Sports
Three-Point Stance: Miller Looks to Improve
By: Jess Bosh
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Editor’s Note: Three-Point Stance is Gridiron Glory’s written preview series leading up to its 15th season on WOUB. Gridiron is visiting training camps for all 32 teams in the coverage area as they prepare for the 2013 football season. The series continues in the TVC-Hocking, where eight teams look to dethrone a defending state champ.
Miller struggled in several areas a season ago, stumbling to a 1-9 record with only a few close contests. But after a tough 2012 season, 2013 provides a new slate for coach Sean Bartley's team.
Here are three things to know about the 2013 Miller Falcons:
1. Intense Workouts
After winning only one game last year the Falcons spent the offseason getting stronger. According to sophomore Kody McKinnis, this summer the team has experienced more intense practices, hitting the weight room more in the offseason. “We will be more muscular, faster, and we will look good on the field,” McKinnis said.
2. Reduce the Gap
Coach Bartley says the Falcons’ main goals are essentially to score more points on offense and give up fewer points defensively. It sounds simple, but the Falcons struggled in both areas in 2012. Last season, Miller could only muster 11.2 points per game, while allowing opponents to score 49.6 points per contest.
The players hope their increased offseason conditioning will help them in both regards. Coach Bartley says the offense will perform better if it takes care of the football. Last season’s turnover-prone offense played a large part in the team’s defensive struggles.
The defensive line will see some new faces this season, but senior Stephen McGrath (30 tackles in 2012) anchors the unit. The secondary will be the most experienced part of the Falcon’s defense with most of the players coming back.
3. New Look, New Attitude, New Season
Six words surround the Miller Falcons team this season; it’s their motto, “New look, new attitude, new season.” Coach Bartley is counting on his team to believe in those six words this season, and through fall camp, the players appear to be buying in. The senior leaders helped improve the team in the offseason by encouraging players to go to workouts and recruiting players to join roster. The key to keeping the team together according to coach Bartley is mental toughness.
The Falcons are stronger physically and mentally as they head into a fresh 2013 campaign. Miller will kick off its season on the road against conference opponent Waterford Friday, Aug. 30.
Follow @gridironglory on Twitter and Instagram and Like the Gridiron Glory Facebook page for continued coverage throughout the preseason. Gridiron Glory returns Friday, Aug. 23 at 11:30 p.m. on WOUB.