LINTON —
Linton did not lose a high school football game in 2011 until Nov. 18 against Indianapolis Scecina in the Class A semistate.
The high-powered Linton offense was shut out despite averaging 55 points a game in the 13 wins before that loss.
With 6-foot-7 quarterback Austin Karaszia, the Miners figure to be a high-powered offense once again.
“For all of us, our sights are always focused on getting to the state playoff games,” Linton coach Steve Weber said. “That’s our main goal.”
Weber is excited about potential improvement by the teams on Linton’s schedule, since playing quality competition can only help the Miners prepare to take that next step and reach the state championship. Linton has made five semistate appearances since 1997.
So stiffer competition within the Southwest Seven Conference? Bring it on.
“I think the conference is improved,” Weber said. “North Central is looking to have a real strong year from what I’m hearing. I’m excited about that. North Knox is making another push. Feel excited about what’s happening down there. North Daviess had a rough year, but they don’t have too many rough years.”
Karaszia will have many of the same weapons to work with on offense.
Senior Cole Bradbury (5-9, 150 pounds) led the team with more than 1,000 receiving yards in 2011, and Weber expects big things from Grant Stamm (5-11, 165), who was a state qualifier in the hurdles last spring.
“Great athlete and has some great hands,” Weber said. “They’re both little quick kids.”
Abe Neff (5-9, 160) and Zane Hayden (6-0, 180) also will be contributors. Dane Rupska (6-0, 200) and Cody Vanwinkle (6-0, 200) provide some beefier receivers out of the tight end spot.
The offensive line is an experienced group. Senior Hayden Flath (5-10, 210) has a “good shot” to start at center. Wyatt Franklin (5-10, 260) and Taylor Kannan (6-2, 245) are likely starters at guard, and Ethan Lannan (6-0, 225) and Jackson Bohnert (6-3, 185) will handle the tackle spots.
Koye Kaiser will see the majority of carries in the backfield as Weber keeps defenses honest with the running game.
“If we can wrap our brains around what we’re supposed to do, I think it’s going to be a pretty tough unit,” Weber said. “We’ll look at ways to improve the running game. We’re definitely throwing the ball if teams want to stack the box.”
The Linton defense includes quite a few two-way players.
Defensive coordinator Mike Hayden leads a flexible 4-2-5 defense that can defend the pass and the run well.
Lannan leads the defensive line out of his end spot.
“We’re expecting some big things out of Lannan, a kid that benches 400 pounds. He’s quick and strong enough to make things happen up front,” coach Hayden said.
He’s joined by Kannan, Franklin and sophomore Jace Brewer (6-0, 300) at defensive tackle and Bohnert at end.
Flath is a returning middle linebacker, and Rupska figures to join him there, while Vanwinkle is fighting for a starting spot.
“All three look very good,” Hayden said.
Stamm and Bradbury provide some experienced cornerbacks, while Kaiser will start at free safety.
Zane Hayden will play a weak safety position.
“He’ll be a pretty special kid for us. He can walk down and play linebacker or drop him at safety. He’s that kind of hybrid player,” Mike Hayden said.
Neff and Austin Hale (5-9, 170) are also in the mix for playing time in the defensive backfield.
“We had a really good defensive season,” Weber said. “It’s not really hard to play defense when your offense is putting up 50 points a game. We’re still happy with what we did. Always looking to improve.”
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Related Photos
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Quarterback: Linton quarterback Austin Karazia throws the ball during practice last week at the Greene County school.
Discussion
2012 high school football preview: High-flying expectations
In Linton, Miners taking aim at a Class A state championship
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West Vigo advances to sectional championship with walk-off win in ninth
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Indiana State baseball series canceled
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METRO ROUNDUP: Rose-Hulman's Evans honored as Great Lakes' top athlete
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West Vigo advances to sectional championship with walk-off win in ninth
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Wichita State shuts out ISU to force elimination-game rematch
Indiana State starting pitcher Greg Kuhlman did his best.
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Indiana State baseball now one win from MVC Championship
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Consultation: Rex manager Brian Dorsett talks with his pitcher and players during a time-out Sunday, July 15, at Sycamore Field. (Tribune-Star file/Bob Poynter)
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2012 an up, down season for Rex
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Luck having fun with his first OTAs
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Luck having fun with his first OTAs
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