The Mingo Central Miners got their biggest win of the season as they defeated the defending Class AA state champions Independence, 24-6, on Friday at home on Miner Mountain.
After a scoreless first quarter, Deucy Prater intercepted an Indepence (2-2) pass and returned it to the Patriots 30 yard line. Two plays later, Mingo Central (5-0) quarterback Chris Ross completed a touch pass to Malaki Sheppard, and the wide receiver took it 32 yards for the first score of the day. Ross then scored on a conversion run to make it 8-0. Later in the quarter, Dylan Vance scored on 16-yard touchdown run. The 2-point conversion made it 16-0.
The Patriots got on the score board shortly before the half when Tyler Linksweller scored on a 22-yard run up the middle for a touchdown to cut Mingo Central’s lead to 16-6 at the half.
The defenses for both teams took control in the second half, but in the game’s waning minutes Ross broke free on an 18-yard run on 4th down to seal the win for Mingo Central.
For the game, Ross completed 14-of-21 passes for 102 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. He also had 65 yards and 1 touchdown on 13 carries.
Vance led all rushers with 200 yards and 1 touchdown on 21 attempts. He also had 1 catch for 14 yards.
Sheppard caught 7 passes for 68 yards and 1 touchdown. Aidan Burke added 20 yards on 6 receptions.
Prater had a big interception and Keziah Joplin had a fumble recovery for the Miners.
Mingo Central will have a huge showdown next week as they take on the explosive Scott Skyhawks on the road in West Madison in a battle of 5-0 teams. The opening kick is set for 7:30 pm.
Photos Courtesy of Samantha Waine
