There's nothing like a good sporting event to bring a community together.

That's exatly what happened Friday night at Roy Williams Field when Linton's football team faced Perry Central in the Class A Sectional 40 championship game. The battle of the two unbeatens wasn't nearly as close as some thought it would be, as the Miners routed PC 35-14.

The atmosphere was great! Actually, it was like old times. The reason? Because the school allowed Linton fans on the track to watch.

I believe thanks goes to Linton principal Nick Karazsia and AD Charlie Karazsia for getting that decision approved. They were coaches when the Miners advanced to the 1986 semistate, and know how important having the fans close to the action can be for a team.

Linton used to be known for that, and now it's just the south end zone.

Congrats to Coach Steve Weber, his players and staff. They should be extremely proud of how they prepared and executed against Perry Central. Some didn't give the Miners much a chance because of PC's size and running game, but that wasn't a factor Friday night. The Miners took advantage of two early miscues, and rolled from there.

It's off to Rockville for the regional. I covered many games there while working for the Terre Haute Tribune-Star, and Rockville fans support their Rox just like Linton does. Hopefully there will be a long, long line of cars heading north on State Road 59 this coming Friday night.

The Miners have never been to the Dome for the title game. South Putnam, Knightstown, Sheridan and Ritter have gotten in the way. If Linton plays the way it did against Perry Central, an undefeated season and state title aren't out of the question.

Yes, the Linton community can be proud of the way the Miners played and how the fans supported the team.

Keep up the good work Miners!