Miller football looks to build on historic 2024 season with ‘MPT’ mindset
By: Charlie Ihlenfeld
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CROOKSVILLE, Ohio (WOUB) – For the MPT, or most physical team, a 7-on-7 is a strange environment. No contact is allowed.
“It’s definitely a bit of a shame,” said senior running back and linebacker Zander Bice. “But it’s a good thing. They’ll get theirs when it’s their turn.”
The Miller Falcons made history last season. For the first time in program history, they hosted and won a playoff game. Then, they went on the road to earn their first road playoff win and first 10-win season in program history. Despite the ride ending at the hands of Danville in the regional semifinals, Miller put the region on notice.
“MPT, now it’s more of a tradition,” said head coach Dominic Scott. “We talked about the 99-2000s teams. They’re the ones who came up with it. (It) kind of went away for a couple of years, and now that’s every year.”
Bice will be a major factor in carrying on the tradition. The senior finished last year’s campaign with 1,563 rushing yards on 8.4 yards per carry and 21 touchdowns. He also led the team in tackles, finishing with an even 100.
Leading receiver Nick Thompson returns for the Falcons. He finished with 28 catches and 496 yards to go with seven touchdowns. He added 41 tackles and three interceptions at defensive back.
Maddox Bolyard will be working more with the linebacker corps this year, but he enters on the heels of a massive campaign. He finished with 69 tackles, and he led the team in tackles for loss and sacks with nine and five respectively.
Bolyard has a simple but effective strategy for the defensive side of the ball.
“Screw up whatever plan the other team has,” said Bolyard.
But, the Falcons will have to deal with one major hole on offense and defense. Safety and quarterback. Logan Doughty was vital for their run to the regional finals. As a safety, he snagged four interceptions to cement their home playoff win over Southern. On the year, he compiled 965 yards passing and nine touchdowns. On the ground, he added 1,046 yards on 8.4 yards per carry and 18 touchdowns. He added 53 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and seven interceptions on defense.
Thompson acknowledged they will need to shore up the secondary.
“The secondary is a spot we could use some work on,” said Thompson. “We’re not perfect, nobody is.”
Thompson has been working to improve his chemistry with all options at quarterback. The Falcons will have three different options under center. Noah LeMaster will take snaps from the wildcat in the same manner he did last year. Bo Dorsey and Anthony Adkins will compete for regular snaps as the starting quarterback. Coach Scott spoke highly of all three players.
“I guess it’s a good problem to have,” said Scott. “When you have two guys that can really step into that role and play quarterback.”
LeMaster is also stepping into Doughty’s role at safety. Despite the loss of Doughty, Miller has its largest class since 2017. According to the players, Miller and Corning have always been firmly behind the Falcons, but it is rewarding to see players come out for the team after their track record of success.
“It’s awesome, it’s heartwarming,” said Thompson. “We keep producing good numbers and good seasons, (and) this will carry on as a domino effect throughout our program.”