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Linton Miners (3-0) vs Sullivan Golden Arrows (2-1)


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Sullivan Comes to the Roy to Face Unbeaten Miners

If you are from this area in Southwestern Indiana, and a sports fan, you need no prodding to know of this rivalry between the Arrows and the Miners.  Separated by 15 miles of Highway 54, these two have met 107 times wih Linton leading the series 54-51-2.. The Miners have been dominant on late winning 10 of the last 12 meetings, and 21 of the last 27.  Last year the Arrows struck first and led 7-0, but Linton put up the next 27 points to win 34 to 21.  2020’s Overtime  win for the Miners was then-sophomore Hunter Gennicks first start as a Miner, and he scored the winning points on a QB run to win 22 to 16,  Sullivan, in Coach Blaine Powell’s final year, finished 7-3 falling in the sectional championship to Owen Valley.  The Miners would roll undefeated before losing 28-27 to Evansville Mater Dei in sectional championship.

2022 brings changes with Head Coach Mike Caton moving up to lead the Arrows.  But more so, a change in Sectional assignments put Sullivan and Linton in 2A Sectional 37.  Sullivan also moved down in class from 3A to 2A, and the Miners moved from a sectional dominated by Mater Dei the last four years. Other teams in Sectional 37 include Cascade, Greencastle, North Knox, North Putnam, South Vermillion and Southmont.  The Arrows started the year with wins at North Knox 31-12 and at Sportland Field over South Vermillion 24-14.  The big matchup with unbeaten Northview which many though was for the WIC title, went 28-7 for the Knights in Brazil last week.  Linton meanwhile has put up 172 points in wins over Parke Heritage (56-6), North Vermillion (64-15) and 52-27 over previous unbeaten Monrovia.  Those 172 points (57.3ppg) are those most scored in the 1st three games going back at least pre 1994, and I’m guessing not surpassed.  Being in the same class, and same sectional adds another dimension to this rivalry.

Linton is unquestionably led by Sr QB Hunter Gennicks (#14, 6’0 195).  He has had back to back 160+ rushing games for a total 415 on 23 touches with 7 TDs.  Sr Hunter Johns (#12, 5’8 180) has tallied 7 scores and has 270 yards rushing on 22 carries, also with two 100+ yard games.  These two, dubbed “The Firm” of Hunter & Hunter are responsible for 685 yards of the teams 1,044 and 14 of Linton’s 20 rush TDs.  But they are far from the only weapons on a Miner offense averaging 458.7 total offense, 348.0 of that coming on the ground game.  Soph Jesse Voigtschild (#8, 5’7 150) is undersized but finds the opening and is quick, adding 94 yards on 11 touches with 3 of those TD runs.  Jr Braden Walters (#16 6’5 190) has 79 yards on 8 carries and a score in 2 games played, Jr Ashton White (#33 6’0 195) at FB, and Soph Eli Scott (#21, 5’9 150) at WB (started week one) could also see action.  Gennicks has been on target hitting on 24 of 40 for 332 yards 4 TDs and no picks passing the ball.  The Passing game accounts for just over 110 yards per game and features a load of basketball players with 6’4 205 Sr Logan Webb #23, & 6’3 205 Fr Paul Oliver #13.  Webb has 9 receptions for 93 yards and a TD, Oliver 3 for 22 and a score.  Linton’s WB’s figure highly in the scheme of passing, and Walter’s @ 6’5 has been a big play guy with 9 catches for 130 yards and a TD.  Voigtschild has 2 for 80 yards and a long TD score. The starting line, otherwise known as the “Trench Dawgs”, have been a dominating group.   Left side manned by Tackle Soph Hank Gennicks (#69, 6’2 250) and Guard Sr Wrigley Franklin (#51 6’3 225); Right side Tackle Jr Jacob Breedlove) #77 6’7 300) and Guard Sr Aiden Giles (#56, 6’3 200).  The Center is Sr Nathan Watson (#74, 6’0 255).  This group faced a huge Monrovia defensive front and paved paths for 353 rushing yards last week.  They’ve been very physical with Gennicks and Franklin each 10 pancake blocks, Giles and Breedlove with 6 each, Watson adding 5. 

The Golden Arrows return 3 starters from this matchup in 2021 but loaded with seniors at 7.  They will lineup NT Gunner Bowman (#66, Sr, 5’9 265) with Senior Ends Skyler Boone (#58 5’10 210) and Cody Adams (#3 5’10 190).   Bowman and Adams both starters last year.  At Middle Linebacker stands Sr Lane Deckard (#28, 5; 8 190) with Outside Backers Sr Joshua Wence (#5 5’11 175) and Jr Camden Singer (#72, 6’3 225).  Wence is 2nd on tackles with 24 and 4 TFL. Singer with 14.  Sullivan run 5 DBs with 3 safeties- returning starter Sr Luke Adams (#1, 5’11 170), Soph DJ Gaines (#32, 5’10 165) and Jr Seth Portlet (#8, 5’10 155).  Gaines leads the Arrows with 28 tackles.  The corners are Junior Isaak Osborne (#4, 5’9 160) and Senior Eli Gettinger (#47, 6’3 175).   Sullivan has given up 352.3 yards per game and North Knox and Northview had success running with 304 and 381 on the ground, while holding S.Vermillion to just 34.  However the Wildcats put up 25 passes gaining 255 in the air. 

On offense for Sullivan it’s Senior Rowdy Adams (#2, 5’10 175) who runs and passes well.  He is 20 of 35 for 260 yards, 2 TDs and 1 pick, hitting 57% of his tosses thus far in 2022.  He threw for 136 and 2 scores again Linton in 2021. He along with FB Deckard have accounted for most of Sullivan’s run game.  The Arrows average 261.0 of offense,  123.7 on the ground of which Deckard has 149 on 39 carries, Adams, 136 on 26. Both have 2 rushing scores. Sr Joshua Wence (#5 5’11 175) has 6 carries for 40 yards and a TD).  Northview’s defense knocked that average down holding Sullivan to just 87 rush yards, where they had 161 and 123 to start the year. Adams missed much of week 2’s win over s.Vermillion but Jr Jonathan WIley (#15 5’10 175) came in to pass 12 of 22 for 118 yards and a TD plus run for 37 and another TD.  Gone are William Newby, 6’5 Jackson Hills, Carter McKey and Randy Kelley from 2021, with a new set of receivers led by Sr #1 Luke Adams with 15 catches for 127 yards and a score.  Newcomer James Propes (#16 6’3 185) has 108 yards and a score on his 5 receptions, #34 Gaines with 8 for 80, and Sr Evan Royer (#9 5’9 190) with 4 for 32.  Sullivan averages 137.3 per game in the air.  3 starter return from ’21 on the offensive with LG Sr Mason Drake (#56 5’10 200), RT Jr Sebastian Ortiz (#65 6’1 275) and RG Sr Lucas Copenhaver (#61 6’1 270).  Copenhaver moved from Center where Sr Gunner Bowman (#66 5’9 265) is in ’22.  LT Jr Camden Singer (#72 6’3 225) rounds out the OL. 

Linton’s defense may have had concern with the losses from graduation, but through 3 games they have allowed just 253.33 per game, and much of that coming against the JV in running clock second halves.  Monrovia was a powerful rushing team put up 219 on the ground, but also scored on some big wide open pass plays.  Linton held their 1st two opponents to less than 100 rushing.  A revamped Linebacker unit of ILB’s Sr Braydn Cox (#5, 5’10 185) and Sr Aiden Giles (#56 6’3 200) split time with Jr Ashton White (#33 6’0 195) and Fr Russell Goodman (#6’2 180) along with OLB’s Sr Wrigley Franklin (#51 6’3 225) and Fr Paul Oliver (#13 6’3 205). This group has performed well with White the leading tacklers with 24, Franklin 18.5 with 4 for loss and a couple sacks.  Cox with 18 and Oliver adding 4 TFL and a sack.  Franklin and Oliver each a 6; 3” have several pass blocks at the LOS as well.   Up front Linton uses quickness and hard nose playing from Jr Christian Shonk (#4, 5; 10 180) at NT and he had 4 TFL and a QB sack to his credit. On either side is Jr Ty Boyd (#9 6’1 210) and Soph Hank Gennicks (#69 6’2 250) at DT’s.  Boyd has 1.5 TFL. We have also seen Sr Nathan Watson at NT as sell as Jr Blane Kirkman (#79 5’10 25) and Fr Linkyn Yarber (#65 5; 11 215) at DT.  Eli Scott (Soph #21 5’9 150) shows up at OLB as well.

The Defensive Backfield will be tested with Sullivan spread offense which is very close to North Vermillion’s style but with some better athletes and experience.  Linton changed defenses against Monrovia’s rush heavy offense, but should be back in their familiar, and I suspect, more comfortable 3-4-4.  This features Corners Sr Logan Webb (#23 6’4 205) and Soph Jesse Voigtschild (#8 5’7 150).  Veterans Gennicks and Johns are at Safety both with speed to catch about anyone.  Gennicks and Voigtschild, along with Boyd have picks for Linton, Gennicks’ went 67 yards for a score.  Voigtschild had one last week overturned by an inadvertent whistle nobody heard.  Linton has put Soph Hayden Feltner (#15 6’1 165) at CB and could possible use Jr Braden Walters (#16 6’5 190). Gennicks has 16 stops in run support, Feltner with 13 in limited action.  All in all a solid group that will only improve as the season prevails.  Out of the 253.3 per game allowed, 121.67 comes against rush, 113.67 in the air.  Sullivan has shown a good balance of run (123) and pass (137).  I suspect the Arrows will try to establish a ground attack to lure the DBs into run support then catch the Miners with blown coverages for big plays if not scores.   North Vermillion in a similar set could not run the ball and their talented QB Jerome White had to air it out 23 times hitting on 10 but all under 10 yard passes, one of which was a WR screen behind the LOS that went 37 for a score.   Sullivan has, in the past, always utilized big tall physical tight end types who run in slots causing a difficult matchup for Miner defenders.  Think 6’5 215 Jackson Hills and 6’0 235 Jackson Shake from year past.  This year with two 6’3 OLBs, and a 6’4 corner, and possible another at 6’5 things may be more even.  Other than Propes at 6’3” the Arrows are under 6’0” in WR. 

One are that is glaring in its favor to Sullivan has to be special teams, and more specific- in PAT and Place Kicking.  Sullivan has Sr Giuseppe Leone who is 8 of 8 in PAT kicks, and 2 of 4 on Field goals with a long of 43.  This means from around the Miner 25 Sullivan can put points on the board with his leg, and you can be about 100% sure a touchdown will be 7 points and not 6.  Plus, he has kicked off 17 times with a 55+ yard average.  He is also the punter.  In a close game, a good place kicker can be the difference in a one point loss.  Consequently, Linton has not looked good on a PAT kick this season.  4 misses, and another 2 had bad snaps that didn’t give the kicker a chance.  In fairness the bad snaps did not give Jose’ Sevilla-Garcia a chance to show his ability, and he was 9-13 last year splitting with 2 other kickers.  Linton should be well-versed in 2-point plays, and actually have been 11 of 19 (3 of 5 running, 6-11 passing, with 1 attempt a sack, the other two bad snaps winding up unsuccessful.  Kicking has been ugly at 0-6 counting the bad snaps.  I can only hope we stay ahead of the score and not have to chase points or Sevilla-Garcia and the Miner kick team have put in extra work this week!   Linton has only punted 2 times this year, but Paul Oliver has handled those well, including a nice high 35 yard kick last week.  Braden Walters took over Kick offs in week 2 and usually hits a high enough kick for good coverage averaging 35+ per kick. Russell Goodman averages 37+ in week 1.  I would say both teams have explosive return men capable of breaking a big play at any time.  Luke Adams has a 40 yard kick return and Isaak Osborne has a 21 yarder.  Hunter Johns has a 40 yard punt return for Linton as well with Jesse Voigtschild a threat as well.  I should mention Linton always gets pressure on the punter, with Oliver having 2 blocks and nearly 2 others, Franklin with a tip as well. 

It’s a well-documented rivalry with as many tales of off the field antics as much as on the field plays. The result of this game a year’s worth of bragging rights of which Linton has earned the bulk of in recent years.  For Sullivan, the passing away of would be senior Jeremiah Vernelson is a source of great energy in Arrow-Land, and certainly something that transcends the sport or any rivalry.  Linton’s baseball team showing respect by hanging a jersey in their dugout with Vernelson’s jersey number an example.  Another factor has to be the rankings this week in both AP and Indiana Coaches with the Miners moving to #1 for the 1st in their 2A years.  Nothing more could motivate the Arrows than to go to Roy Williams Field in Linton and knock the hated Miners from their perch atop the state rankings and from a quest for an undefeated season.  But as I type this, I know Linton’s Coaching Staff with Head Coach Brian Oliver, Coordinators Jake and Mark Gennicks, from the assistants down to the youth coaches there will be a constant theme.  You don’t lose to Sullivan. These are the games you talk about years later over a sandwich at McDonalds, a beer at the VFW or Sportsman’s Pub, at family reunions where brothers, Uncles, Fathers and Son… even Grandfathers relish tales of games gone by.  You can never go back to play it again.  Give it your all the first time around, and usually for Seniors it’s your last crack at the Arrows, and vice versa.  But this year being in the same sectional means a possible rematch. For this year’s seniors at Linton, it’s a chance to go 4-0 against Sullivan. 

Games like these are big time those young men suiting up in Red and Blue and running down that sideline carrying the battle flags, then up the tunnel as they are introduced.  These are times they need to see, feel and hear the Miner Faithful in person in the flesh at the Roy.  Last week’s opening home game with Monrovia was a pleasant site to see a large turnout with end zones and stands full.  But it can be more.  The weather is supposed to be perfect for Friday Night Football.  The Miners need your support, and you can bet Sullivan will bring their throng of support.  Let’s make this happen!   7:00 kickoff; Miners and Arrows, where else would you want to be?

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9 hours ago, Miner_Pride said:

Sullivan Comes to the Roy to Face Unbeaten Miners

If you are from this area in Southwestern Indiana, and a sports fan, you need no prodding to know of this rivalry between the Arrows and the Miners.  Separated by 15 miles of Highway 54, these two have met over 100 times with Sullivan slightly ahead in win over-all.  However, the Miners have been dominant on late winning 10 of the last 12 meetings, and 21 of the last 27.  Last year the Arrows struck first and led 7-0, but Linton put up the next 27 points to win 34 to 21.  2020’s Overtime  win for the Miners was then-sophomore Hunter Gennicks first start as a Miner, and he scored the winning points on a QB run to win 22 to 16,  Sullivan, in Coach Blaine Powell’s final year, finished 7-3 falling in the sectional championship to Owen Valley.  The Miners would roll undefeated before losing 28-27 to Evansville Mater Dei in sectional championship.

2022 brings changes with Head Coach Mike Caton moving up to lead the Arrows.  But more so, a change in Sectional assignments put Sullivan and Linton in 2A Sectional 37.  Sullivan also moved down in class from 3A to 2A, and the Miners moved from a sectional dominated by Mater Dei the last four years. Other teams in Sectional 37 include Cascade, Greencastle, North Knox, North Putnam, South Vermillion and Southmont.  The Arrows started the year with wins at North Knox 31-12 and at Sportland Field over South Vermillion 24-14.  The big matchup with unbeaten Northview which many though was for the WIC title, went 28-7 for the Knights in Brazil last week.  Linton meanwhile has put up 172 points in wins over Parke Heritage (56-6), North Vermillion (64-15) and 52-27 over previous unbeaten Monrovia.  Those 172 points (57.3ppg) are those most scored in the 1st three games going back at least pre 1994, and I’m guessing not surpassed.  Being in the same class, and same sectional adds another dimension to this rivalry.

Linton is unquestionably led by Sr QB Hunter Gennicks (#14, 6’0 195).  He has had back to back 160+ rushing games for a total 415 on 23 touches with 7 TDs.  Sr Hunter Johns (#12, 5’8 180) has tallied 7 scores and has 270 yards rushing on 22 carries, also with two 100+ yard games.  These two, dubbed “The Firm” of Hunter & Hunter are responsible for 685 yards of the teams 1,044 and 14 of Linton’s 20 rush TDs.  But they are far from the only weapons on a Miner offense averaging 458.7 total offense, 348.0 of that coming on the ground game.  Soph Jesse Voigtschild (#8, 5’7 150) is undersized but finds the opening and is quick, adding 94 yards on 11 touches with 3 of those TD runs.  Jr Braden Walters (#16 6’5 190) has 79 yards on 8 carries and a score in 2 games played, Jr Ashton White (#33 6’0 195) at FB, and Soph Eli Scott (#21, 5’9 150) at WB (started week one) could also see action.  Gennicks has been on target hitting on 24 of 40 for 332 yards 4 TDs and no picks passing the ball.  The Passing game accounts for just over 110 yards per game and features a load of basketball players with 6’4 205 Sr Logan Webb #23, & 6’3 205 Fr Paul Oliver #13.  Webb has 9 receptions for 93 yards and a TD, Oliver 3 for 22 and a score.  Linton’s WB’s figure highly in the scheme of passing, and Walter’s @ 6’5 has been a big play guy with 9 catches for 130 yards and a TD.  Voigtschild has 2 for 80 yards and a long TD score. The starting line, otherwise known as the “Trench Dawgs”, have been a dominating group.   Left side manned by Tackle Soph Hank Gennicks (#69, 6’2 250) and Guard Sr Wrigley Franklin (#51 6’3 225); Right side Tackle Jr Jacob Breedlove) #77 6’7 300) and Guard Sr Aiden Giles (#56, 6’3 200).  The Center is Sr Nathan Watson (#74, 6’0 255).  This group faced a huge Monrovia defensive front and paved paths for 353 rushing yards last week.  They’ve been very physical with Gennicks and Franklin each 10 pancake blocks, Giles and Breedlove with 6 each, Watson adding 5. 

The Golden Arrows return 3 starters from this matchup in 2021 but loaded with seniors at 7.  They will lineup NT Gunner Bowman (#66, Sr, 5’9 265) with Senior Ends Skyler Boone (#58 5’10 210) and Cody Adams (#3 5’10 190).   Bowman and Adams both starters last year.  At Middle Linebacker stands Sr Lane Deckard (#28, 5; 8 190) with Outside Backers Sr Joshua Wence (#5 5’11 175) and Jr Camden Singer (#72, 6’3 225).  Wence is 2nd on tackles with 24 and 4 TFL. Singer with 14.  Sullivan run 5 DBs with 3 safeties- returning starter Sr Luke Adams (#1, 5’11 170), Soph DJ Gaines (#32, 5’10 165) and Jr Seth Portlet (#8, 5’10 155).  Gaines leads the Arrows with 28 tackles.  The corners are Junior Isaak Osborne (#4, 5’9 160) and Senior Eli Gettinger (#47, 6’3 175).   Sullivan has given up 352.3 yards per game and North Knox and Northview had success running with 304 and 381 on the ground, while holding S.Vermillion to just 34.  However the Wildcats put up 25 passes gaining 255 in the air. 

On offense for Sullivan it’s Senior Rowdy Adams (#2, 5’10 175) who runs and passes well.  He is 20 of 35 for 260 yards, 2 TDs and 1 pick, hitting 57% of his tosses thus far in 2022.  He threw for 136 and 2 scores again Linton in 2021. He along with FB Deckard have accounted for most of Sullivan’s run game.  The Arrows average 261.0 of offense,  123.7 on the ground of which Deckard has 149 on 39 carries, Adams, 136 on 26. Both have 2 rushing scores. Sr Joshua Wence (#5 5’11 175) has 6 carries for 40 yards and a TD).  Northview’s defense knocked that average down holding Sullivan to just 87 rush yards, where they had 161 and 123 to start the year. Adams missed much of week 2’s win over s.Vermillion but Jr Jonathan WIley (#15 5’10 175) came in to pass 12 of 22 for 118 yards and a TD plus run for 37 and another TD.  Gone are William Newby, 6’5 Jackson Hills, Carter McKey and Randy Kelley from 2021, with a new set of receivers led by Sr #1 Luke Adams with 15 catches for 127 yards and a score.  Newcomer James Propes (#16 6’3 185) has 108 yards and a score on his 5 receptions, #34 Gaines with 8 for 80, and Sr Evan Royer (#9 5’9 190) with 4 for 32.  Sullivan averages 137.3 per game in the air.  3 starter return from ’21 on the offensive with LG Sr Mason Drake (#56 5’10 200), RT Jr Sebastian Ortiz (#65 6’1 275) and RG Sr Lucas Copenhaver (#61 6’1 270).  Copenhaver moved from Center where Sr Gunner Bowman (#66 5’9 265) is in ’22.  LT Jr Camden Singer (#72 6’3 225) rounds out the OL. 

Linton’s defense may have had concern with the losses from graduation, but through 3 games they have allowed just 253.33 per game, and much of that coming against the scrubs in running clock second halves.  Monrovia was a powerful rushing team put up 219 on the ground, but also scored on some big wide open pass plays.  Linton held their 1st two opponents to less than 100 rushing.  A revamped Linebacker unit of ILB’s Sr Braydn Cox (#5, 5’10 185) and Sr Aiden Giles (#56 6’3 200) split time with Jr Ashton White (#33 6’0 195) and Fr Russell Goodman (#6’2 180) along with OLB’s Sr Wrigley Franklin (#51 6’3 225) and Fr Paul Oliver (#13 6’3 205). This group has performed well with White the leading tacklers with 24, Franklin 18.5 with 4 for loss and a couple sacks.  Cox with 18 and Oliver adding 4 TFL and a sack.  Franklin and Oliver each a 6; 3” have several pass blocks at the LOS as well.   Up front Linton uses quickness and hard nose playing from Jr Christian Shonk (#4, 5; 10 180) at NT and he had 4 TFL and a QB sack to his credit. On either side is Jr Ty Boyd (#9 6’1 210) and Soph Hank Gennicks (#69 6’2 250) at DT’s.  Boyd has 1.5 TFL. We have also seen Sr Nathan Watson at NT as sell as Jr Blane Kirkman (#79 5’10 25) and Fr Linkyn Yarber (#65 5; 11 215) at DT.  Eli Scott (Soph #21 5’9 150) shows up at OLB as well.

The Defensive Backfield will be tested with Sullivan spread offense which is very close to North Vermillion’s style but with some better athletes and experience.  Linton changed defenses against Monrovia’s rush heavy offense, but should be back in their familiar, and I suspect, more comfortable 3-4-3.  This features Corners Sr Logan Webb (#23 6’4 205) and Soph Jesse Voigtschild (#8 5’7 150).  Veterans Gennicks and Johns are at Safety both with speed to catch about anyone.  Gennicks and Voigtschild, along with Boyd have picks for Linton, Gennicks’ went 67 yards for a score.  Voigtschild had one last week overturned by an inadvertent whistle nobody heard.  Linton has put Soph Hayden Feltner (#15 6’1 165) at CB and could possible use Jr Braden Walters (#16 6’5 190). Gennicks has 16 stops in run support, Feltner with 13 in limited action.  All in all a solid group that will only improve as the season prevails.  Out of the 253.3 per game allowed, 121.67 comes against rush, 113.67 in the air.  Sullivan has shown a good balance of run (123) and pass (137).  I suspect the Arrows will try to establish a ground attack to lure the DBs into run support then catch the Miners with blown coverages for big plays if not scores.   North Vermillion in a similar set could not run the ball and their talented QB Jerome White had to air it out 23 times hitting on 10 but all under 10 yard passes, one of which was a WR screen behind the LOS that went 37 for a score.   Sullivan has, in the past, always utilized big tall physical tight end types who run in slots causing a difficult matchup for Miner defenders.  Think 6’5 215 Jackson Hills and 6’0 235 Jackson Shake from year past.  This year with two 6’3 OLBs, and a 6’4 corner, and possible another at 6’5 things may be more even.  Other than Propes at 6’3” the Arrows are under 6’0” in WR. 

One are that is glaring in its favor to Sullivan has to be special teams, and more specific- in PAT and Place Kicking.  Sullivan has Sr Giuseppe Leone who is 8 of 8 in PAT kicks, and 2 of 4 on Field goals with a long of 43.  This means from around the Miner 25 Sullivan can put points on the board with his leg, and you can be about 100% sure a touchdown will be 7 points and not 6.  Plus, he has kicked off 17 times with a 55+ yard average.  He is also the punter.  In a close game, a good place kicker can be the difference in a one point loss.  Consequently, Linton has not looked good on a PAT kick this season.  4 misses, and another 2 had bad snaps that didn’t give the kicker a chance.  In fairness the bad snaps did not give Jose’ Sevilla-Garcia a chance to show his ability, and he was 9-13 last year splitting with 2 other kickers.  Linton should be well-versed in 2-point plays, and actually have been 11 of 19 (3 of 5 running, 6-11 passing, with 1 attempt a sack, the other two bad snaps winding up unsuccessful.  Kicking has been ugly at 0-6 counting the bad snaps.  I can only hope we stay ahead of the score and not have to chase points or Sevilla-Garcia and the Miner kick team have put in extra work this week!   Linton has only punted 2 times this year, but Paul Oliver has handled those well, including a nice high 3 yard kick last week.  Braden Walters took over Kick offs in week 2 and usually hits a high enough kick for good coverage averaging 35+ per kick. Russell Goodman averages 37+ in week 1.  I would say both teams have explosive return men capable of breaking a big play at any time.  Luke Adams has a 40 yard kick return and Isaak Osborne has a 21 yarder.  Hunter Johns has a 40 yard punt return for Linton as well with Jesse Voigtschild a threat as well.  I should mention Linton always gets pressure on the punter, with Oliver having 2 blocks and nearly 2 others, Franklin with a tip as well. 

It’s a well-documented rivalry with as many tales of off the field antics as much as on the field plays. The result of this game a year’s worth of bragging rights of which Linton has earned the bulk of in recent years.  For Sullivan, the passing away of would be senior Jeremiah Vernelson is a source of great energy in Arrow-Land, and certainly something that transcends the sport or any rivalry.  Linton’s baseball team showing respect by hanging a jersey in their dugout with Vernelson’s jersey number an example.  Another factor has to be the rankings this week in both AP and Indiana Coaches with the Miners moving to #1 for the 1st in their 2A years.  Nothing more could motivate the Arrows than to go to Roy Williams Field in Linton and knock the hated Miners from their perch atop the state rankings and from a quest for an undefeated season.  But as I type this, I know Linton’s Coaching Staff with Head Coach Brian Oliver, Coordinators Jake and Mark Gennicks, from the assistants down to the youth coaches there will be a constant theme.  You don’t lose to Sullivan. These are the games you talk about years later over a sandwich at McDonalds, a beer at the VFW or Sportsman’s Pub, at family reunions where brothers, Uncles, Fathers and Son… even Grandfathers relish tales of games gone by.  You can never go back to play it again.  Give it your all the first time around, and usually for Seniors it’s your last crack at the Arrows, and vice versa.  But this year being in the same sectional means a possible rematch. For this year’s seniors at Linton, it’s a chance to go 4-0 against Sullivan. 

Games like these are big time those young men suiting up in Red and Blue and running down that sideline carrying the battle flags, then up the tunnel as they are introduced.  These are times they need to see, feel and hear the Miner Faithful in person in the flesh at the Roy.  Last week’s opening home game with Monrovia was a pleasant site to see a large turnout with end zones and stands full.  But it can be more.  The weather is supposed to be perfect for Friday Night Football.  The Miners need your support, and you can bet Sullivan will bring their throng of support.  Let’s make this happen!   7:00 kickoff; Miners and Arrows, where else would you want to be?

Always enjoy reading your write-ups. You bring a lot to the digest, and I don't want to be "that-guy" that picks apart one line in an otherwise great write up...

BUT - you are better than that. Come on man

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23 minutes ago, jets said:

Always enjoy reading your write-ups. You bring a lot to the digest, and I don't want to be "that-guy" that picks apart one line in an otherwise great write up...

BUT - you are better than that. Come on man

Yeah, what jets said, we wouldn't want to hurt the Scrubs delicate sense of self....

 

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This has been a really good game in the past few years. I love reading your write-ups as well. 

 

As for tonight, I think Linton runs away with this one. Sullivan has a great trio of brothers back, who are extremely talented. But Linton is far and away the better team this year. Hope I am wrong! Linton wins this one big. Maybe by 35

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2 hours ago, jets said:

Always enjoy reading your write-ups. You bring a lot to the digest, and I don't want to be "that-guy" that picks apart one line in an otherwise great write up...

BUT - you are better than that. Come on man

LOL.. well..I was writing it late last night.. and I when I re-read that line in particular I actually thought... ugh... that is disrespectful... cause those kids relish getting to

play on Friday Night under the lights... and... they looked pretty good in the 2 games they played the whole 2nd half.   So Yeah.. I agree.... in fact... I'm gonna go change it now because those kids are gonna be starters in a year or two!

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1 hour ago, EaglesFan1964 said:

This has been a really good game in the past few years. I love reading your write-ups as well. 

 

As for tonight, I think Linton runs away with this one. Sullivan has a great trio of brothers back, who are extremely talented. But Linton is far and away the better team this year. Hope I am wrong! Linton wins this one big. Maybe by 35

Biggest thing for me is seeing how our pass defense does.  I think we can handle the run, and I know the QB Adams can run out of the pocket so we have to be mindful of that as well.  

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By the way.. .you can listen to the broadcast on the air with myself and Kevin Rader at WQTY 93.3 Sunrise FM... and /or  hear the live audio stream at wqtyradio.com  or network1sports.com  

Getting set to head up to Linton in an hour or so..   thought I'd throw some thoughts...

The Linton Sullivan game is always a little more special for me...  Why?   well besides the obvious facts of being a natural enemy to Linton, being 15 miles to the west... like cats n dogs.. stones vs beatles... Coke vs Pepsi...  Britney vs Christina...  Topps vs. Donruss...  GIbson vs Fender...  beef vs vegans...  you get the vibe...  My family moved north from henderson ky where I spent my first 7 years of life....where my dad was 1st assistant to Bull Dawson at Henderson City High... home of the Flashes.  YEs.. pre Hendo County consolidation.  It was there, but it was the enemy much like Sullivan is to Linton.  I went to practices, stood on the sideline during games, and have great memories of the whole scene including my pretend games of catching game winning throws to beat Owensboro Senior or dreaded Hopkinsville.   Any way... Dad was supposed to succeed Bull...but Bull kept putting off retirement, and Dad got tired of waiting... so one day boom... we were moving from the bluegrass state to the hoosier state and in particular...Sullivan.  i want to say 1971 but I was just in 3rd grade.  Dad started the youth league in Sullivan but had an uphill battle with the Arrows.  They were 1-9 then back to back 3-7 seasons.  His work ethic, and theory of you work hard in practice you see playing time... and a big one--the best talent plays.  Well that didn't sit well with some folks in power and he was forced out... and  I rode with dad as he went to places like Paris Ill and Brownstown Central where he had offers...but Linton wanted an Athletic Director and Assistant Principal... and that's where we ended up.  I was in 6th grade.. an ex-Dart..ex future Arrow in Linton.  Ugh.  But as youngsters do, I weathered the storm and have been a die-hard Miner since. But I always was very fired up to play Sullivan in ANY sport... Football, Baseball Basketball, Croque, Beer Pong,  Cow Tipping...   had to win.  Had to avenge my Dad's situation.  Now...I always have had friends for Sullivan, still do have a lot of friends and folks I remember from living there.  But seeing that purple and old gold always made me put on blinders...and game on.  We never really beat the in my basketball years...but i never lost to the Arrows in my football years from Jr High onward.  granted..I had a broken leg my freshman year and didn't play... and we lost.  That's not on me LOL. 

So yeah, it is always special.  And I almost always get chills when a cool wind blows up on me as I walk the field in pre-game... and even more so when I walk across the field post game when the lights are all out and it's just me and the memories of  my old man... who taught me all about the glory of football... from knee football as a little boy in the living, to pool football trying to dunk each other as the  tackle chasing everyone away in holiday inns across the nation...to backyard punt games dad invented, and just working on pass routes when I was in high school... to endless amounts of football card games and NFL Strategy...  to roadtrips to watch high school games once Linton was eliminated... and IU games...and his alma mater Aces of Evansville where he was a punter and tight end for 4 years....  yep it's easy to feel his spirit on nights light tonight and I will treasure that feeling once again!

Now.. let's get to it. 

* A Side Note- Just after we got settled Linton, Dad got a call from Coach Hollowell.. .a legend at Henderson County.  He was announcing his retirement but had one more season in him... and wanted Dad to come back down and be his replacement after a year being his top assistant...  it was something Dad would have loved to have done... but he didn't want to cause us kids.. my sister and I... to have to move again so quickly....and stayed at Linton where he was eventually AD and Junior High Principal for many years...  a good move I think.  

 

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Miner Defense Shines in 40-29 Win Over Sullivan
 
A perfect night weather wise as the 2-1 Arrows came to the Roy in what would be a shootout in meeting 108 for the ages. Thusfar in 2022 the offense has received much rave, and deservedly so. This night the defense made plays to put the Miners up early, and in the end put the game away. But not forgetting a huge goal line stand seconds before halfway that took away a huge momentum swing, as well as another red zone stop that kept the Arrows off the scoreboard. It was the 2nd game in a row that saw a huge difference in time of possession (30:38 to 17:22), leading to the facts that Linton scored a couple defense touchdowns, and the Miner Offense had big plays of their own.
 
This was, however, the first Miner game that Linton did not score on the first possession of the game. In fact Paul Oliver would kick only his 3rd punt of the whole year to day, and a good one at 44 yards. Sullivan came out running, a bit of a surprise, and found success early with Lane Deckard taking the 1st 2 carries up the middle for 12 yards. His 3rd attempt was met by Aiden Giles for no gain. From their own 42, the Arrows went to the air for the first time, but not with normal starter Rowdy Adams, but back-up Jonathan Willey. Willey’s pass intended for Evan Royer at the Arrow 47 was played perfect by Paul Oliver who stepped in and returned the interception to the Sullivan 22. On 2nd and 9 Hunter Gennicks connected with Braden Walters for a 15 yard gain to the Arrow 6. 2 plays later Gennicks pushed in from the 1, and at 7:55 Linton broke the ice. A problem thus far in 2022 for Linton had been PAT kicks, being 0-4 with a case of bad snaps. But Jose Sevilla-Garcia got the boot across for a 7-0 lead.
Sullvan would get a 1st down, but were shut down when Walters, in his first defensive action of 2022, broke up a pass from Willey to Kaden Arnett near midfield, and Gunner bowman booted a punt 33 yards to the Miner 18. It took the big play offense of Linton 2 plays to explode, and that was Gennecks coming to his left, through a big whole and out-running the Arrows on their sideline for an 82 yard score. Sevilla-Garcia’s kick hit the crossbar but up and over for the 14th point at the 4:25 mark of the opening quarter.
 
Things then went from bad to horrible as on 3rdand 11 Willey’s pass for James Propes was perfectly played for another Oliver pick at the Arrow 35, and he went the distance for another score just 1:02 after the previous score. This time the PAT was botched with Gennicks scrambled back and forth before connecting with Russell Goodman for an apparent 2 point play, but a late penalty wiped that out. Gennicks pass for Logan Webb was incomplete a play later, but Linton had jumped on top of the Arrows 20-0 with 3:23 still in the 1st.
 
At this point Rowdy Adams was back at QB, and immediately led the Arrows 656 yards in 6 plays going 3 for 3 passing including a pass to Propes for Sullivan’s first score at 0:20. He had hit his brother Luke Adams the play before featuring a leaping catch at the Miner 23. Arrow kicker Giuseppe Leone had been perfect in PAT’s coming in, but Wrigley Franklin crashed in and blocked this PAT leaving the score 20-6. Leone was very affective in kickoffs putting the ball inside the Linton 5 with each kick. Linton’s offense proved they could put together long drives themselves, as they reeled off 9 plays and 73 yards to answer the Arrows score. It was Oliver again with a catch from Gennicks that he broke free and collected 28 yards on a 3rd and 9 to the Arrow 43. Gennicks hit Walters and the 11 and he fought his way in the endzone at 9:03 of the second quarter, and with Sevilla-Garcia’s PAT Linton led 27-6 seemingly in control of the contest.
 
However, Sullivan would not go away. Rowdy Adams showed why he was a force at QB not just passing but in scrambling out of the pocket with back to back gains of 18 yards. A penalty against the Miners, of which their were 10 for 60 yards and a problem all night, put the arrows at the Linton 38. Linton gave Sullivan 2 first downs on offside penalties on the drive. An Adams pass to DJ Gaines for 27 yards put Sullivan to the 16, and Adams pushed it to the 1 on 3 plays. Then, on 4th and 1, Adams pushed just enough forward to get the official’s nod, but once more Leone’s PAT was botched by a back snap. With 4:19 before the half, Linton still led 27-12 but the Arrows had driven 71 yards on 10 plays using 4:44. And that momentum shift would explode purple and gold as on the ensuing kickoff Hunter Johns was stripped of the ball by the third Adams twin Cody and Seth Pirtle recovered at the Miner 14. With a chance to pull within a TD before the half, and then get possession to start the 2nd half, Arrow fans had reason to celebrate.
 
Sullivan stuck to the ground and Deckard and Adams on runs that got a first down at the 2. Deckard tried twice but was stopped by Giles, Bradyn Cox and Gennicks with ball still as the 2. Adams tried up the guy on 3rddown but the Miner front line of Hank Gennicks, Ty Boyd and Christian Shonk dug in allowing Linebacker Giles, Cox, Oliver and Franklin to crash in, and set up a huge play on 4th and 1 at the 1 with under a minute left in the half. After a time-out and both fanbases rose to their feet as Adams took the snap and stepped to his right and tried to leap to the endzone. It appeared he slipped a bit, but also that his jump was halted as Arrow front linemen were stood up by the Miner D, and Adams fell short of the goal line, a key play in this game. Linton did get a 26 yard run by Johns just a the half sounded, but Linton had stood strong on a big stand to stay up 27-13.
 
The Arrows would come out determined in the 2ndhalf on the ground with a 15 yard burst from Deckard and runs from both Adams and Propes. On 4th and 2 Linton handed the Arrows another first down on an offside call to the Miner 38. It was the Adams to Adams show as Luke leaped up to make a diving catch at the Linton 8. Paul Oliver made another huge play as he chased Adams for the Linton sideline then sacked him for an 8 yard loss. Johns and Giles popped Royer on a reception at the 10, then Webb defended a pass intended for Gaines at the 5. Once more the Arrows faced a 4th and goal, this time from 10. What appears to have been a low snap ended up in Deckard’s hand and he was met by LB Aiden Giles for a loss of 3, and another failed red zone attempt for the Arrows. A 12 play 62 yard drive that used more and half the 3rd quarter (6:57).
 
Linton took to the ground with back to back 15 yard runs from Jesse Voigtschild and Hunter Gennicks, but a holding penalty led to a 3rd and 14 at the miner 39. Gennicks launched a pass down the middle of the field but into the hands of Royer at the Arrow 33, and he returned in to the Linton 49 and new life for Coach Caton’s crew. This time it took 1 play as Rowdy found Luke well behind Miner defense at the 27 in stride for a TD strike at 3:43 of the 3rd. Another offside call put the Arrows close enough to try a 2 point that pulled the score to 27-20 on Adams run. High drama indeed at the Roy. Linton got an offside gift from Sullivan on a 3rd and 3 then Johns converted another 3rd and 1 to the Arrow 44. Gennicks took a shot from Cody Adams for a sack and loss of a yard leading to a 4th and 11 at the S 30 just into the 4th quarter. Gennicks kept and got close but the ball was pulled away by Camden Singer and again it was Pirtle who landed on it at the Sullivan 24 at 10:42 on the clock.
More runs from Deckard moved the chains to the 37, but a big holding call set the Arrows back to their 25. A pass to Gaines nearly put Sullivan at mid field but fell off his leaping hands with Webb nearby. 3rd and 1 produced another big play in the game as Luke Adams looked to have a catch at the Sullivan 40 but a whopping hit from Braden Walters separated the ball to the ooh’s and ahh’s of both sidelines. At 8:58 the Arrows opted for a Bowman punt that took a Linton bounce setting up the Miners at the Sullivan 47. This time the big play returned as on the 2nd play of the possession Hunter Johns motored through the left side and up the field breaking a couple tackles on his way 48 yards for a huge score at 8:40 in the game. Sevilla-Garcia was perfect on the PAT putting Linton up 34-20.
 
From their own 31, Sullivan wasn’t ready to throw in the towel, and led again by several Adams scrambles under pressure from Ashton White and Paul Oliver as well as Wrigley Franklin. He completed passed to Propes (14 yards) and one to a wide open Arnett at the Miner 24 that reached Linton’s 17 and another Red Zone appearance. But it would be heartbreak for Arrow fans as a pass for Gaines at the Miner 10 bounced off his hands upward, as he himself was falling to his knees. The ball seemingly magically appeared in Walters hands and he was off to the races down the Miner Sideline before many even realized it was happening. 90 yards later he crossed into the fabled south end zone to the outstretched hands of Miner fans young and old. The PAT was blocked by Luke Adams, but the game was in wraps as Linton led 40-20 with 4:46 left. The Arrows would punt the ball away on their last possession, and Linton kept on the ground with a nice 22 yard Voigtschild run to the Sullivan 21. Johns and Eli Scott closed the night as Linton let the clock wind down to zeroes at the Arrow 13.
 
It was an impressive performance for the #1 ranked 2A Miners. They withstood an equally impressive Sullivan offense that strained the Miner pass defense, but yet the night really belong to that Miner Defense. 3 Interceptions, 2 of those for touchdowns, and 3 red zone stops, none as more impressive that the goal line stand at the end of the first half. That defense was on the field 30:38 of the 48 minutes. With Sullivan often spreading the field with 4 receivers and a QB that could roll out and run or simply take it up the middle on a draw…this makes defending very taxing and very difficult at times. As much as I talk about open receivers, it is easy to understand how that can happen with that type of offensive set. Thus, it is equally impressive that with 25 passes thrown that only 14 were completed, and only 5 were more than 20 yard completions. The Miner offense responded when they absolutely had to. They had the big running plays by Gennicks and Johns for lightning fast touchdowns, but also 9 play 73 yard, and 11 play 48 yard marches that answered Sullivan scores, and calmed the storm when Sullivan pulled to within 27-20. Without any doubt the place kicking of Jose Sevilla-Garcia was up-lifting. He was 4-4 in actual kicks, but had one blocked and with the exception of 1 snap, the other were spot on from Ty Boyd.
 
Linton ran just 44 plays to Sullivan’s 62 but still led in total yards at 381 to 346. First Downs went Sullivan’s way 20-16. Linton put up 312 rushing on 32 carries, and Gennicks his on 7 of 12 passing for 69 yards with his first pick of the year. Hunter now has 5 TD passes on the year. Once more both Gennicks and Johns eclipsed 100+ yards for the 3rd time in 4 games. Gennicks had 130 on 12 carries and 2 scores giving him 545 yards and 9 TDs in 2022. Johns has 116 yards on 12 carries as well with a score putting him at 386 and 8 TDs this year. Logan Webb had 3 catches for 11 yards, Walters 2 for 27 and a score, 1 each from Oliver (28 yards) and Voigtschild (3 yards). Webb leads linton with 12-104 and 1 TD with Walters at 11-157 and 2 TDs. Sullivan started the game grounding out the ball, and finished with 121 on 37 carries, just a 3.27 average per rush. Rowdy Adams was most successful on his scrambling and draws up the middle finished with 70 yards on 19 attempts with a score, while Lane Deckard had 44 yards on 15 touches. 51 of those yards from Adams were from scrambles. James Propes had 3 carries for 7 yards. Once Adams was behind center the passing attack became a huge threat and he was 13 of 20 for 219 yards, 2 scores and the 1 interception that really wasn’t his fault that led to a Miner TD. Jonathan Willey was 1 of 5 for 6 yards and to his credit had a dropped pass, as well as a pass thrown away to avoid a certain sack. But clearly, his 2 early interceptions led directly to one Miner TD, and certainly set the stage for another in what became an early 14-0 lead. Luke Adams was a constant threat with 4 catches for 122 yards and a TD. Propes 4-40 and a TD, Gaines 2-29, Arnett 1-18 and Royer 3 for 16.
 
Defensive leader for Linton had seniors Aiden Giles and Bradyn Cox with 10 each, Giles with 1 TFL. Freshman Russel Goodman added 6 from LB, Wrigley Franklin 6 with 2 QB hurries. Hunters Gennicks and Johns each with 6, Hunter with a TFL. Paul Oliver had a big night with 5 tackles, 2 for loss, a sack and 2 picks one of which went for a TD. Ty Boyd and Christian Shonk with 4 each, along with Ashton White who also had a TFL. Hank Gennicks added 4 stop with a TFL. Walters had 1 tackle, but his pass breakup on Adams in the 4th, and this 90 yard Interception return to TD were perhaps the biggest plays of the night. Sullivan had a big night from Luke Adams (9 tkls) and Sebastian Ortiz (😎. Camdon Singer added 7, Isaak Osbourn 6 and Cody Adams eith 5 but also a sack with 1.5 TFL. Seth Pirtle had 4 tackles and also had two fumble recoveries.
 
Penalties were an issue on both sides of the field. Linton with 10 for 60, not necessarily in big yardage but indeed in offsides alone that accounted for 3 1st downs for Sullivan. Sullivan hurt themselves as well with 8 for 68 yards. Linton was a solid 6 of 8 on 3rd downs while Sullivan was 6 of 14. A big stat was 2 of 4 on 1stdowns, both failures coming in the red zone.
 
Looking back on this game, Linton’s 4th win in a row in this series, it was closer than the score would indicate. The deep passing threat was a danger all night once Adams was at QB. You can’t ignore those 2 early TDs being the result of the back up QB being on the field. But the Miner offside was able to produce yards and make plays to get Linton in the endzone. Should these teams meet again, which is a definite possibility come draw night, I feel it will be quite a matchup providing both teams stay healthy. What does each team take from this game? Certainly for Linton it will give study time to learn more about dealing with a spread offense with talented skill players. For Sullivan I’m sure the feeling that they competed toe to toe and perhaps a few feel they let one get away. It will set up quite a re-match. Course 4-0 Southmont and 3-1 South Vermillion may have a say it that.
 
Linton has another big matchup with 3-1 4A Boonville on the road Friday it what is always a tough physical contest with the Pioneers. They beat North Knox 13-7 in Overtime in Bicknell last week, and also knocked off 3-1 3A Heritage Hills in week 3. They only lost to unbeaten Southridge 13-0 and opened with a convincing 36-8 drubbing of 2A 2-2 Paoli. This will not be a time for a let down after big games with Sullivan and Monrovia. Sullivan heads back home to Sportland Field to face 2-2 Greencastle, then a tough meeting with unbeaten 4A Owen Valley on tap.
 
Finally- A huge thanks and huge props to the Linton Miner Fan Base. The atmosphere was electric from start to finish in the stands, along the endzones and even down the sides. Sullivan brought their usual loud and proud Arrow faithful which made this cause me memories of big sectional, regional and even semi-state matchups of lore. You can absolutely believe that the Miner player and coaches could feel that support, and when they needed it, they certainly got that energy. I know that feeling of hearing the endzone crowd yelling and pushing you to the next level… and I know the feeling of running into that end zone and seeing the fist pumping from the old times, alumnus, youth league kids, friends, family…. It’s something you don’t forget. We need that type of support every time!!!
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Miner_Pride, you might want to double check your notes on this one      "At this point Rowdy Adams was back at QB, and immediately led the Arrows 656 yards in 6 plays going 3 for 3 passing including a pass to Propes for Sullivan’s first score at 0:20."  

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