The Miller Cardinals return from a 6-5 season with an outlook built around two valuable assets: experience at every position and team speed. Head coach Derek Hill begins his first year at the school with a senior-led group that has the pieces to make continuity a strength on both sides of the football. With so many veteran names available in the lineup, the Cardinals can focus on using their familiarity with varsity competition to play fast, communicate well and create a balanced identity.
Senior Jaylen Madsen leads the offense at quarterback and also appears in the defensive backfield, giving Miller an experienced athlete in two central roles. The Cardinals’ backfield includes senior Conner Neely at running back and senior Sam Ferguson at running back. Neely is also listed as a defensive lineman, adding another example of the two-way depth that can shape Miller’s season.
The offensive line will feature senior Mason Neely and senior Jarrett Rinker. Mason Neely also returns on the defensive line, where his experience can help establish a physical front. Senior Trenton Pearce gives the Cardinals a target at wide receiver and will also contribute on the defensive line. Those players provide a veteran base in the trenches and on the perimeter, allowing Miller to pair its speed with dependable execution.
Defensively, Madsen, Conner Neely, Mason Neely and Pearce bring senior presence to the secondary and front. Charlie Langston and Marce Amarral are listed at linebacker, adding important pieces at the middle level of the defense. The Cardinals’ experience across positions gives the coaching staff flexibility and helps create competition throughout practice.
Hill will be supported by assistants Jason Smith, Ryan White, Jeff Lung, Brett Hall, Rhen Garner, Jayme Higganbotham and Dust’n Reynolds. Their collective task is to turn a talented, seasoned roster into a connected team each week. Miller’s expectations begin with the traits the Cardinals already possess: speed, veterans who understand their roles and a roster prepared to contribute across the field. If that experience translates into disciplined play, the Cardinals have the ingredients to make this a confident and competitive season. The focus will remain on daily improvement, positive leadership and doing the small things that help the entire team move forward together.
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