If the Fairview Yellowjackets are to hoist a Gold Ball for the third straight December, Boden Miller will certainly be a crucial factor.
“Boden is a technician at linebacker,” Fairview head coach Robert Bernard said. “Boden has a very high football IQ. He does a great job of understanding how people are trying to attack us and gets us lined up so we are sound across the board.”
Miller was responsible for 133 tackles and two sacks last year. He’s a real whiz on the field — and off, scoring a 35 on his ACT. Bernard relies on Miller to make callouts that adjust schemes in real time “to stop the opponent from getting the first on that fourth-and-1.”
“I attribute that to my parents, who were my first teachers growing up,” Miller said. “One day, sports won’t be there for us, so it’s always good to gain a little knowledge while we’re here. I also believe sharpness in the textbooks can lead to sharpness in the field.”
Miller’s also a real punisher and a standout catcher on Fairview’s baseball team. He calls himself a “proud bruise collector.”
“There’s something satisfying about dishing out a bone-rattling hit,” Miller said. “Catching has had a huge influence on my toughness on the football field. Bruises are temporary, and wins are there forever.”
Miller is open to playing either sport at the next level. Before that happens, though, Miller is determined to make a stylish exit.
“We’ve already solidified our place as one of the best classes athletically and academically in Fairview, with two state championships and two academic state championships. I will say, two looks really good in the history books, but three looks even better,” Miller said.
Miller has an army of about 2,700 behind him.
“The community is bought in. The coaches are fantastic. And most of the players are great kids who excel in all different aspects,” Miller said. “A lot of people think that God-fearing mild-mannered athletes lead to sissy football, but that isn’t the case in Fairview. After every game we win, he’s the one the glory goes to.”
