It’s been a long journey for Jack Miller to play in front of the Chaparral crowd.
The highly-touted quarterback had a record-setting freshman season last year with Scottsdale Christian Academy. In the offseason, Miller transferred to Chaparral.
Miller was struggling after a family friend was hit by a car and died while Jack was playing a game at SCA. He could hear the collision but did not know what had happened until after the game. The Miller family felt a fresh start at Chaparral would help Jack.
During the transfer process, the AIA denied his hardship waiver, meaning Miller would have to sit out the first half of the season with the Firebirds. After going through the appeal process a few weeks ago, Miller’s decision was overturned and he was deemed eligible.
The quarterback made his debut in California last week when the Firebirds played Valencia in an out-of-state matchup. Friday was his home debut with Chaparral.
The Firebirds had a tall task in the 5A state title defending Williams Field Black Hawks.
When it was all said and done, Chaparral won 33-7 with Miller throwing three touchdowns and rushing for another.
“It was super fun. I felt super prepared. We had been studying Williams Field defense all week,” Miller said. “The crowd was great, my line blocked for me and everyone was making plays. It was a good game.”
https://twitter.com/2jackmiller/status/908923691156742145
Jack Miller connected with Tommy Christakos, Conlan Carey and Marcus Norvell for scores. Throw in a solid performance from receiver Deavon Crawford, a nice mix of running styles from Carey and Marqui Johnson and the offensive line not allowing a sack all night, and the Chaparral offense was hitting on all cylinders. That was also with fellow running backs Darvon Hubbard and Josh Edwards out due to injury.
The talent is definitely there, and there is plenty of time to grow. Chaparral head football coach Thomas Lewis joined the #FridayNight360AZ Preview Show and shared that about 60% of this year’s starters are sophomores.
“I see us growing for sure,” Miller said. “I see us doing really well. Next year and the year after that, I see us being in the state title run – even this year for sure.”
What’s Next
The Firebirds are on the road facing off against the Sunnyslope Vikings on September 22nd.
