itiswhatitis

Wind chill is usually worse than air temperature. . I have watched a game here in Indiana when the wind chill was minus 17.   And that was here in  southern Indiana.  Of course we packed on the clothes to keep warm.  I believe it was the sectional championship at North Davies.  There was a 35 mile per hour wind that night.   It blew right down the field.  It was bitter cold!

14 hours ago, Miner_Pride said:

Oh I know that!  But you are correct.  it's hard to look at those 3 games and think otherwise.   Until we can defend that kind of passing attack...and have a dependable dangerous pass attack ourselves on a regular basis to keep teams from loading the box.... we are always going to run into trouble. 

Well until someone figures out how to beat MD, right now the other 7 teams are just playing for a sectional title every year and will never win it.  That is of course unless Southridge drops back into 2A.  The Wildcats are just on a different level than the rest of the teams in the sectional.  Their talent and numbers are just overwhelming for everyone else to try to match.

1 hour ago, Miner_Pride said:

Since the forced move up to 2A ...that's now permanent because so many more small schools have entered IHSAA... charter et al...  I don't think Linton's enrollment of 381 has done much changing... it was at it's peak in the early to mid 2000's... but it's been more on the decline that upswing.   I think we have terrific dedicated kids playing football.  We have had very good football teams since that state championship of 2016.  the 2017 team lost twice to 2A state champ Southridge, and both were good battles, and to 9-4 Ritter and to 1A state runner up Eastern Greene.  Linton has beaten many a 2A team so I know we can play in 2A ....  2019 won 9 games,with losses only to southridge and MD...    I think every school had kids walking halls, athletic kids you wish played football.. some who did in younger years and stopped for whatever reason. Some who focus on one sport year round.. which kills a small school.  I get it... some just don't like the sport... don't like the physical side... and some simply don't want to put in the effort it takes to be a good player.  In Linton... it all starts with the youth program.  But we've seen a decline in numbers, we've seen the junior high teams severely hampered by low numbers.  And the scary thought is that several of those kids did not play this year.  I'm hoping that it changes around next year.   But the kids we got on the team... they deserve kudos and smacks on the back... with what they have all gone thru with this covid stuff...  and we still had a very good Linton squad this year.

I never said Linton didn't have good teams.   But I DID more or less say they can't hang with MD.   Just look at the past 3 games.   That's all the proof you need.   I believe in reality, it's going to be a while before the Miners are competitive with MD.  The Wildcat program is just too strong right now.

15 minutes ago, JQWL said:

I have a hard time believing Coach Oliver isn't recruiting the halls of Linton-Stockton HS as it is. I can't imagine any coach on a successful or less than successful team isn't trying to get kids to play.

Well he could very well be, but the numbers are down somewhat.  And as Miner Pride posted, a lot of kids today are only interested in the internet and video games.   They don't want to put in the effort for sports.  I don't know what it is.  Frustrating.  Linton has had teams in the past number almost 60.  Out of a class of 100+ that's only 15 per class.  This year's senior class only had 5 so the other 37 members on the team were underclassmen.

18 hours ago, globemstr3 said:

What did it take like 90 years to win the first one? I don't think it will take that long today. Miners will get over this and get much better. You can bet that Coach Oliver knows where that better needs to be. Hey gotta remember Linton is a small school in a small town. MD is a small school in the City of Evansville. Things can change quickly there not so much Linton. I think it's very funny (Me included at times) we won our first Championship a mere 4 years ago. Now we demand it. LOL   Ollie and the gang always put out great kids. I think it started with Steve. But regardless. We need to support our Basketball teams as well. Theres a real chance that t\he girls repeat and the boys win as well! I hope the folk in Linton understand that. Its a GREAT DAY to be a MINER as Charlie say

The thing is, Miner fans have been spoiled for years.  You win 6 sectionals in a row and then a state title and fans come to expect the team to be good every year and bring home hardware.   I get that 2A is more difficult than 1A but look at Pioneer.   They have only been in 2A for 2 years and have won a sectional this year.  Linton has barely won ANY sectional games let alone a title.   That is what is so frustrating.   These past 3 games with Mater Dei makes them look like they don't belong.  That's the perception.   If they had been close games, it would be different.   Oh they will play good for a quarter or a half and then the wheels come off the wagon.  Frustrating for fans.  That sophomore quarterback for MD carved up Linton's defense.  Is there a need to start recruiting within the halls of Linton High School?   I know Coach Wellington used to do that when he was head coach.  It was said he'd walk the halls and talk with kids trying to get them out for football.

19 hours ago, Bobref said:

I guess we’ll never know. I just hope we get the chance to do it again on a big stage. We’ll either silence the doubters then, or we won’t. I’m good with that.

We will never know for just that one game.  However, Lawrence had them on a 36 game winning streak.   He sits out one game, they lose.   Without Lawrence, I expected ND to win.  I just didn't think it would be in double OT.  If they beat Clemson with Lawrence, then I'd say they are good and worthy of a spot in the playoffs.  I don't think Book will play well enough on the big stage for ND to win the ACC title.  Just a feeling.

On 11/8/2020 at 6:38 PM, Bobref said:

If they both win out, then the winner of the ACC championship game goes to the playoff, and that’s the end of it. So, this game won’t matter, then. The chief accomplishment here is that the Irish now know that they can go toe to toe with them. That will stand them in good stead. It also is the first really big game Kelly has won in quite a while. So, it gets that monkey off his back. No doubt a really big win for the Irish. But it merely puts them in position to cash in. They have to finish the season now.

I agree Bob.  The winner of the ACC championship goes to the playoff and the loser gets a nice bowl game.   I hate to disagree with some people but Lawrence will make all the difference in the ACC title game.   He is the leader of that team and has been for the past few years.  There's a difference between being a 5 start recruit and throwing  for zillion yards and being the guy the team rallies around.  Lawrence wouldn't have had to throw for 400 yards and Clemson would have won.

16 hours ago, MDAlum82 said:

Be "Humble in victory, gracious in defeat"...very nice statement in support of your team, Miner Pride.  Classy guy, classy fans, classy program - wishing you all the best next season - at least until we meet again if the stars so align.  

If you look up small town football, you will find Linton Miner Football there.   That is one of the things that endeared me to the Miner Program when I moved there i 1995.  And talking with and getting to know fans and their stories over the years, has just been one of life's true pleasures.   If you want to know ANYTHING about Miner football, just chat for a while with Kingtut.   He's been a Miner fan longer than Moby Dick has been a minnow.  He is a true Miner "treasure".    The support and the love this team gets from its fanbase is just off the charts.   It is town wide celebration when they win and somewhat town wide sadness when they lose.  And especially so during the tournament.   The Miners are what Friday Night lights are all about.

Boys and girls, IU has a defense.   You could see it last year, ,but this year it has arrived big time.   Holding vaunted Michigan to less than 20 yards rushing is off the charts.   Getting 2 picks killed Michigan from coming back in the game.   Since I've lived in Indiana (1995) and followed the Hoosiers, I can't remember a sweeter win.   In recent years IU has given Ohio State some tough games and that was mostly with offense alone.   Now with a killer defense, I won't be shocked if IU somehow upsets the Buckeyes.   IU was ranked 13th this week.   I believe they are a top ten team.   We'll see how the voters eye them.   Michigan State this week and Ohio State next week will be telling games.   Even if they lose to Ohio State, they are sure to get a good bowl this year and will stay in the polls.   It just sucks that they are playing like this and can't have a crowd at the games.   It looked like ND was sold out yesterday as evidenced by the mob on the field after their win. .  IU had crickets.  I am already seeing suggestions that Tom Allen is an early candidate for Big Ten Coach of the Year.   Rightly so.

It was a good game for one quarter.   Both defenses played well.  I believe it was 7 - 0 at the end of the first.   After that the Wildcats put it in another gear and just walked away.   The Miners have had many games throughout the years where they have had a running clock.  It was odd to see them on the other end of that.   I hope they remember what that felt like and will use it was motivation for next year.   I felt if they could protect the ball they'd have a chance this year.  Didn't work out that way.  Mater Dei  just had too much talent and too many numbers for Linton to compete with them.  Best of luck to the Wildcats in the regional.

Halftime

Mater Dei   24

Linton    0

Linton hasn't done anything on either side of the ball.

13 minutes ago, scarab527 said:

I can confirm that Hobart did indeed score 5 defensive touchdowns last week, no clue as to whether that’s a record or not. 

Wow!  Quite the impressive team stat.  So out of their 70 points, almost half was by the defense.  Incredible.

Okay here are the schools showing interest in Blake White:

The Ivy League (didn't say which schools) and Butler,  Then smaller schools Franklin, Wabash, and Monmouth (Illinois).  Not a lot of interest but I'm sure he'll find somewhere to play if he wants to.

One last thought about the game.   Our teams are getting the opportunity to compete.  Mater Dei and Linton are going to meet for the Sectional 40 championship.  There are other teams in this uncertain environment that have not and  are not getting to play.   I feel for them after all of the work and effort they put in to find out they aren't going to play.   It's one thing to be injured and not be able to finish your season.  I always feel for the seniors that happens to.  But this thing?   You basically have no control over what is going on.  They have my heartfelt sympathy and my gratitude for what they have given to the game.  I wish them well in their futures.

1 minute ago, oldtimeqb said:

I wish I could blame autocorrect.  I typed it correctly the first time, but it was later in my post. I deleted the sentence.  Then re-typed it incorrectly earlier in my paragraph.  Like Donnie Baker would say... Swear to god I did. 🙂

I was a fan of driving the 57/67 path from Evansville to Indy, mainly because I loathed driving US 41. 

I was just the opposite.  I took 41 down to Evansville from Linton.  LOL  I guess I liked the 4 lanes.     Different strokes for different folks, right?

8 minutes ago, SaintsDB04 said:

He also threw 7 against Sheridian for 15 in basically 4 and a half quarters of work in the first sectional game. Kid is a baller!

Yeah he's something else.  The article listed a few schools that are interested in him but I forgot to write them down.  There wasn't a lot but there were a few.  Mostly just smaller schools.

On 11/1/2020 at 12:07 PM, wvigo13 said:

I think the biggest takeaway so far is the IU defense. They've been up to the task every week. I remember years ago, when every team would just score at will on the Hoosiers. IU would have to score 40+ to win. Tom Allen has changed that since he's been on campus. This could be the best defense IU has had in a long time. They're creating turnovers and limiting big plays. The offense still has some improving to do. Especially that offensive line. No push on a lot of those run plays. Early in the game, Penix was under a lot of pressure. They got it going a little later. 

That's when "worthless" Wilson was the head coach.  Allen is the total opposite.   He's a defensive guy while Wilson was just trying to outscore you.

1 hour ago, WWFan said:

Yea. Ill be shocked if they don't win 1A. However if its them vs South Adams.....man what a game we may see!!

I'm still gonna stick with the Senators.  I like their chances.  They are right about where Linton was a few years ago when they went back to back state title games.

1 hour ago, oldtimeqb said:

Wow. I learned something new today.  After all these years in Indiana, I had no idea Green County had all those high schools.  I knew Bloomfield and Eastern were not that far apart, but didn't know there were 5 in the county.

Population wise, it is similar to Gibson, Knox, and Daviess.  (mid-30k)  All of those counties have 3 public high schools based on geography and population.  Although you could argue that Rivet and Wash Catholic show a 4th HS could be supported, a 5th just seems to be a lot. 

Here's something else to learn today:  it is Greene County not Green County.  There is an "E" on the end of it.   LOL  It was named after a general in the civil war, unless I'm mistaken about the war.

 

17 minutes ago, HanShotFirst said:

Impressive!  Piggybacking crazy stats, I was told local prep coverage suggested that Hobart scored five defensive touchdowns last week.  Can anyone confirm and is this some kind of a record?  Thanks!

Holy Smokes!

18 minutes ago, MDAlum82 said:

In past years, there would be a group of us who would meet at the State Championship games, usually in one of the end zones to shake hands and put faces with screen names.  That is where I first met "TA"...  still hard to believe he is no longer with us.  Much too soon.  Without Tim Adams, where would all go to discuss all these REALLY IMPORTANT things!

We had some Ritter fans come to our semi-state game with Scecina.  It was played at University of Indianapolis.   They came just to tail gate with us and root for the Miners.   A few years earlier we had met them at Linton for the semi-state game with Ritter.   Ritter has been and will always be my favorite fan base.   They are such great people.  So caring, so giving, and such football junkies!  My kinda peeps.  Most of them don't post on here any more.   It's a shame.  I miss them.

2 minutes ago, South Paw said:

I agree. It has been an enjoyable discussion. I love the passion and pride that you and others have for the Miner program. It's great for the game and for high school sports. I no longer believe all of the bad things my friends in Sullivan say about you guys (only joking of course). I'm glad these kids are getting an opportunity to have this experience with all of the craziness going on. Hopefully some sense of normalcy will return soon. Best of luck tonight and prayers for a good, clean game with no injuries!

I feel the same here, South Paw.   I grew up in Ohio and graduated in Ohio.   High school football is in everyone's blood there.   When I retired to Indiana (1995), I was thinking, "oh no, now I have to suffer with  basketball".  I was pleasantly surprised to find that Linton was a football town and just beginning to have some success.  So it was easy for me to support the team since I was already passionate about high school football.   My son played (2000 - 2002) which was the first 3 years that Coach Weber (now at Bedford North Lawrence) coached at Linton.  He is the all time winningest coach at Linton.  However Coach Oliver is having a ton of success with the record and will probably pass him in a few short years.   I've seen the highs and lows of Miner football and have loved every minute of it.  Have suffered through all of the disappointments at losing 8 semi-states to the high of a state championship.  I too wish for good health for our players and hope we have a nail biter of a game tonight.  Yes I am passionate about Miner football.  Every fall is my time of the year.  Every Friday night I am either at a game or have it on the radio or at a game and take my radio with me and hear it AT the game.  It would seem weird not to have Miner Pride's voice booming from my radio during a broadcast on a Friday night in the fall.

 I found his article on facebook this morning.  I don't recall seeing a thread on it on here.   If it has already been posted, forgive me for being redundant.

The last week of the regular season (week 9) saw a National record get tied.   Blake White, the QB at Indianapolis Lutheran threw 8 TD passes in the first half against Trader Point Christian in a 63 - 6 win.  That feat has only been done 4 other times in high school football history.  For the season White has 37 TD passes which is #1 in Indiana ad #4 nationally.   Just thought I'd share.

6 minutes ago, MDAlum82 said:

Back in the day - OLD MAN TELLING A STORY ALERT - before the Bowl had turf installed, kids used to go down on the field and play during halftime, after the band left.  I would take my boys down as well and would often end up throwing passes to alI kids who used to line up.  Once the turf was installed, Reitz maintenance crew would chase us off field because somehow our tennis shoes were going to damage the field.  Go figure.  I think he was just a grouchy dude who hated to see all the kids - including the really old one, having so much fun!

 

Love those kind of stories.  For me it's another part of the game.  Just like the smell of burning leaves, hot chocolate, fried foods, turned up turf/dirt, etc.   All part of the game that I appreciate.

My only regret about this game is not getting to meet some of the MD fans in person that have been chatting on here this week.  Have made some great friends over the years at Scecina, Ritter, Sheridan, Monrovia, and a few other schools.