Indians blast Rushville in week one

Lindsey DeBolt

Milan quarterback Lane Smith rides a block downfield for a big run in Friday’s blowout of Rushville. Smith, a sophomore, ran for 100 yards and two touchdowns in the wind.

Class A No. 4 Milan threw just one pass, never recorded a lone passing yard and didn’t play its first string guys for a full four quarters. However, that doesn’t mean that the Indians did not put everyone on notice in week one because they did and by doing so absolutely obliterated host Rushville 56-0 on Friday night.

The 56 points is the first time since 2017 -also against Rushville- that Milan has scored 50-plus points in a season opener.

Milan’s assault started with 29 points in the first quarter which then blossomed into a 43-0 halftime lead that allowed for the mercy rule and running clock to go into effect for the entire second half. Even with time ticking quickly, the Indians still managed 13 points in the final two frames.

With regards to the scoring, Milan literally ran all over the Lions (0-1) and totaled 380 rushing yards. Sophomore Beckett Langferman was responsible for eight carries with 120 yards and two touchdowns and quarterback Lane Smith took to the ground for 100 yards and a pair of scores. Gavin Trenkamp added 88 rushing yards, Hunter Snelling ran for two touchdowns and also hitting the end zone once was Logan Willilams.

Hayden Poole had a total of 154 yards on kick returns and senior Nick Voss was 6-of-7 on extra point attempts.

The Indian defense pitched its first season-opening shutout since 2021. JJ Mutz had a pair of sacks and with one sack apiece were Grant Langferman and Jayden Disbro.
Milan (1-0) now gets ready for a huge home showdown this Friday night when they host Batesville in the Ripley County Bell Game. The Indians are looking to claim the bell for the first time since 2019.