itiswhatitis

Mater Dei and Linton should meet in the second round.  It looks as though the game will be at Evansville.  Linton hosts North Posey in round one and Mater Dei goes on the road to Crawford County.  Linton will need to play a near perfect game to win on the road.  No mental errors, no turnovers, and very, very few penalties if they want to win.

Today, I am a Chiefs fan!  Beat those Texans!

Harrell predicts a 31 - 17 Miner win.

8 hours ago, lp3coda said:

Personally, I like the design of the Miner schedule.  Especially on the back end.  Gives Linton a chance to heal up, and not come into the sectionals exhausted and busted up playing a bruising schedule at the end of regular season. 

I can only hope they don't have a short term memory issue and forget how they played early on against teams that many consider much more formidable opponents. 

That's another thing about the current schedule, it's front loaded.  I get that it's difficult to move games around.  It would involve several teams and that is practically impossible to do.  I'd' rather see them have a couple of tough games and then a winnable game right after.   Of course I'd rather see them not have those winnable games at all.   I'd love to see them have 50/50 games every week.  It would not only make for an exciting season but would keep the team sharp right up to tournament time.  I'd rather see them play games when the JV only got to play in mop up duty in the fourth quarter and not playing an entire second half.  Injuries happen to all teams.  Don't forget:  "next man up!"  I like having Providence the last game.  They are a 2A team and so far have played the Miners tough in the 2 games they've played.  A good season ender.   Would like to see us renew a series with Northview and drop EG, North Daviess, or North Knox.  Would also like to see them pick up a team like Edgewood and maybe Owen Valley.  Or what about one of the Terre Haute or Bloomington schools?   I get that the Miners may only win one out of 10 games against those schools, but it's the competition.  I'd take a 3 loss team playing for a state title rather one that is 9 - 0 playing cupcakes and not getting out of their sectional or regional.  There is no glory in beating weak teams 60 - 0 week after week.  I get that Mater Dei is in a conference, but their tournament success is tied to that weekly competition.  You think another 2A team is going to be as good as a 5A Castle team or a 4A Central team?  With the Miners being independent, they can schedule whomever the please (as long as teams are willing).  I'd like to see it (the schedule) get tweaked  a bit more is what I'm saying.

1 hour ago, Miner_Pride said:

you do remember though just back in 2017 Eastern beat us pretty good... Plus they really had been a program on the rise, and also were 2A for a bit.  Obviously we are on two different levels this year.  I am one of perhaps the few who don't think we need to overload the regular season where every game we play bigger schools, and travel further and further. By no means do I want the schedule back in the Southwest 7 days either.  I know Boonville is a short time opponents, and it's harder and harder to find opponents already...Teams are locked into conference deals and I'd hate for us to have an open week.. but I'd hate for us to drive 3 hours for a good opponent.  I like where we are schedule wise... we have some great teams to play.. Monrovia is obviously going thru a bad time..but they normally are one of the toughest teams we play. I love having Southridge, Sullivan.. North V... I think we should always play NK and ND because I just like the history...  Providence?  Well it's been a good back n forth.. but that drive is a doozie!!     As for Mater Dei...  what can be said.  they beat freakin' Evansville Central.  They only lost 10-3 to Memorial, and 13-0 to Castle... they play who they play.   Southridge took them out the last 2 years... it can be done... but we are gonna have to eliminate the penalties, the snap/fumble issues, and get a heckuva lot better against the pass to even stand a chance.  

 

And your point is?  Linton is 18 - 1 against Eastern Greene so except for 2017, we are on different levels EVERY year.   And except for the one loss, most of the games have been blowouts for the Miners.  I too had hopes that EG was on the rise and would be better competition, but in reality they just aren't.  Unless EG can find a head coach who is a "pied pier" and can change the culture, they just aren't going to be good.   As far as Mater Dei is concerned, they make deep tourney runs because of who they play.  Their competition  during the season is above their class so tourney teams aren't as tough for them.  The Miners schedule is MUCH improved, but there is still room for improvement.  Mater Dei plays a schedule that is above 2A competition so when the tourney rolls around, most teams they face aren't as good as what they see every week during the season.  

Week 9 is upon us.  Hard to believe the tournament starts in one more week!  The Sagarin ratings (this morning) have the Miners at 7th in 2A and the Pioneers at 30th.  It would seem this game should go the Miners way, but Providence always seems to play the Miners tough.  I believe it is Senior night at Linton also.  How will those players react?  Will they play "sad" because it's their last game or will they want to go out in a blaze of glory for the Red and Blue?   I think the Miners win, but it won't be as easy as some people might think.  There are still too many mental errors bring committed by the Miners and this late in the season, that isn't a good thing.  I've lost count on how many long plays have been called back for blocks in the back.  Back to back neutral zone infractions?  C'mon Man!

9 hours ago, lp3coda said:

I think the game turned out about as most everyone expected.  I have to say I'm a little disappointed to see the Miners having too many mental mistakes and miscues this late in the season.  I know it was a cold rainy muddy mess, but some things you can't put on the weather. 

Agreed.  Too many mental errors for this late in the season.  The final score doesn't matter.  This is one game on Linton's schedule that should be dropped.  The schedule still needs more tweaking.  There is no challenge in games like these, and they do nothing to get you ready for the tournament.  I don't want to hear how it was great for the JV to play the second half.  They play their own games on Monday's.  For what it's worth:  Mater Dei 10  Evansville Central 7.  Central was the 6th ranked team in 4A.  Huge win for MD.  I see a score like that and think, "Linton put up 68...….on a 1A bottom feeder".  Seems rather hollow by comparison.

1 hour ago, southend said:

 Being named a coach doesn't mean you are a coach. This big snafu is going to effect the whole system at eastern, pee wee on up. The school needs to step up quickly and get someone in there before the program falls completely apart. The kids are falling off like flies, and will continue if the school doesn't act soon. Maybe that is what the school board wants? Shame.

Considering they are only a couple of years removed from a state title game, it goes beyond a shame.  I'm not exactly sure what you would call it, but I feel for the kids and the fans.

8 hours ago, Miner_Pride said:

well if it's gonna rain and affect a game.. this is a good one for it to happen on.  COurse, anything can happen on any Friday.  And poor field conditions can make bad things happen.  We've.. at least Linton, have had 7 great nights for football.  I don't want to have a bad weather game when it really matters!  

Speaking of Eastern... I was surprised to see the QB wasn't #12 Lewis but a #10.. who was a freshman last year.. if it's the same kid.  Lewis is playing..but looks like a WB or receiver. I haven't received any info from the Eastern coach or AD for a roster or depth or stats… so I'm running blind!  

 

I would agree about the weather.  If it's gong to rain and be sloppy, this is the game to have it.  It seems that Eastern doesn't have much of an offense.  They have been shutout in 4 of their 7 games and have only scored 42 points total in the other 3   So IF Eastern scores, I would think that will be a moral "victory" for them.  They give up an average of 41 points per game on defense.  So it isn't if the Miners will score, but how much will they score?  And I too must say, hopefully the weather isn't a factor towards injuries.  You can expect turnovers in bad weather/sloppy conditions.  Except for the Southridge game, the Miners have been able to overcome turnovers this season.
 

No preference on defense.  For offense:  always and forever, The Wing - T.,

I hear rain is in the forecast for the game tomorrow night..  I expect that will help keep the score down some.  Slippery footing, wet ball, etc.

3 hours ago, Muda69 said:

Just curious.  With the advent of open enrollment has there been an influx of transfers from the non-football playing schools in Greene county (Bloomfield,  Shakamak, WRV)  to the likes of Eastern Greene and Linton?

 

That's been going on for years.  Some kids from WRV transferred just so they could keep playing football.  Several groups of parents have tried to get football started at WRV, but they are like Bloomfield and just stick with basketball.  

1 hour ago, kingtut said:

That is true.  It was his successor, Travis Wray, that was not renewed after one year. 

My bad.  I was one coach off!  Forgot about Coach Wray.

9 minutes ago, Miner_Pride said:

Definite that Paridaen left EG after the state final run... and went to Evansville North. Great guy... but I think everyone knew he'd prolly head somewhere in the southern portion of the state if that opportunity came.   Travis Wray had been a key part in things with EG though as defensive coordinator.. and seemed to be a favorite with the kids.  That's where the insanity starts... he wasn't renewed...nobody I knew saw that coming.. and it started an uprising and community disarray.  Wasn't like EG was horrible under Wray... and it wasn't like everyone didn't forsee this lull for Eastern after those two senior classes departed.  

Coach Wary was 6 - 4.  Which compared to most years at EG was a successful year.

In no particular order:  Nick Zachery, Danny Anthrop, and Tyler Muerer. 

10 hours ago, Miner_Pride said:

I don't know Muda... Eastern Greene folks really took a liking to football.. their home games ..even in the years they were struggling to be competitive prior to their state run a couple years ago... were always hugely attended things.  Very big support from the communities that make up EG.  Even Bloomfield tried to get football going for the Cardinals but we all knew that would never happen.  

Joey Paridaen was head coach at Eastern Greene for 4 years (2014 - 2017).  HIs record was 5 - 5, 8 - 3, 10 - 3, and 14 - 1.  He had the program on the rise and not only Eastern Greene fans, but fans from other schools were excited about the Thunderbird program.  Then for some reason(s), the school board decided not to renew his contract for 2018 and he was let go.  Who ever heard of a coach getting let go off of a 14 - 1 record and a state runner up season?  There were all kinds of rumors floating around as to why he was released.  It's just my opinion, but it wasn't in the best interest of the school or the program to let him go.  So now they are pretty much back to square one (and 2 coaches in 2 years) until they can hire another coach who can turn the culture around again, if at all.  I really feel for the players and the fans. 

Good timing for the bye week.  Got several guys that need to get healed up.  Hopefully we get Leonard back out of the bye.  Love seeing the Colts playing Houston that next game.  Should have a big say in who will control the division.

18 hours ago, Miner_Pride said:

PH's passing would give us trouble.. but I can guarantee we'd be the best over all defense they will have faced.. and that MIner offense can move the ball with the best of them.   

 

As for the EG game.. All I hope is we get out of  the game without any injuries.  I suspect a lot of guys with any nagging bumps and bruises don't even suit up.  I'm sure the guys will want to play.. and they should play... but I suspect we could see 2nd teamers working with 1st teamers for experience before turning the youngsters loose in what will likely be the quickest 2nd half in years.  I also think you'll see some work on some of the passing game...maybe getting guys involved like Puckett at TE.  

I haven't really even looked at Eastern to be honest.. .I know it has been really weak.  Hard to believe just a couple years ago they were playing for state title...and as well were solid last year...  I wonder if there has been any other fall from state title game to this level this quick ever.  I feel for the kids because it's tough.. and you gotta give respect to them for coming out there week in and week putting in the effort.  I think anyone with football sense knew this was going to be one of those years for Eastern...but it was made worse with all the off field issues....they could have been better off keeping that coaching staff intact that knew the kids and kids knew them.  Starting from scratch is tough enough without turnover at the top. 

The Falcons just dropped 42 on that PH "defense".  "Nuff said.

Old school win.  In today's pass happy league, the Colts played smash mouth football and proved it can still win games.  The defense looked stellar.

1 hour ago, Miner_Pride said:

I wanted to offer up a congrats to the Warrior effort on Friday.  The difference in this game from how they've gone in the past is that NK had that passing game, and it worked for them.  Hitting Boyles out of the backfield in the flat worked several times, Noland from TE several times, and then Doades for the  39 yard leaping catch over our CB who was right there.  NK wasn't going to stay in this game running the ball.  Even had Richter been able to play past the 2nd, I don't think the run game was working consistently.   The other thing was that NK"s defense made key stops.  Seniors up on that line were physical and made big plays on 3rd and 4th downs.... we haven't seen this good of defense since Southridge in week 1.  Yeah, I do think the Miners didn't come out enthusiastic.. didn't play with the same intensity or whatever the word is I'm looking for... but some of that may be that NK came right down the field and scored.  Course we answered right back, but then NK scored again.  This was an undecided game until mid 4th.  A one score affair... and I just kept waiting to the Warriors to hit on the big play and score.  I think Linton shot itself in the foot on a couple occasions with a snap way over  Goodman's head...  and a botched handoff that went sailing for a big loss.   Penalties??  well what can I say.. I was told there were 27 flags the week before in the Lincoln-NK game.  I don't have the numbers in front of me.. but both teams were over 100 yards in penalties.  Miners got hit with a couple facemasks, a couple hits that were ruled out of bounds, ...  NK was hit with a leading with the helmet call that I just don't understand what the heck the defender is supposed to do... and of course the much talked about Pass Interference all mid 4th that would have prolly had the Miners punt and NK have a chance down 21-13. Instead the Miners move the ball pretty easily on outside sweeps finally putting the game away late.  I know the Warriors have a lot of seniors... in fact it seems almost all their line on both sides are big seniors kids... and the skill guys are good...   As for my Miners... I think 16-18 year olds can't help but see things like... Linton has beaten NK 14 straight times, 26 of 27 etc and it doesn't play in their psyche....then you find yourself in a battle on the road with an enthusiastic crowd and the home team playing with momentum.  I like that they responded and pulled this game out.  I still worry about the pass defense.  A lot of Warriors were wide open... and really there were a few times Hammelman  just missed on passes on some key plays.. plus a couple drops didn't help... but I can't help but feel in NK could develop that passing into an equal threat every week Hammelman could be a weapon.. .and he can run as well.  Linton has to improve on that for sure.... because NK isn't a passing team.   I doubt we see any test next week with Eastern... and I don't know what PRovidence does now that their big RB is graduated.. they beat us up pretty good last year... ...   Best of luck to the Warriors.. they should win out... and depending on the blind draw.. we could very well see them again.... 

The Miners should win out also.  Providence will be the only test of the 2 remaining games.  Providence currently has a 3 - 4 record with 2 of their 3 wins against lower tier 2A teams (Clarksville and Mitchell).  Their other win is against Bethlehem, Kentucky.   At the beginning of the season I predicted the Miners would be 7 - 2.   By all appearances, they will be 8 - 1.  I still say sectional 40 is between the Miners and Mater Dei.  One of those 2 will make it to at least semi-state if not the title game.

3 hours ago, Tanka Jahari said:

Who's hungry? Because I'm here to serve farm fresh fart sandwiches for one and all. Bon Appetit!

I know you all want to gloat because the Parke Heritage Wolfs lost the game Friday. That is your right to do with what you want. However, I don't look at life through rose colored glasses because I live in reality. I believe the Wolfs are still a better team than the Miners.

I think the Wolfs would win because their run and gun style of offense would be a nightmare for the Miners to try to defend.  

Okay "Mr. Reality"".  Here's some reality for you:  North Vermillion 42  PH 36.  Linton 38  North Vermillion 20.  You have no concept of reality.  Your posts are all based on what if's.  PH had the chance to schedule Linton and turned it down.  At least the Falcons aren't afraid to play against good competition.  And what is there to gloat about?  Your team lost, and guess what?  We could care less.  Believing in something or having an opinion isn't reality.  You want to talk football, that's fine.  But talking meaningless smack isn't talking football.  

18 minutes ago, RedwoodCowTippers said:

My revised picks as the season has unfolded are as the following

6A: Avon over Warsaw, 42-24

- I'm still in love with the local giant Lafayette Jeff, but I don't see them getting past a good Warsaw team. Avon is playing some of the best football in 6A right now, will be a tough out for anyone

5A: Valpo over New Pal, 35-31

- I flipped a coin between New Pal and Cathedral. New Pal won best 3 out of 5. Valpo seems to be the best team in 5A, and will beat any and all takers

4A: Marian over East Central, 24-14

- I honestly think Marian is the best team in 4A, will think that until a team beats them in the post season

3A: Chatard over Brownstown Central, 41-21

- I just want to see May make it to the Oil Can, and Brownstown seems to have the team to get it done

2A: Eastbrook over Linton Stockton, 21-20

- Linton might be a reach, but I like what they are doing. I want to see all the hard work Adamson has put into his career at Eastbrook come to fruition, and what better season to do it then when nobody is picking you?

1A: Lutheran over Southwood, 28-22

- 4 straight trips to semi-state should finally get this Lutheran team over the hump. Southwood seems to be a dark horse, and might be the North's best chance at beating South Adams for a spot in the Oil Can

Appreciate your faith in Linton.  Sectional 40 is always tough and the winner usually makes a deep run.  It's going to be another tough year even without Southridge (moved to 3A).   Mater Dei is still strong and I believe (at the moment) it is their sectional to lose.  I'm hoping for a good draw and see Linton and Mater Dei in opposite sides of the bracket.  Would be a great atmosphere to see those 2 in the sectional final whether it's at Linton or in Evansville.  Look for the sectional 40 winner to at least get to semi-state if not at the Oil Can again this year.

1 hour ago, kingtut said:

The Eastern program has always been very fragile.  This latest coaching change fiasco along with senior graduation losses has caused a real setback.

Yeah I wasn't going to bring up the coaching woes that Eastern has had.  It's a shame that crap like that still has to happen in the 21st century.  Adults having the need to live life with a junior high mentality.  The players and the fans have to suffer because of some parent's agenda.  Total BS.

1 hour ago, 1984 said:

Atomic Balm oohh the pranks we used to play with that stuff. Great memories!!

🔥🔥🔥

Yeah I can imagine @ pranks.  Probably some of the same things we pulled back in the 70's.  LOL  But it was great stuff when used properly.

What the hay happened to Fountain Central?  They haven't been this bad since 2001.  Not used to seeing this.

The predictor tool says the Miners by 59.5 points.   It looks like Harrell is being kind with a prediction of 45 - 7.  This one will probably be over right after the coin toss.  Leave the women and children at home.  It's gonna get ugly.  Too bad the Thunderbird program is going backwards after that state run they had just a couple of years ago.  It seemed like they were finally going in the right direction.