Linton Miner Football

Linton Miner Football Everyone should already know about the miners!!

08/06/2025

2024 Week 8 Eastern Green at Linton

Initial EG drive produces 2 yards and a punt. Linton from own 18 ends up 3rd and 4, and McBride busted through for what could have been huge gain, but ball is poked out by Zach Herndon and pounced on just inside the sideline by Landon Norris at the Miner 39. First play QB Payton Lewis stepped up and fired a deep pass caught by a diving Kasen Cullison at the Miner 5-yard line. The catch of 34 made it first and goal Thunderbirds. However, the Miner D was extremely strong against the run. The 285 6’2 Lewis tried 3 runs up the middle resulted in a compiled -1 yards. On 4th down from the 10 Caden McCormick hit a 27 Yard Field Goal to put the score 3-0 Eastern at 7:44 in the 1st.

Miners would answer quick. Jesse Voigtschild with a classic compass run (North South East and West) went for 18. 2 plays later Cooper Smith on a pitch got key blocks from Russell Goodman, Tanner Scarborough, and Tyler Franklin to spring the distance 45 yards to score. The PAT pass was broken up, but Linton had answered within 36 seconds. 6-3 Miners at 7:08. EG unable to move ball, tried a quick WR screen on 3rd and 8 but Smith dropped Ayden Deckard for 3 yards loss. Another 3 and out for T-Birds. Miners go 60 yards in 6 plays to put more points on board. Key Plays were a 3rd and 4 conversion on a keeper from McBride for 11. A beautiful pass from McBride to Goodman caught at the 23, and Russell churned another 17 to the EG 6. From there it was Voigtschild, scoring from 2 out. Goodman ran in the 2-point conversion, and Linton now up 14-3 with 2:54 on clock.

Hank Gennicks and Aiden Sparks combined on an 8-yard Sack of Lewis on the opening play of drive 4 for Eastern. Facing 3rd and 18, Lewis his Cullison across the middle for a 15-yard pick-up. Facing 4th and 4 from their own 43, EG goes for it, and should have had a touchdown for it. Broken coverage left Noah Comer with no Miner within 15 yards of him, and streaking down the left hashmark calling for the ball. Despite heavy pressure from both T-Bone Howard and Corey Andrews, Lewis got off the pass 34 yards in air to Coomer who certainly was thinking before catching at the Miner 36. The ball hit his chest and bounced off the to the chagrin of Thunderbird fans young and old. Linton took over with runs from McBride and passes to Hayden Feltner, as well as a 10-yard reverse run from Feltner. Those two accounted for all 45 yards in the drive that ended with McBride going in from 2 yards out. He then hit Feltner for the 2 points, and Linton was up 22-3 just into the 2nd quarter (11:41).

The Birds got only their 2nd 1st down the game on an 11-yard scramble from Lewis on a 3rd and 9. Then went deep on a pass to Coomer that was again a possible TD but overthrown at the Miner 23. 3rd and 12 saw another Lewis pass headed for Coomer, but a near sack by Paul Oliver, and a big shot from Hank Gennicks affected his aim. Miners take over at own 36 after McCormick punt. First play from Linton was a beauty; Oliver in pocket fires a perfect strike to Collin Webster at around the EG 35 and he goes the distance for his first TD of the year on senior night! Oh no, a flag for holding erases that moment, and it was a legit hold. That sets the Miners back and on 4th and 9, Voigtschild nearly makes the marker but is 2 yards short. After 3 TD possessions, EG makes a stop with 6:51 left in 2nd quarter. Eastern with a quick 3 and out not helped by a snap overhead that lost 11 yards. Miners make quick work themselves as on first down Paul Oliver keeps to his left, he cuts against grain with a wall of miner blockers, he skirts 58 yards for the score. At 4:24 before half it’s 28-3 Linton.

More bad news for EG fans Braylon McBride snags an over the shoulder interception on the 2nd play of the series. Lewis again with heavy pressure from Goodman and Sparks. After a 9-yard Smith run it’s a virtual replay of the pass from Oliver to Webster, and a repeat of the TD score without the holding flag. This one goes 46 yards total with Colin catching it at the 15 and ran into endzone untouched. Nelson’s PAT attempt again failed, Linton up 34-3 with 2:49 in half. Eastern Fans prolyl wanted that 2:49 to disappear as the flurry on turnovers continued. Lewis nearly threw a pick to Feltner on 1st down, then Bryson Jones took the hand-off and an immediate from Howard knocking the ball to the ground where Goodman fell on it at the Eastern 34. Oliver started the Miner possession with a pass Feltner tipped to himself and gained 14 yards. Voigtschild rumbled another 9, and Tyson Walker added a couple more. Oliver bee-lined a pass the back of the endzone where Jesse was free running right to left for the 9-yard score. The PAT snap was high, and McBride scrambled all over the field til lofted a jump ball that Goodman brought down. Still 1:39 in held, Linton now up 42-3.

Eastern’s woes continued with a first down pass that Oliver had dialed in. Intended as a short pass across middle to Collinson, Oliver stayed home reached out with left hand for the 1 hand pick. The Miners again, at the Eastern 29 with time, and went for the jugular. The pass to the endzone was just short to reach Feltner, but Smith took it 23 yards to the 5 yards line just stopped by Cullison. Next play was a senior moment as Walker, the back up RB, took it in from the 5. To make it even better, Nelson drilled the PAT through the uprights for what was the first kicked PAT of the season. Linton up 49-3 under a minute in half. EG ran 2 run plays, and the halftime clock finally read 0:00.

Halftime stats as expected. Total Yards Linton 382 Eastern 26. Miners with 267 on the ground, Smith 4-67 (TD), Oliver 3-70 (TD) Voigtschild 7-48 (TD) McBride 5-46 (TD) and 4 others in the mix with a Walker TD as well. Linton 7-11 combined passing for 109. Paul 3-4 for 69 (2 TD) Braylon 4-7 40 yards. Feltner had 4 catches for 17 yards, but Webster had a 46-yard RD, and Voigtschild a 9 yarder- both their only catches. Goodman had 1 for 37. Nothing much to write about with EG… Rushing total was 19 carries (-20) yards. Lewis was stymied with (-2) on 11 rushes, but that included 3 sacks losing 19 yards. The T-Brides missed a couple golden opportunities in the passing game that could have been points, but I doubt any effect on the team winning the game. Lewis was 3-11, with a couple big time drops, for 46 yards. Kasen Cullison had 2 of those catches for 49 yards.

Defense for Linton led by Corey Andrews with 9 stopes 1.5 for loss and half a sack. Aiden Sparks with 7 tackles, 3.5 for loss and 1.5 QB Sack. Russell Goodman with 6 tackles 1 for loss. T-Bone Howard 5 with 2.5 TFL, Smith with 4, and 2.5 for loss, Hank Gennicks in the mix with 4 stops and 2 TFL. Miners had interceptions from McBride and Oliver, and fumble recovery from Goodman caused by Howard. Ayden Deckard led EG with 7 tackles, Jace Brown 6, Brody Teague and Luke McNeil with 4 each. Only 1 TFL for EG split by Teague and Landon Norris. Linton with a total 12.5 TFL loss and 3 sacks in the opening half. Another huge number was pancake blocks. Linton with an astonishing 17 in the first 2 quarters led by Tyler Franklin’s 4 and Tanner Scarborough with 3.

Miners took 2nd half kickoff and It was time for the yearly senior night ritual of letting senior lineman run the ball. T-Bone Howard had the first 2 carries, including a 15-yard run, and a total 23. Hank Gennicks didn’t have the benefit of Hank Gennicks blocking for him, and his 2 carries netted (-3). Linton then tried the hook and ladder with Hank and it got him 6 positive yards. With Hunter James at QB and WB’ Dalton Reed and Trenten Cranes, as well as Walker and Taheem Pabey at RB alternating on carries, it would be the freshman Crynes who went in for his 1st Miner Score from 5 out. The PAT was blocked by Norris. 55-3 Linton.


Both teams emptied the bench, and perhaps some served some notice on their talent. For Eastern Greene, Soph Brayden Heerdink came on strong at QB. He completed a throw on the move to Jones for 8, then on 4th and 1 broke to the right and around the JV contain and outran everything down the TBird sideline for a 56-yard TD. The PAT failed but it gave EG fans a smile. The Miner JV started the 4th quarter and some stellar runs from Oliver Stephens and Ren Cottingham made Miner fans sit up and notice. Cottingham with 2 runs totaling 33 yards, and Stephens 2 for 20 including the 15-yard score. Pabey also in that mix with a 10-yard run, with Drake Nether lain at QB. Another missed PAT, but Linton up 55-9 and the clock winding down. EG with another QB Ayden Deckard in, and Preston Snyder saves a long TD run on an arm tackle. Nice plays defensively from Jacob Bedewed and Reuben Goodman as well. Miners stop a 4th down, and on the first play with Cottingham again looking very Jesse like with a run to the right, cutting back up mid field with some jets and jukes that had EG defender flailing. In all it was a 57-yard TD run. Pat was blocked, and Eastern ran a few more plays before this senior night was in the books. Linton 61 Eastern Greene 9.

Miners roll for 544 total offense with a running clock. 438 on the ground with a 10.95 per carry average. This doesn’t happen with the offensive line, or the skill player blocking for each other and downfield. Center Dresden Kenworthy, Guards Tanner Scarborough, Corey Andrews, Aiden Sparks, Chris Lyons, and Tackles Hank Gennicks Tyler Franklin and Jacob Bredeweg all spent time out there at OL. No back ran for 100 yards! Cottingham had 90 on 3 carries in the 4th quarters. Smith 4-76, Oliver 3-70, Voigtschild 7-48 and McBride 5-46 head a list of 14 Miners who had touches. 106 passing on 8-12 combined from Oliver (3-4-69) and McBride (5-8-37). Feltner with 4 catches for 17, Four others with a catch, 2 of those TDs (Oliver and Webster). Heerdink pushed the rushing totals from negative to positive with 4 carries for 60 yards. Only Norris had any other positive yards (3-2) on a night the Tbirds could only muster 97 total offense. 54 came in the air on Lewis 3-11 for 46, and Heerdink adding 1-2 for 8. Lewis was tagged with 2 interceptions. Cullison had 2 catches for 49 yards, Deckard 2 for 5.

Defensively numbers were low as to expect with starters sitting the bulk of the 2nd half. Andrews with 9, Sparks 7 Goodman 6 Howard and Tabey 5 each. Linton with 17 tackles for loss and 4 sacks. Leaders were Sparks with 3.5, Smith 2.5, Gennicks and Howard 2 each. Sacks from Sparks, Andrews, Goodman and Pabey. Picks were from Oliver and McBride. McNeil and Deckard led EG with 7 each, Brown 6, Jason Koontz 5 and 4 each from Teague Cullison Norris and Herndon. Only 3 TFL for EG and no sacks nor any pressure on Miner QBs.
Other Things Behind the Stats: Miners with 20 Pancake Blocks- Scharbrough 5, Franklin 4; Red Zone for Linton 6 for 6; 4-6 on 3rd Down for Miners; 20-4 First Down Edge for Linton; EG had 81 negative rushing yards on 17 negative plays; EG 9 3 and outs of 13 possessions.

Eastern would finish 4-7 for the year, winning a sectional game over Greenwood Christian 28-27 for a loss to powerful North Decatur 35-0. Linton, now 6-2 with a 3-game win streak, would head all the way to Westville for a game with Phalen Academy. The Falcons an upstart program whom Linton had beaten 62-6 in 2023. The Miners needed to take care of business with an incredible Sectional 39 ahead.

08/04/2025

2024 Week 7 Linton 48 North Knox 0

Linton, now 4-2 heading into a 2-game home stand with North Knox and Eastern Greene. 2 of the 3 traditional opponents Linton still has on their schedule from years prior. The Warriors were 2-4 and were coming to the Roy with a whole lot of starters in street clothes due to injury. Linton had won 15 in a row then were shocked in 2020 when NK put a 27-14 loss on the Miners at the Roy. Linton has won the last 5, but that memory should always be in the back of the minds
The Warriors limped in with something like 5-6 starters out including starting QB Brennen Messel, Skill players Will Arnold, Labe Adams, Avon Saucerman, and lineman Korbin Jones. It was an unusual thing to broadcast as both NK running backs wore odd numbers- #54 Brayden Bilskie, and #52 Michael Ochs, both sophomores.

The Warriors did have fight though, as the Miners went three and out on their initial series, but the first Warrior play from scrimmage was a successful pass from freshman Cooper Lemberg to Camden McCory for 9 yards. However Corey Andrews punched the ball out on the tackle, and jesse Voigtschild pounced on it at the Warrior 29 not 2 minutes into the game. Still the Warriors defense didn’t roll over. Braylen McBride hit Hayden Felter for an 18-yard pass on the 1st down, then a minute late Voigtschild rammed in from the 10 behind a downfield pancake in the end zone from Paul Oliver, 2-point pass was picked off by Tyler Clark. Linton 6 North Knox 0.
Miners added another score after a NK three and out. McBride with a keeper through the right side aided by a block from Tyler Franklin, and anther downfield pancake from Oliver. 52 yards down the Warriors sideline that included a 5-yard facemask on the tackle. Next play, Russell Goodman from left wingback charged in from the 6. The pass for 2 was again knocked down, and it was 12-0 Miners at 7:16 in the opening quarter.

The Miner D was overpowering the young Warrior squad, forcing the third consecutive 3 and out. This time is was heavy pressure from Oliver from OLB the led to Lemberg letting loose a lame duck that floating to Voigtschild at the Warrior 45. Penalties affected the next Linton drive, denying a 55 yard catch and run by Oliver or a suspect personal foul call on a terrific open field pancake from Hank Gennicks. Over-all however, Linton was moving at will, using 7 plays to put another first quarter score on a 12-yard pass from McBride to Oliver. The Warrior’s Blayne Boger nearly ended the drive with an interception, but it dropped out of his hands. I should add a great 19-yard run from Cooper Smith was a highlight in the drive. The PAT was run in by McBride and with 2:39 Linton was up 20-0.

The Warrior offense achieved the initial first down of the game on a 3rd and 11 pass from Lemberg that sure looked to be interception #3. Feltner had a bead on it but a terrific play from McCory essentially leaping and stealing the ball away for a 22-yard play, which was also the first appearance for The Warriors in Miner territory. Another Lemberg toss of 11 to Tyler Clark put NK at the Miner 34 1st and 10. Three straight carries from Oaks got nowhere, and on 4th and 3 Lemberg’s pass to Elkins was off the mark, but 2 Miners were there as well so they may not have made the yards needed to keep the drive alive. The Miners got a chance to dictate a long drive, and did so going 73 yards in 7 plays. Paul Oliver took the QB reps on this drive, and connected with Feltner on the 2nd play for 30 yards to the Warrior 33. Smith added a `4 yards run, with Oliver going in from 7 for another Miner score. Goodman bulled over for the 2 points, and Linton up 28-0 with 7:01 in the half.

It looked like another 3 and out for NK, but the Lemberg-McCory connection gained 23 yards to the Miner 40. They tried to go to that play again, and almost had 6, but the pass was overthrown. Another 3rd and long (15) saw McCory on an out pattern catch for 11, but an ill-timed procedure call makes it 4th and 9. Lemberg tried to nail Clark down the Miner Sideline that was well covered by McBride and incomplete. Linton would then churn 61 yards on 10 plays with Voigtschild punching in from the 1 with 1:08 in the half. Cooper Smith had runs of 14 and 11, the last on a 3rd and 7. Voigtschild had for 16 yards on the play prior to the score. The PAT was stopped but Linton was well ahead at 34-0. The half would end after a couple NK running plays, and the Homecoming Festivies began.

Obvious stat comparison heavily tilted Linton’s way; 288-83 in total yardage. 16 to 3 in first downs. 2 early turnovers game and already potent Miner offense back to back short field and easy scores. Lemberg’s passing numbers were respectable considering Freshman was playing his first varsity game. 7-12 for 80 yards, with 4 of those caught by McCory for 65 yards and really responsible for much of the Warrior offense. There was no run offense with nearly every skill player out. Between Oaks an Bilskie there 3 yards rushing on 13 carries. Other than the opening drive, the Miners had scored 5 straight possessions, and were 5-5 in the red zone. 192 rushing yards split fairly well with Smith 7-53, McBride 2-51, Goodman 5-39, Voigtschild 5-36 and Oliver 3-13. Cooper having his best showing of the season, and Braylen proving he can be a great running threat as well. Miners had 96 passing yards on 6-11 between McBride (4-7-59) and Oliver (2-4-37). Oliver and Feltner were go-to receivers, each with 2 but both moved the chains. 48 yards for Hayden, 32 for Paul with a TD. Smith and Voigtschild added catches as well. Another key stat was YAC with Linton at 76 NK at 15.

The Miner as always was led by Corey Andrews with 10 halftime stops, 1.5 TFL. Goodman had 6, Gennicks and Harrison James each with 5; Big Hank with 2 TFL for 5.5 yds. Trentin Howard had a 2-yard TFL. Miners had a pick from Voigtschild, and a Fumble recovery from Jess that was caused by Andrews. North Knox had 6 tackles each from Michael Oaks, and Eli Elkins. 5 each from Blayne Boger, Mark Lehmann, and Tyler Clark.

2nd Half did not start well for NK. First play, bad snap, hand off to Oaks. He was hit immediately by Aiden Sparks, ball comes lose, scramble for ball, Hank Gennicks come up with it. Miner Ball. McBride back at QB, hits Oliver with WR Screen which he takes 17 yards to the Warrior 24. Another 10 yards McBride-Oliver connection to the NK 16. From there McBride keeps up the middle following Voigtschild lead into the endzone. Braylen threaded the needle to hit Feltner in the back of the endzone for 2 more points. This pushed the score to 42-0 with 9:12 in 3rd, and kicked on the running clock. NK brought in soph Coy Van Meter at QB, but it was another three and out and a punt nearly blocked by Oliver. Some different jersey number for Linton as Linton runs 10 straight rushing plays to end the 3rd quarter with more points. Smith, Tyson Walker & Harrison James, as well as a key 4th and 2 conversion by Goodman (now at QB). It was James who pushed through the pileup from 1 yard out with 11:16 in 4th. 2pt pass was incomplete, but Linton up 48-0.

Scrubs replaced all starters and NK moved from their 30 to the Miner 35 on mainly rushing yards from Carter Becher and passes from Van Meter to Gavin Miller. However they couldn’t convert a 4thand 6 and Reuben Goodman broke up the pass, and pressure from Preston Snyder. Linton burned the final 2:32 with Drake Netherlain at QB, and did see a 10-yard run from Trenten Crynes. Clock went 0:00 with a huge 48-0 win #5 for Linton.

It was dominance from Miners, but a disappointment in that NK certainly wasn’t up to specs with so many key players out. I don’t think the end result would have been a Warrior win, but it may have been more competitive. I will give props to the young Warriors who stepped into tough positions against one of the better teams offensively and defensively on their schedule. They, unlike others, continue to want to meet on the field year in and out. Numbers weren’t huge because a running clock and starters sitting, but still a 399-116 total offense domination. 276 of that on the ground, 7.5 per carry with 4 miners over 40 yards. McBride 3-67 (TD), Smith 10-64, Voigtschild 6-44 (2TD); Goodman 7-44 (TD) ; James 5-26 (TD). Miners threw for 123 on a combined 8-13 passing. McBride 6-9-86 TD and Oliver 2-4-37. Paul led in receptions with 4 for 59 and a score; Feltner with 2 for 48. NK had 97 yards in the air of their 116 totals. Lemberg was 7-12 for 80 with 1 INT, Van Meter 3-7 for 17 yards. McCory was the main source of yardage with 4 catches for 65 yards, in fact all in the opening half.

Andrews finished with 11 tackles, 2 for loss. Goodman with 6/0, .5TFL; Gennicks with 5 , 2 TFL and a fumble recovery. Sparks and Walker with 4 each. T-Bone Howard with 3 tackles, but 1.5 for loss. Andrews caused a fumble, and Voigstchild recovered in. A total of 3 turnovers the Miners caused. Boger and Lehmann each had 10 credits at tackles, Oaks with 7, and a trio at 6-Clark, Bilskie and Elkins. Linton had 7 tackles for loss, 6 QB Pressures, while the Warriors only have 1 TFL and 3 pressures.

In between some of the stat numbers: NK Rushing 0.90 per carry; 6 Rush TDs for Linton; Miners 96 YAC; Linton 11 rushes of 10 yard or more; 22 to 5 in First Downs; Linton 7-7 in Red Zone; Warriors 1-4 on 4thdowns; Linton average start was their own 47. Of Linton’s 52 offensive plays, only 12 were on their side of field.

The key issue coming out of the game was staying healthy, getting healthier. That seemed to be the case for Linton, and not the case for NK. The Warriors would lose their next 3 games including round 1 in sectional play to finish 3-8, their worst win total since 3 wins in 2015. Miners were finding depth in games such as this, and were proving to have many weapons in both the rushing and passing attack, not to mention a defense rich in Miner tradition.

08/01/2025

I'm running out of time... so expect aa barrage in the coming days to get ready to start 2025 in full force; I hope you are enjoying the flashbacks, and the looks into the numbers. Some do.. Some Don't. I want it down for memories sake. Just like being there again!!!

Week 6 Linton 46 Greencastle 14
Greencastle came in 2-3 but had lost to Monrovia, Northview and South Putnam. Those three teams ended 2024 with a combined 28-8 record. They came in on a heels of an overtime 17-14 win over decent Indian Creek ballclub. The Tigercubs had taken the Miners to the very end with a 26-21 timeless tilt the Miners won at the Roy in the 2023 sectional. They returned their heralded soph QB, coach’s son in Stephens, and 4 starters off the Offensive Line. They did lose their top RB and WR but had a solid group coming back.

It took a great 2nd half for Linton to come from a 21-14 deficit and the half to win 26-21 in 2024’s sectional tilt. It was the Tigercub Passing Attack from QB Cole Stephens with 233 yards along with array of receivers, and the big play that had Greencastle up early. This was a game delayed, not for the weather, but a power outage that occurred late; In fact so late that Linton team busses as well as fans, and our broadcast crew were already there. Fair to say the weather played a role in the failure, which was an issue with field lights. As Greencastle had a nice turf field, weather wouldn’t affect the on-field activity. Needless to say, Linton had to turn around and drive the hour and a half back to Linton, and the game rescheduled for the next afternoon. It would only the 2ndgame I would miss in 25 years broadcasting.

The game started with an Ian Williamson kick off to the end-zone, a sight we would be seeing all night. Miners came out with Braylon McBride at QB, and had three 10+ yard plays to hit midfield. The highlight a 17-yard bruiser from Jesse Voigtschild, then the Cub D stiffened and Goodman punted to pin Greencastle at their own 5 with Tyson Walker there to down the ball. Greencastle’s game plan was immediate seen as quick passes to the slot receivers set up one on one defensive assignments. In other words, open field tackling was a must. 2 of those passes, and a swing pass to Cayden Blodgett put the Tiger Cubs at their 31. They nearly struck gold on a pass on the hash marks deep to Anthony Adams who had a couple steps on Voigtschild at the Miner 35. The ball didn’t quite carry allowing Jesse to make up the distance and leap to get a hand on the ball at the last minute to thwart at certain Greencastle TD. The long ball thread again nearly connected as Stephen’s pass was just out of reach for Williamson at the Miner 25 could have been another long TD catch. A monster 60-yard punt from Williamson to the Miner 5.

Linton couldn’t muster any offense deep in their own zone, and nearly gave up 6 as McBride’s pass from the endzone was tipped straight up, and nearly caught by Braydon Monroe for a defensive score. Goodman punted from the endzone giving Greencastle a great start at the Miner 42 5:22 in the 1st. It was a big defensive series for Hank Gennicks with a couple tackles and a QB Pressure the set up a 4thand 5 from the Miner 37. This time Stephens had Williamson again on a deep pattern just overthrown at the Miner 5. The score still 0-0 but Linton had dodged a couple bullets.

The back n forth continued at Linton’s offense was again stumbling gaining a yard in 3 plays with a punt. Williamson at 6’4” 210 and 6’4 260-pound Jake Zimmerman controlling their positions. However the Tiger cubs tried the run unsuccessful, with Corey Andrews on 2 stops. Another 3 and out for the Purple led to another punt with 18 seconds left in the opening stanza, and nothing on the board. 1st quarter was paltry for both sides, a total of 65 yard of offense. Greencastle with -1 rushing, and Linton only 1 of 5 passing, and both teams 0-3 on third downs.

Linton’s offense looked overmatched again with their third 3 and out in a row. Williamson with constant pressure on McBride not giving Braylon a chance to see Cooper Smith wide open downfield. Greencastle went with a Power set with big body running backs Monroe (6’3 240) and Parker Welker (6’2 230) blocking for Blodgett. They managed a first down up to their 39, but a key QB sack of Stephens by Paul Oliver, after Smith had forced him inside ended the drive with a weak punt to the Miner 37. Once again, the Miners were stuffed on two rushes that netted a yard and a catch ruled out of bounds. The MVP for Linton at this point was Russell Goodman as a punter, as we clocked a 60-yarder downed by Walker at the Tigercub 2. In the shadows of their own goalpost, Greencastle settled for runs by Blodgett, and an offside helped then get out to the miner 20. After a 2-yard loss administered by Smith and Aiden Sparks it was 2ndand 13. The Cubs went back to the quick pass to the slot, this time Tevin Long, who juked the initial defender and was gone. Tremendous downfield blocking from linemen Grayson Linneweber and Ashton Dayhuff sprang Long who caught the ball at the 14 and ran untouched 86 yards for the first score. Williamson drilled the PAT, and Greencastle was up 7-0 with 4:17 in the opening half.

With four straight 3 and outs offensively, Coach Oliver and Coach Gennicks opted to go back to old faithful with Paul at QB, bringing Collin Webster in at WR with Hayden Feltner. From their own 27 as expected it was Oliver on keepers, one a scramble for 12 to reach the 44. A near interception by Blodgett could have been a pick 6, but then the spark Linton needed came in the form of #15 Feltner. Oliver, as capable in throwing the deep ball as anyone, let fly down the Miner sideline to a streaking Feltner who was locked with Bryceton Nunn. In full stride Feltner reached overhead to snap the perfectly placed pass at around the Tigercub 17; a gain of 38 and clearly the play of the game thus far for Linton. But Greencastle still made noise defensively forcing 3rd and 10 under 2 minutes left. Voigtschild took it upon himself cutting back on a run left, and mostly on his own getting a hard earned 14 yards to the 3. Still Welker and Alex Grove stopped Oliver short, but once more up the gut for Paul and it was pay dirt. McBride came in, rolling right and hit Paul for the catch for 2 points, and with just 0:25 remaining the Miners took the momentum and lead 8-7. However with Greencastle’s pass game, anytime on the clock is dangerous. A short kick off and decent return put the Tiger cubs near mid-field. A quick 13-yard laser to Anthony Adams garnered 13, another to Williamson of 12 reached the Miner 39. A failed hook and ladder, and deep pass to the 5 for Long ended the half.

The Half Time numbers showed how stagnant the Miner Offense had been with 113 total yards, but 73 of those on that last 10 play drive, and 38 on one play. Of the total 65 yards rushing, Voigtschild led the way with 30 on 6 carries, Oliver had 20 yards on 5 keepers all on that last scoring drive. Greencastle could not run the ball at all against the Miner D at just 2.92 a carry. Blodgett had 10 of the 12 attempts with just 30 yards to credit. It was the Tigercub passing that had done damage, but not nearly what it could have been had a couple Stephens tosses been on target. He was 7 of 13 for 135 yards, the 83 yards score coming on a thrown behind scrimmage with Long running 86 (83 officially). Adams had 4 catches for 30 as well. Linton as a team had only 3 completions out of 10, with McBride 1-7 for 10 yards and being hounded by pressure (7 times). Oliver was 2 of 3 for 38, one of which was to Felner for that 38. Oliver and Goodman each had short receptions. Andrews again with a solid half at 9 tackles, Gennicks with 5. Smith had 2.5 TFL including a Sack as did Oliver along with 2 TFL. Monroe led Greencastle with 6 stops and a TFL, Chris Olson at 5, Welker with 4. Williamson had 3 pressures on QB, Simmerman and Monroe 2 each. Teams equal in 1st downs with 6 each, both with several 3 and outs, and both offensively playing most all plays on their own side of the field. In short, defenses were winning the day.

Greencastle waisted no time in the 2nd half. After Gennicks stuffed Blodgett for a loss of 5, Stephens from the pocket went back to the well. Adams with a double move was wide open down the middle of the field. Stephens pull the ball in #2’s hands in stride at the Miner 25 where we easily went in for a quick 3rd quarter score. Williamson drilled the PAT, and with just 52 seconds gone it was 14-8 Tiger cubs. Linton got a big play on an Oliver to Goodman pass up the middle for 32 to the Cub 41, but a holding call put the Miners back. 4th and 5 Oliver set up for the same pass to Goodman, but it was covered and Williamson and Monroe collapsed for a sack of 6 yard giving the ball back to Greencastle. Meanwhile down at the Miner 12, CJ Proctor who had just covered Goodman, crumbled to the ground with what turned out to be an Achilles injury.

The Cubs put themselves in a hole with a penalty on 1stdown, but overcame 1st and 25 with quick screens to Long, gaining 10 then 14 reaching the Linton 43. Stephens faked a screen pass and kept to opposite way for 6 more at the Linton 31 1st down. On 2nd and 9, Stephens directed a high spiral intended for a cutting to the corner Adams at about the 5. However both Voigtschild and Feltner were there. Feltner used his basketball hops and managed to tip the ball, then catch the ball the 10 where he returned it 42 yards to the Miner 30 with 6:09 in the 3rd.

As with Greencastle’s’ short WR screens had found a Miner weakness, Linton had found a play that was working against Tigercubs. Goodman from WB, just went straight down the field unhindered. By the time the LB realized it, Oliver had lofted a pass just on Russell’s fingertips, which he pulled in, maintained balance at the 21, and outran Welker to the endzone. Oliver caught McBride’s roll out pass for 2 and Linton now on top 16-14 with 5:25 in 3rd. For the second series in a row and offensive penalty pushed Greencastle back 10 yards. On 2nd and 12 from their own 32 Stephens pumped once, and looked downfield to where Adams was 4-5 steps behind any Miner defender. The Pass looked on the money but bounced off Adams as the Linton 26 which would have been another long TD pass lost for the Cubs. 3rd down was more aerial assault as Stephens went to a streaking Long around the Miner 32. Only a last second raise of Voigtschild arm stopped the completion, forcing a Welker punt to the Linton 38.

Back to back Oliver runs set up 3rd and 4, then an offsides on Greencastle moved the chains to the 49. The Tigercubs totally bit on a run play only to see Oliver bootleg left and hit Feltner at the Greencastle 40 where he churned down to the Cub 31. With 3:02 in the 3rd, Oliver hit Feltner on the ride side screen, just ahead of Monroe dropping the miner QB. Hank Gennicks provided the pancake block downfield to spring Feltner yard TD catch and run. Oliver hit Cooper Smith on a quick out for the 2 points which also saw a late hit call on the Tigercubs. Linton now led 24-14. The Miner were now pumped and it showed on the defensive side. Stephens lobbed a back-side pass to Adams who was drilled by Feltner for no gain, followed by Goodman blitzing and tracking Stephens down for a sack and loss of 9. 3rd and 19 saw Miners expecting pass, and Stephens lofted pass down the Miner sideline for Adams was well played and intercepted by Braylon McBride setting Linton up at the Tigercub 34. On 2nd play Voigtschild busted through the right via Gennicks and great downfield blocking from WR Colin Webster to reach the 4, then moved to the 2 on a facemask call. 1 play later Oliver pushed over the goal line on the 1st play of the 4th quarter. After a penalty negated a 2-punt run, Oliver hit Feltner in back on end zone for 2 more points, Linton seemingly in command 32-14 5 seconds into the 4th quarter.

Linton were now teeing off at the line of scrimmage as the Tigercubs almost certainly had to air it out; The Miners well aware that Greencastle could score quickly. Andrews got pressure on Stephens but still a solid throw to the Miner 40 broken up by Feltner last minute, then, in what was turning out to be the Hayden Feltner show, Stephens, again under pressure this time from Aiden Sparks, tried to hit Adams on Linton Sideline. Instead, Feltner jumped the route and make the interception, his 2nd of the night, at the Greencastle 37. 3 Plays later Miners were sitting at the Cub 20 after 14 yards combined on Smith and Voigtschild runs. A perfectly executed ‘out and up’ by Feltner combined by the pump from Oliver and an easy 20-yard pitch and catch TD made it 38-14 with still 9:55 remaining. Greencastle halted Oliver on the 2-point play ending what had been 4 for 4 in conversions to that point.

It seemed the white flag went up as the Tigercubs kept it on the ground, and lost 4 yards , plus another 5 in a penalty. The Miner D took care of business with Sparks and Andrews each having a TFL, and what certainly looks like a fumble caused on a Smith tackle of Stephens, and clearly recovered by Sparks was ruled down. Another punt and Miner ball at their on 36. 1st play from scrimmage sees Goodman bust through untouched for a 64-yard spring to the endzone but a downfield hold at midfield brings it back. The play featured a great Tyler Franklin block to spring Russ. Voigtschild had back to back runs totaling 12 yards, then a scramble that showed Oliver’s athleticism gained 25 to the Tigercub 23. Cooper Smith took it 13 yards to the 10, and then behind a pulling Andrews es**rt, went the final 10 standing up. McBride took the hand-off in for another 2 points, and Linton had blown the game open at 46-14.

The last 5:23 was elementary and Greencastle brought in the scrubs, and T J Jordan ran into the 2nd team Miner D 3 times before The Cubs’ 6th punt of the night. The Miner backups got a chance in the final 2:55 and moved the ball. 4 first downs all on the ground with Harrison James on an 11-yard drum, two 10-yard bursts from Tyson Walker, a 10-yard run from Trenten Crynes, and 8 more from Dalton Reed closed out the ballgame.

Truly a game of 2 halves. Linton had 346 of their game total 459 yards in the 2ndhalf. They had more offense (182) in the 3rd quarter alone that in their whole first half (113). Greencastle ended with 255 total offense, but their 1st half much more offense (1st 160 2nd 95)….but all of that 95+ 1 (96) was in the 3rd quarter. They had -1 in offense in the 4th. You read that correct. 4th quarter offense-Linton 164 Greencastle -1. Most of The Tigercubs scores were long distance while Linton had sustained drives for the most part, Linton with a 23-10 edge in first downs. Another key to me was defensive pressure. Linton with 13 TFL versus 6 for Greencastle. 3 sacked, and 5 QB hurries. Tigercubs got pressure on Linton (8x) but only 1 sack, so the QB ability to move and make plays was big. Neither team was astonishing on 3rddowns (Linton 3-9 Greencastle 2-11) but the Miners cashed in with 4 of 4 in Red Zone Scoring. Greencastle was never in Miner Red Zone, in fact they were never further than the Miner 30. Both TD’s being long distance (83 and 59). 3 interceptions (2 from Feltner, 1 from McBride) wreaked havoc on Greencastle with 2 of those on the Tigercub side of the field, and one picked inside the 10 yards of Linton. You can’t discount the seemingly sure TD passes that were either over-thrown or dropped in this game for Greencastle. I can think of 3, so that was concerning, but clearly the Tiger cubs had that going for them all season, and we would certainly see it again.

For all the talk of passing, Greencastle had no rush attack with just 22 yards on 24 attempts (-19 in sack yards figures in that, so 36 genuine rush yards total). Blodgett had 14 of those carries for just 27 yards. 11 of those 14 went for 3 or less yards. Nobody else had more than 3 positive yards Linton, on the other hand, averaged 6.23 per carry. 43 – 268 with 3 TDs, one called back or it would have been 4 and over 300 rushing. Voigtschild was again the heart with 90 yards on 11 carries (8.18) but the move of Oliver back to QB was a key moment. He added 65 yards, 2 TDs on 14 touches. Smith added 3-30 (TD), Goodman 5-29, Walker 2-20, James 1-13, Crynes 1-10, Reed 1-8, and McBride 3-5. But Oliver was not a one-trick pony as he was 8 of 9 passing for 181 yards with 3 TDs, a roasting 88.9% completion rate. McBride who had been aflame himself the last several games was hampered by Greencastle’s early dominance of the line under constant pressure from Williamson at DE, was only 1-7 for 10 yards. 191 total passing is still a wonderful sight to see in Miner Land. Only 3 receivers were involved: Oliver himself with the lone completion early from McBride for 10 yards; Feltner with a huge night-2 TDs 5 catches 108 yards with 53 YAC, and 4 of his 5 catches were for 1stdowns or more. Goodman was big with 3 catches for 73 yards and a TD. Certainly the receiver corps for Greencastle is a tough thing to defend. Size (Williamson 6’4” 210, Monroe 6’3’ 240, Adams 6’0 190) and Speed with Long and others. Adams had a monster9 catches for 98 yards and 2 TDs, and prolly had a couple more. Long with 4-113 including an 83-yard screen catch and run; Williamson was held to 1 for 12, Blodgett with 1 for 10 out of the backfield. Stephens total numbers were 15-27 for 233 yards, with 3 TDs; but completion % was only 55.6 and 3 Ints to boot.

Defensively it was yet another great night for Corey Andrews with 13 stops, 5 solo, 1 TFL. Hank Gennicks with his biggest numbers of the year at DT with 7 tackles 1.5 for loss. Russell Goodman with 5 tackles, 2.5 for loss, and a sack. Cooper Smith as well with 5, 3.0 TFL and a sack. Paul Oliver with the 3rd Sack for got with 4 tackles, and 2 for loss. Feltner as mentioned with 2 picks for 42 return yards, broke up another pass while defending 5. Voigtschild had 2 broken up passes as well. McBride’s pick return was 7 yards. Chris Lyons also had a TFL. The Tigercubs had 12 tackles from Chris Olson at safety, 9 from Braydon Monroe, and 7 each from Kaiden Tomassini and Alex Grove. Monroe had 1.5 TFL and had the sack with Williamson. Another thing to mention as a key defensively was the punting of Russell Goodman. Particularly in the opening half with his 5 boots averaging 42 yards and no returns. Two 1st half punts put Greencastle at their own 5 and their own 2.

Looking back at it now, as I watched the game from home. You could feel things change on the long pass from Oliver to Feltner leading to the late 1st half TD for Linton. Even though Greencastle came out with a quick long score to start the 3rd, it felt different in how the Miners were focused. You could say the long bus ride to and from and then to again to Greencastle in murky stormy weather could have had Linton sluggish . Perhaps the loss to Boonville, and even the emotional expense from the Sullivan win 2 weeks earlier played a roll. But I do know what Brian, Jake, Mark and all the Miner Coaching Staff would never in a hundred years accept and of that. That…is not Miner Football. Sometimes a spark is needed, and it felt like that happened. It was very clear to me that being able to pass was going to be a key to Miner Success because we have always been a run dominant team for most years. If we could open up passing so defenses HAD to respect it…then we could be extremely dangerous with the talent in our skills behind the line we had. Putting it all together to make a run was next up. North Knox was up next, a local rival but a 2-4 after a loss to Princeton 27-13 in driving rain. Linton now 4-2 and back home for the next 2 games.

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