 left and an easy 2 point tacked on making it 28-20. Linton did not give up, with Goodman launching passes downfield but no success. Linton would lose the ball on downs and come away with a win many thought the Miners almost had in the bag. Southridge 9-3 in a season full of injuries to key players and bow out in sectional championship to Heritage Hills. Linton would not lose again, running the table until the lights went out at the Reitz Bowl in a disastrous start falling 44-20 to Mater Dei. It was a young Miner squad that took the field at Southridge High School in 2020, and they showed promise on their initial drive but a huge loss on a 3rd and 7 forced a punt. Southridge did the same but got to the Miner 15 and on 4th and 7 Goodman picked Taylor off to keep the Raiders off the board. From then on it really was a defensive battle with both teams struggling to move the ball. Southridge mounted a 15 play drive from their own 18 that reached the Miner 24 when time ran out after Tayler had scrambled trying to make a play. Yes, it was still 0-0 at the half and Miner Fans were impressed with the effort. Linton stopped Southridge on 3 and out to start the 2nd half, but game them ball right back on an interception by Camden Gasser that he returned 48 yards to the Miner 15. Matt punched it in from 3 for a 7-0 Raider lead. The Turnover gift card was open immediately and another as Aiden Jochem grabbed a Goodman pass putting them at the Miner 20. This time Taylor kept the ball himself from 4 yard out, and it was 14-0 halfway through the 3rd stanza. Still the defenses controlled this on both sides until Linton failed on a 4th and 2 from their own 20 leading to another Taylor TD run. Then the 3rd interception on the night happened with 6:11 left with Reid Schroeder taking it to the house from 19 yards out to put the finishing touches on a 28-0 disappointing Miner loss. As it turned out, these Raiders were far from rebuilding, and they rolled through the season winning sectional and regional before a loss at Semi-State to Danville 30-7 finishing 13-1. Linton would make big changes in the weeks after the Southridge loss that paid dividends, and would win their next three, and lose a heartbreaker to Boonville in OT. The team really began to going into the final weeks of 2020, and managed to get past the favored Tell City Marksman on the road in mudfest, but eventually it was the Mater Dei Wildcats who came to “the Roy” and ended the Miners hopes 37-20 and an 8-4 campaign. For the most part this has been a great series, and it surely helps us focus on what we have to do to get better. I don't think there has been a game where we haven't come out stronger in week 2 because of the competition level and learning experience our miners absorb. 0-5 on paper doesn't look great for us, but there have been some really tight to the bitter end battles... and it's just been great to have experienced the Raider Nation down in Huntingburg as well as see the success Southridge has had in multiple sports over these years. I know this senior group of Miners would love to get a “W” against this respected program. But I also know the Raiders, despite the loss of several key senior players from 2020 do not ever use the work rebuild. They will have their kids ready to play from start to finish, and that’s somewhat was Linton Football was known for as well. It promises to be a tremendous game, and a tremendous opportunity for Linton folks to come out and pack out Roy Williams Field this Friday as a show of force and support to these Miners. Southridge will bring the noise; we should never be outdone in our home field.

Southridge Versus Linton 2021: A Look Back When the rumors started going around a random post game fire one night that perhaps we might line up Southridge as our first week opponent in the coming years everyone was both excited and concerned. Of course, Linton is never afraid to take on all comers on the football field, so in that spirit that was enthusiasm at facing one the stellar then 2A southern Indiana programs right off the bat. It hit in reality in fall of 2017 when the Miners hosted the Raiders at Roy Williams Field. The Raiders had reached the State Final in 2A twice since 2000, losing both times (36-30 to Ft. Wayne Luers in 2002; and 20-7 to Ft. Wayne Harding in 2006). Head Coach Scott Buening took over after the very successful run Kelly Murphy had, and in his first year led the Raiders to a 10-3 record in 2013 winning a sectional before losing to a tough Paoli team in Regional 24-20. Linton replaced 3A Corydon Central at the Raiders opening game. Southridge had never had a traditional opening game- Corydon was a 3 game series, and like previous 3 game series with Clarksville then Sullivan, they won them all. In fact, Southridge has won 13 straight opening week games. Linton has been there victim in each of the last 4 years, and overall in 7 meetings the Miners have had no luck in notching a win. They lost in post-season meetings 40-0 in 1982 and 26-14 in 1995. Linton brought in history of their own, coming in fresh from back to back state title runs, and finally winning it all in 1A in 2016 34-20 completing an undefeated season with a senior class who had a combined 53 wins and only 4 losses. They had won sectional titles in each of their 4 years as well, in fact the Miners had won 9 of the last 10 1A sectional 48 trophies. But that phenomenal class had graduated, and many questions loomed as the Miners were forced up to 2A due to the state’s success factor policy. Many thought Linton would put in their 2 years in 2A, then return to 1A; but the increase in smaller private/parochial/home school/charter etc would keep Linton in 2A to this day. That first meeting was everything people thought it would be; and another heartbreaking loss for the Miners. However the 17-16 loss proved Linton could play with the Raiders even though statistically Southridge’s running game had proven dominating. The difference on the scoreboard being a failed 2 point conversion by Linton, and a 33 yard field goal by Southridge. The two would meet again in Sectional 2A 40 round two in Huntingburg amidst a downpour. Of course Southridge had and still has stellar facilities with turf field so there weren’t the mud piles and pits of water to deal with. The game would go to the half still at 0-0; indeed a dogfight with both teams missing golden opportunities along he way. Linton reached the Raider 4 and failed on a endzone pass on 4th down, then reached the Raider 16 and again failed on a pass on 4th and 9. Both were 10 play run dominated drives. But the 2nd half was Southridge as they scored the first 3 times they have the ball in the 2nd half. Linton was moving the chains, but could not get the key play they needed when they needed it most. It was a 20-0 final, ending Linton’s season at 7-4, while the Raiders would churn at the way to Indianapolis with the 2A title finishing 13-2. 2018 was a game certainly Miner fans would as soon forget with a 35-7 loss at Huntingburg. Linton forced the Raiders into a 3 and out on their first possession only to fumble the punt. Southridge would seize that chance by scoring, and didn’t look back. They scored on their next possession then we fumbled the kick off and they scored 2 plays later. 28-0 at half with the Raiders calling off the dogs. The only bright spot was a 57 yard Luke Lannan TD run. Then 2019 was another dogfight down to the last minute at Roy Williams and everything fans could want in a game. Linton fumbled 2nd play from scrimmage, and Miner fans thought, here we go. Southridge looked like they were going to drive down and score, but they coughed it up at the Linton 1 yard line! The Miner served notice by driving 96 yards to the Southridge 4 only to be stopped on downs. Southridge answered back with a 76 yards catch and run on a 3rd and 8. Linton then handed another golden opportunity with a fumble at their own 28, and this time the Raiders took that gift, and led 12-0 at the end of 1. Linton would then march 74 yard on 17 plays to score from 3 out and make it 12-7. The excitement lasted up to the last second of the opening half as the Raiders for to the Miner 4 and on the last play Gavin House picked off Chase Taylor’s pass in the endzone. It was back and forth in the 3rd, when finally made noise on a Goodman to Robertson 63 yard play and 2 plays later Goodman went in from the 1 and Linton had a 14-12 lead in the 4th. The Miner defense made a big play with a screen pass was picked off by Luke Lannan and pushed in another TD on a Goodman to Avery Pucket 13 yard pass making it 20-12. The Pat would make it a 9 point 2 score game, but the snap was bad. This would come back to haunt. The Miners had fallen victim to the long pass play several times in the game, but this 62 yard TD pass to Brad Spinger was huge with just 5:53 left in the game. The Raiders went for 2 to tie with big Cale Calvert going in. 20 to 20. Linton punted, and Southridge looked poised to get into field goal range, but elected to go for a 4th and 4 at Linton’s 32 and failed. 2:06 left with a deadlock score what could happen? Snap issues sudden arose as they had the prior series. This time Southridge recovered. And again the pass play did Linton in. Taylor hitting Garrett Voegerl from 24 out with just 1:13 left and an easy 2 point tacked on making it 28-20. Linton did not give up, with Goodman launching passes downfield but no success. Linton would lose the ball on downs and come away with a win many thought the Miners almost had in the bag. Southridge 9-3 in a season full of injuries to key players and bow out in sectional championship to Heritage Hills. Linton would not lose again, running the table until the lights went out at the Reitz Bowl in a disastrous start falling 44-20 to Mater Dei. It was a young Miner squad that took the field at Southridge High School in 2020, and they showed promise on their initial drive but a huge loss on a 3rd and 7 forced a punt. Southridge did the same but got to the Miner 15 and on 4th and 7 Goodman picked Taylor off to keep the Raiders off the board. From then on it really was a defensive battle with both teams struggling to move the ball. Southridge mounted a 15 play drive from their own 18 that reached the Miner 24 when time ran out after Tayler had scrambled trying to make a play. Yes, it was still 0-0 at the half and Miner Fans were impressed with the effort. Linton stopped Southridge on 3 and out to start the 2nd half, but game them ball right back on an interception by Camden Gasser that he returned 48 yards to the Miner 15. Matt punched it in from 3 for a 7-0 Raider lead. The Turnover gift card was open immediately and another as Aiden Jochem grabbed a Goodman pass putting them at the Miner 20. This time Taylor kept the ball himself from 4 yard out, and it was 14-0 halfway through the 3rd stanza. Still the defenses controlled this on both sides until Linton failed on a 4th and 2 from their own 20 leading to another Taylor TD run. Then the 3rd interception on the night happened with 6:11 left with Reid Schroeder taking it to the house from 19 yards out to put the finishing touches on a 28-0 disappointing Miner loss. As it turned out, these Raiders were far from rebuilding, and they rolled through the season winning sectional and regional before a loss at Semi-State to Danville 30-7 finishing 13-1. Linton would make big changes in the weeks after the Southridge loss that paid dividends, and would win their next three, and lose a heartbreaker to Boonville in OT. The team really began to going into the final weeks of 2020, and managed to get past the favored Tell City Marksman on the road in mudfest, but eventually it was the Mater Dei Wildcats who came to “the Roy” and ended the Miners hopes 37-20 and an 8-4 campaign. For the most part this has been a great series, and it surely helps us focus on what we have to do to get better. I don't think there has been a game where we haven't come out stronger in week 2 because of the competition level and learning experience our miners absorb. 0-5 on paper doesn't look great for us, but there have been some really tight to the bitter end battles... and it's just been great to have experienced the Raider Nation down in Huntingburg as well as see the success Southridge has had in multiple sports over these years. I know this senior group of Miners would love to get a “W” against this respected program. But I also know the Raiders, despite the loss of several key senior players from 2020 do not ever use the work rebuild. They will have their kids ready to play from start to finish, and that’s somewhat was Linton Football was known for as well. It promises to be a tremendous game, and a tremendous opportunity for Linton folks to come out and pack out Roy Williams Field this Friday as a show of force and support to these Miners. Southridge will bring the noise; we should never be outdone in our home field.

Class Guy,, always a great interview when I see him opening week... I root for the Raiders every week but the first!! I couldn't agree more....

yeah but I used to go sectional by sectional... my time is unfortunately consumed by too much "other Stuff" these days to really dive like I used. Moving up to 2A messed me up. I knew 1A like the back of my palm. LOL

No doubt the WIldcats will be heavy favorites from 2A south... we've (linton) not shown that we can hang with them. The passing attack always does us in.... and the MD defense is always stellar. I don't even wanna talk about the 2019 game.. .ever... again. LOL. well not really LOL... it was horrible. I knew that Mater Dei was a younger team, and that people were saying how 2021 was going to be a great year for them... that doesn't bode well for Sectional 40 foes. Linton will certainly be improved in some areas, and I know all year long it's a work in progress aimed certainly at who we likely will see down the road. North Knox and Tell City both had break out years for their programs...but I think both lose a lot of key players. We have a nice group of seniors... just HAVE to stay healthy. I am just glad the Raiders are still in 3A... I know they lose some key guys too.. but they'll reload.

LOL.. well I can at least laugh at myself! Can't help it fellers...we get talking football and I get all caught up. I haven't gotten in depth LOL really because I haven't talked to coaches yet this year, and there's always something not accounted for. Such as last year having 2 multi year starters not play their senior year. I've watched a couple scrimmages, but it's hard to really know who is who in some cases. I want to be more active this year on the Gridiron. I was lame last year. I gotta get my information in order!!

I haven't delved into my Miners yet... but only 5 seniors from last years 8-4 team that lost only to Mater Dei (9-5), Southridge (13-1) North Knox (6-3)and in OT to 4A Boonville (a game really was a dropped interception from a Miner win). Linton only lost 1 true skill player (WB Trey Goodman, who moved from QB in week 2). For me the biggest losses are of the twins on the OL... Landon and Damien Giles. As well at DE/TE Levi Grounds who alternated all year from TE to OL. His biggest contribution was at DE. We also lose an OLB in Brayman Lannan. I expect Jr QB Hunter Gennicks to be bigger faster and wiser in this 2nd year running the team. He ran for 906 from week 2 on, he didn't play offense in week 1 at all. and he threw for 17 TDs and 1189 yards with only 2 picks. Linton returns WN Kaulin Padget who had a 7.8 yard per carry average, 443 yards rushing, and 7 TDs combined. He missed a handful of games with injuries last year. He will have to be healthy. As will sr RB/ILB GAbe Eslinger. He played 10 1/2 of 12 games but dealt with knee and hand injuries. He led Linton with 100 tackles, just ahead of fellow ILB sr Drew Smith at 99. Linton returns their top 4 defensive tacklers with FS Jaydan Miller, LB Bracey Breneman and DT Donovan DeBruhl (who missed the final game with Mater Dei with injury in Tell City win). Smith was the main RB (FB) in the Miner offense which accounted for 2,769 rush yards 230.9 per game. they return Smith (a bruising style running within the tackles) for 448, Padgett at wing with 443 and a lot of speed, Gennicks' 916 from QB. to Replace Goodman's 542 at WB, there will be several options. Eslinger started year there, but is almost identical to Smith's style, and there will be more 2 back scenario's I believe with those two and a wing. After Eslinger's knee injury in week 2, he didn't see a lot of carries, but did have 118 yards. Eslinger is a dedicated weight room guy who is coming off a great baseball season as well. He in a winner of the coveted blue facemask award at Linton... something he has accomplished in all 4 years. Smith was 6'2 215 last year, Eslinger 6'0 195, but both will be stronger and more experience in this their senior years. Jr Hunter Johns got carries at WB, tho used all year at OLB. Jaydan Miller, and Bracey Breneman figure in that mix. Miners will return Jr Wrigeley Franklin (starter as Soph, 6'2 220 then), Aiden Giles (Also a soph starter, 6'2 230) Sr Dalton Carpenter (Who started as a freshman at center, 5'10 215) but will have to replace the departed older Giles brothers.. and yes Aiden is another brother. Several one way players on the defensive line will likely be the candidates... Donovan Debruhl (6'0 275 in 2020), Jackson Fields (6'0 205) both senior. This is probably the one area of concern that may see some shuffling as Linton looks to get depth on both lines. The main receiver was Eli Poe who caught 39 passes for 392 yards, but Linton will need others to contribute in order to keep defenses from stacking the line. Padgett proved to be a weapon from WB with some long TDs, but Goodman really stepped up with 281 yards, and made key catches. He made a terrific TD catch in the Wabash Valley Coaches Association All Start game a few weeks back. TE's made some plays and I look for Cameron Goodman, Trey's younger brother) to be one of those guys. Bottom Line- When Linton shows and has a passing game threat, they have been highly successful going farther in tournament. Defensively as they do Offensively, Linton returns 8 starters, including both ILBs and entire defensive back corps. Linton has always been strong against the run, but there were times they got overpowered.. which rarely happens in Miner Land. There were some bigger rushing numbers against Linton in 2020 that aren't historically the norm.... the worst being the 407 from North Knox. I expect more intensity from coaches this year on people making plays....but doing what they are supposed to do to allow others to make the plays. Mistakes turn into big long running plays if not TDs. Playing against wide open good passing attacks has always been an achilles heel...but overall, it was not bad. They should be improved and more experienced. They did have 21 interceptions on the year. Obviously Mater Dei threw at will in the sectional finale, which they did in 2019 as well. Somehow we have to be able to defend that to get to the next level in 2A. And that...I believe is why you aren't seeing the votes for Linton. We haven't beaten Southridge since we added them as the opening week and in one sectional meeting. 0-5, and really just 2 games were 'games' and perhaps the first half of the 2017 meeting. But Southridge has been a damn good football team to face off in week 1 LOL! We can't match Evansville Mater Dei either. THey have taken us out in each of the last 3 sectionals, and pretty much in dominating fashion. Sometimes we hang for a while, others we find ourselves down before we can break a sweat. Just like in 1A, where Linton had to break through the Perry Central factor in sectionals.... and finally get past the semi-state after so many close close battles... finally getting the respect state wide with back to back state games and the 2016 title.... we gotta do the same in our sectional in 2A. It's just another level of talent when you get to programs like Southridge and Mater Dei. Linton's numbers were waaaay down last year... which means any injury sends you scurrying to find replacement from a smaller pool. There are never excuses in Miner Land... but facts are facts. This year looks to have a senior class that most contributed if not started at sophomores, and some key juniors will be counted on... but as always, there's gotta be some younger kids step to the next level for Linton to have the depth and confidence. Confidence is huge. You have to believe you can. And Linton put themselves there. They've gone 5-4 since moving to 2A in sectionals. They just got have to prove they can get over that hump, and with this team they have the talent, they will be good if they can stay healthy... but Southridge and Mater Dei are both always loaded with talent, and you add other improving teams in Sectional 40 and it's always going to be tough!!!

Hey all! I realize I've been lame and absent for quite abit. Life summons I guess, but football season is upon us...so I plan to be active as I can! Anyway... I was made away of the passing of Tom Dawson. The name prolly doesn't shake any thoughts, but he was very active as well as a moderator at some point as "ItIsWhatItIs" and before that as "USNAVRET". You might have been aware that he had been fighting cancer for a long time. He wasn't able to go to games last year because of the Covid scare. I feel badly that I hadn't kept in touch with him. But this medium was our main place to meet and talk. Granted, he could be a little over the top in his posts, and certainly was a hardcore Linton Miner advocate... he was a great guy in person, and I know I will miss his it is what it is ness..... My thoughts are with his son... a former Linton player.. and of course his family. He also was a veteran who served his country well. Godspeed Tom. We'll carry the torch! Miner Pride

Coach I've always appreciated your conversations and thought sharing with me. I wish you the best and hope we still see you here n there!!

this is awesome stuff!!! '

Nobody could ever point out who it was....... it happened so quickly... bam.. then like the parting of the red sea......

I went as a spectator to watch a sectional game between Vincennes Lincoln at Jasper.... Can;t recall year.. low scoring, and Linton must not have been playing that night... anyway... it came down to a last drive by the Alices. I was walking the sidelines, transistor radio headphones listening to Walt Ferber... and thought I'd get to Jasper's endzone cause that's where it was gonna end up. I was the only one standing there...dang near right on the end line. As Lincoln got closer and the clock winding down, suddenly the whole VIncennes fan base came running from the stands into the endzone.. simply giving the Alices energy... but within a minute here came the Wildcat fans in full speed from their side. Course immediately they tangled with me standing in the midst of it all. No effort was made to separate anything, and it was ugly quick. I saw a Jasper kid take a running punch on a kid holding a Lincoln Banner... and just knocked him cold, and he went into spasms, and everyone split. Just as fast as it happened, the endzone was empty except for this kid.. .and nobody was doing anything! So I went over to try and physically contain him, and then police ran up. They put him in an ambulance etc... but the came continued through all of this. Came down to a 4th down and goal from maybe the 7, with Lincoln completing a pass on the final play to win. The kid who was hit was taken to hospital and had a concussion. Just one in the many stories I've heard since moving to Vincennes in 1993 about the insanity between Lincoln and Jasper. That post game fight I saw on TV with Miss. State and Tulsa was ridiculous.. and was the pregame shite... I would hope admin from both schools would identify those who took part.. especially the ones who went to extreme levels.. I mean...if I get hit.. I'm gonna strike back no question. If a teammate is getting pummeled or surrounded by 6 opponents, I'm gonna come to his side... but the kicking when someone is down... pulling helmets off where someone could really get hurt... as it seems did happen... well there isn't a place for that.. it's embarrasing. I've seen my share of pushes and shoves in my time in the booth at Linton of course... Linton and Sullivan go way back... the whole week leading into the game usually...especially in days of yore... usually had all sorts of episodes go down. The only real full out brawl I saw was before my broadcasting time... but in a game at Rockville in the 70's... 'twas a doozie..... I've always thought officiating would be very difficult when both teams get itchy for violence. I mean... I know you gotta get control of the game... but you can't see everything that goes on lol... usually that 2nd guy gets nailed with the flag! I broadcast a Linton game at a school... I don't want name them.... but a kid late in the loss starting taking obvious potshots at our players.. particularly the skill guys. Finally after 2 personal fouls and unsportsmanlike.. he was kicked out of game. BEing on the home side in the booth I watched as this kid walked the sidelines... then got another kid to take off his jersey and they switched.... they did they in the midst of players, and really all the coaches were focusing on the field of play... so I watch him run in to play... and I say in on the radio... sure enough he tried to make a major hit.. but missed... and I honestly thing the coaches realized what had happened.. and yanked the kid back out of the game. I always wondered if that is something that has happened in other games?

I just got thru this topic.... I feel like THN and THS have always been on a island... Northview has grown alot... but they used to be Brazil , Van Buren, and maybe Staunton? So in my days of high school at Linton... there wasn't any school near the size of the TH schools other than Indy or Evansville. Vincennes Lincoln was bigger back then it seems. I know when my Dad was head coach at Sullivan in early 70's THN and THS were on the schedule, as was Schulte.. they were always tough parochial school that closed down in 1977. Linton played them as well. Can't imagine ever seeing WEst Vigo in with the THN or THS combination... to me West Terre Haute is a whole other place... Someone also mentioned distance... the Vigo line dang near reaches Farmersburg in Northern Sullivan County. and you can drive a good distance past Riley (THN), and then there's way out in Prairie Creek and Pimento etc.... Does anyone remember when there was a Terre Haute State high school. I recall Linton playing them in Basketball. They closed as well... in 1978. My personal feeling is they should do nothing. Who knows is any industry or businesses will come to Terre Haute down the line. I know there's been all sorts of up and down on a casino that should bring jobs... also a lot of construction for things like prison, convention center, etc... but will they bring people into town? I am a small town guy.. and I like small town schools. I wouldn't have wanted to be in a school of 4,000-5,000. I know there are advantages to it... but I think there are disadvantages as well... kids fall through the cracks..er holes... get lost.

Well Coach.. not sure I know anything about being a DC... but I play a mean guitar.... think of the free entertainment? LOL

awesome sauce

yeah... but.... that played a major factor. a small 1A school playing up a class against a (i'm guessing here) much larger roster from Luers... can't lose a player like that on both sides of the ball because there just is not the depth factor...

and i wont even bring up jobs

Yeah well recruiting from the vast Greene County is still never gonna match up with recruiting metro areas such as Indy, Ft. Wayne, Evansville etc....

All In for Starfires!!

my question is... did the Pioneer OL who left the game when the Panthers were dominating..also a starter on D? What changed to see Luers suddenly put up so many points... and what changes the Luers make d-wise to suddenly stop that offense? Pioneer is really a 1A school..as we all know... it's tough to lose a 2-way starter.. not to mention already being short a big player on both sides of the ball. My Congrats to what they have accomplished!

my congrats to the Senators!!!!!!

Certainly throwing my support with Pioneer. Great win over Andrean... and now Luers waits?!?!