The Versailles Republican Sports

October 20, 2011

Gary Franklin Photo Pictured above, Milan Indian senior Cory Strunk #23, makes his way to the goal line to score the final TD of regular season action behind solid blocking from the tribe's offensive line. Strunk opened with the first TD of the game for the Indians as well, with TD's added by teammates senior Kurtis Kimla #25 and junior Scott Pennington #10. Pennington scored three PAT's in their 27-0 victory over the Triton Central Tigers.

Milan Indian football teams arouse fan excitement

Gary Franklin, Sports Writer

Milan HS Head Football Coach Ryan Langferman's 2011 football teams are proving there's more than just smoke blowing around in Milan.
The win set coach Langferman's overall record over his seven years as head coach of the Indians at 42-35. Senior Cory Strunk ranked 1st in state and 15th nationally in polls of October 3.
The IFCA (Indiana Football Coaches Association) as of October 14 placed three Indians in the state's Class 1A top 10. They included senior Cory Strunk, senior quarterback Zack Lewis and junior Scott Pennington. The tribe as a unit also ranked 3rd overall in total offense among Class 1A teams statewide prior to the 27-0 victory over TC. On October 17, they were ranked 5th by the IFCA.
The varsity Indians secured a 5-0 MIFC (Mid Indiana Football Conference) championship title with a last regular season game 27-0 victory over the hosting Triton Central Tigers at Fairland.
The win ended the tribe's regular season action with a 8-1 record, having fallen only to the Batesville Bulldogs early in the year.
The Indian team is preparing to open their extended season sectional action at home on Friday, October 21, against the visiting Springs Valley Black Hawks with an 8:00 p.m. kickoff.
The two teams have never met on the playing field prior to this upcoming battle.
The Milan Indian football team's record over the years to date include: conference championships in '69, '83, '92, '94, '95, '96, '97, '98 and 2008, sectional championships in '95, '96, '00 and 2010 and a regional championship title in 1996. The Milan Indian team of '96 was the last to win a conference title outright.
Added to the varsity team's positive regular season finale this past week, the JV secured a winning season of 6-2 after dual week wins over Brownstown and Indianapolis Tindley. The middle school team defeated North Decatur and the A Gold and B Gold Milan youth football league teams won championships over South Decatur and Greensburg White respectively.
Coach Langferman commented, "What a week for Milan football, six wins and three championships!"
The FOMF (Friends of Milan Football) are hosting another "War Party" on Thursday evening, October 20, in the MHS parking lot to prepare for a Springs Valley scalping on Friday, October 21. Tailgating is to begin at 5:30 p.m.
The FOMF will furnish hamburgers, hot dogs and buns. Seniors are to bring drinks - pop, water, gatorade, etc., juniors chips, sophomores a dish to share, dips, salads, fruit, etc., and freshmen - desserts.
The attending public is asked to bring a dish to share.
Also bring your lawn chairs and games, etc. No alcoholic beverages please. Remember, Milan is a tobacco free campus.