Voigtschild Leads Linton-Stockton in Quest for Sectional Title

Growing up in Linton, Jesse Voigtschild had a clear vision of what it meant to play for the Miners from an early age. The senior running back recalls attending high school games as a child and looking up to the players on the field.

“When I was in second grade, we would always go to the high school games, and I idolized those guys. I decided to start playing football, and I loved it,” Voigtschild shared with Indiana Preps.

That love has only grown over the years, and tonight, Voigtschild will look to help his team claim the sectional championship as the Miners (9-2) head to Greencastle (5-6) for the Class 2A Sectional 39 title game. Last week, Voigtschild delivered a stellar performance, rushing for 228 yards and three touchdowns in a 38-6 win over South Vermillion.

“I’m not surprised we’re here. I knew our team had a lot of potential this year. Much of our success comes from being able to air the ball out more and our younger guys on the line stepping up,” he said.

With seven touchdowns in the playoffs so far, Voigtschild understands the significance of this stage, not just for himself but for his teammates.

“I realized how important it is to win these games. You have to play like it’s your last because it very well could be. Our goal on offense is to score on every possession, and finding the end zone in the postseason is everything,” Voigtschild emphasized.

As they prepare for tonight’s game, Voigtschild acknowledges that Greencastle is a different team now than when the Miners coasted to victory against them earlier in the season.

“They’re a solid team, and we’re not taking it lightly. What happened earlier doesn’t matter. This is a new game, and we’ll need to be firing on all cylinders. Bringing home a title my senior year with these guys would mean everything,” Voigtschild said.

Pingleton Sparks Greencastle’s Playoff Run

Although he missed much of the 2024 season due to injury, Cam Pingleton’s return has had an immediate impact on the Greencastle football team. Pingleton rejoined the lineup just in time to help the Tiger Cubs (5-6) secure a win over North Putnam in the regular season finale and has played a key role in sectional victories over Pike Central and Brown County.

“Being banged up taught me a lot—it taught me to lead my teammates and to be disciplined. Getting back on the field felt amazing. I’d tell myself, ‘This is what you work for, Cameron. Put it all on the field and play like it’s your last,’” Pingleton told Indiana Preps. “Against Pike Central, I got my teammates pumped up with a strip sack that set the tone. That’s when I knew I was back.”

For Pingleton, each time he suits up for Greencastle carries deeper meaning.

“I take a lot of pride in my position. When I came back with Brayden Monroe, I knew the game was going to be different. My drive comes from my brother. When he passed away, I knew I had to make him proud every play, so I go out and give it my all,” said Pingleton, who has drawn attention from Southern Illinois and Bluffton.

Greencastle head coach Dave Stephens notes the significance of having Pingleton back in the lineup.

“It’s a shame he’s had to deal with injuries his senior year. Cam shows flashes of his potential—he’s second on our team in sacks, and he’s only played two and a half games. Having him back at almost full health is huge for us, and we’re excited about what he brings,” Stephens said.

Tonight, the Tiger Cubs will face a Linton-Stockton team that defeated them 46-14 in September. Despite the previous loss, Pingleton is confident his team can rise to the occasion.

“Bringing home a sectional title would mean a lot to me. This team is rewriting history for Greencastle,” he said.