The Linton-Stockton offensive lineman, including Josh Meurer, Caleb Wainman, Stefan Sparks, Derrick Barker and J.D. Fish helped the clear the way for the Miners, who rolled up over 550 yards of total offense in a 63-0 victory over Springs Valley Friday night. (By B.J. Hargis/Greene County Daily World). [Order this photo]

But there was nothing to worry about as the Miners, ranked No. 5 in Class A, remained undefeated as they dominated visiting Springs Valley 63-0 in a non-conference game at Roy Williams Field Friday night.

"To be honest, it was in the back of my mind that the kids could have bit of a letdown," said Weber, whose Miners improved to 5-0 with its 18th straight regular-season victory. "But we had such a good week of practice. Our Thursday night practice was the best I have seen in years.

"And tonight you could tell the kids were focused and ready to go. This is the best we have played this year."

The Miner defense posted its third consecutive shutout and now has allowed 24 points through the first five games.

They stifled the Blackhawk offense for all 48 minutes. They allowed just 63 yards of total offense and two first downs.

"I thought we really got after them on defense tonight," said 287-pound Miner offensive and defensive lineman Josh Meurer. "I couldn't always see what the guys were doing behind me, but it was a total team effort.

"We came into the game ready to play and was able to come away with the win."

The offense amassed 200 yards in the opening quarter on the way to 555 yards from scrimmage.

Despite not having anyone rush for 100 yards, the Miners rolled up 351 yards on 42 rushes. Five different players accounted for the six rushing TDs.

Quarterback Keith Cunningham and back-ups Ty Scott and Brad Thomas combined to throw for 221 yards. Cunningham was 9 of 12 passing for 152 yards and three touchdowns.

"This was an outstanding job on both sides of the ball," said Weber. "Our execution on offense was outstanding.

"We had great blocking up front. Keith made some great reads. We had some good blocking down field and our backs made some good cuts with the ball. This is by far the best we have played this season, but I know I will be able to find something that we need to work on."

The Miners scored the first eight times they touched the ball. A missed extra point by Ross Gentry, who made 5 of 8 kicks, was about the only thing that went wrong for the Miners in the opening quarter.

Cunningham capped the first drive with a 12-yard scoring pass to Jordan Tharp.

Mickey Tosti and Cunningham then both scored on TD runs and Cunningham hit Evan Magni for a 19-yard score and a 27-0 Miner lead with 81 seconds remaining in the opening quarter.

"That first quarter was about as close to perfect as we can play," said Weber. "Keith made a great fake on his touchdown run. He completely fooled their defense.

"As I have said from day one, we have a lot of weapons on this team. When we play like this, we are pretty tough to beat."

Gentry caught a 20-yard scoring pass from Cunningham nine seconds into the second quarter as the onslaught continued.

Cunningham (47 yards), Magni (31) and Tosti (14) all added TD runs before the half. The Miners led 53-0 at intermission.

After a scoreless third quarter, back-up running back Anthony Morin scored a 3-yard TD run and Thomas tossed a 27-yard touchdown pass to Patrick Collison. Morin booted two PATs to account for the final score.

Tosti led a balance rushing attack with 93 yards. Cunningham had 70, Magni had 53 and Cameron Coleman toted the ball six times for 43 yards.

"Mickey, Evan, Keith and Cameron, we call him P.W., all did a great job of making things happen on offense," said Meurer. "We just came out and tried to do our job up front.

"Although we played pretty well tonight, there are always things that you can do better. Our schedule starts to get tougher and we will have to play even better."

The Miners will play a Southwest Seven Conference game at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 at North Daviess.

MINERS 63, BLACKHAWKS 0

First Quarter

L -- Jordan Tharp 12 pass Keith Cunningham (Ross Gentry kick), 8:29.

L -- Mickey Tosti 16 run ( Gentry kick), 5:38

L -- Cunningham 20 run ( Gentry kick), 2:06.

L -- Evan Magni 19 pass Cunningham (kick failed), 1:21.

Second Quarter

L -- Gentry 20 pass Cunningham (Gentry kick), 11:51.

L -- Cunningham 47 run (kick failed), 9:36.

L -- Magni 31 run (kick failed), 5:37.

L -- Tosti 14 run (Gentry kick), 3:02.

Fourth Quarter

L -- Anthony Morin 3 run (Morin kick), 11:26.

L -- Patrick Collison 27 pass from Brad Thomas (Morin kick), 7:12.

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING--Springs Valley, Tyler Smith 14-29, Gage Dadau 3-6, Jake Switzer 2-4, Nathan Brown 1-2, Noah Warren 1-2, Billy Day 1-(minus 1), Lance Webster 1-(minus 1). Linton-Stockton, Tosti 11-93, Cunningham 4-70, Magni 6-56, Coleman 6-43, Thomas 4-28, Morin 5-19, Levi Baysinger 1-18, Adam Rose 3-12, Kaleb Bridges 2-11, Ty Scott 1-4.

PASSING--Springs Valley, Webster 1-14-1-9, Daniel Mills 1-3-0-13. Linton-Stockton, Cunningham 12-15-0-152, Thomas 1-1-0-27, Scott 1-1-0-15.

RECEIVING--Springs Valley, Brown 3-22. Linton-Stockton, Coleman 4-61, Gentry 2-41, Tharp 2-31, Collison 1-27, Magni 1-19, Caleb Stuppy 1-15.