Henry Miller Shines in Comeback Game for Marmion
Henry Miller of Marmion finally found his moment of triumph. Injuries had sidelined the senior running back for much of the past two football seasons. A fracture and three torn ligaments kept him out since Week 3 this year. His junior year ended with a groin injury in Week 4, impacting his basketball season as well.
Miller expressed his frustration, “Last year was definitely tough mentally. And this year, being my senior year, wasn’t much better. When you’re injured, the only thing you can do is get in the weight room and try to get back as soon as you can.”
His chance came during the Cadets’ Class 4A opening-round playoff game against North Lawndale at Knute Rockne Stadium in Chicago. Despite a six-week break, Miller performed impressively. He gained 122 yards and scored three touchdowns on nine carries, leading Marmion to a 40-0 victory over the Eagles.
Miller noted, “It’s honestly better than stats to get through the game and be healthy. I’m so grateful. All glory to God and a shoutout to my linemen as well. But just to finish the game and get a playoff win is great. It may not be against the best team but still feels good to get a win.”
North Lawndale, with only 23 players, struggled against the Cadets, who moved forward to face Sterling. Senior quarterback Colin McEniry was relieved to have Miller back. “It’s great getting Henry back,” McEniry said. “We definitely have a spark on offense, defense, and even in practice. He always brings the juice, so that’s really good.”
McEniry, last season’s CCL/ESCC Red’s player of the year at receiver, had to play QB this season due to another injury. He completed 7 of 12 passes for 118 yards and two TDs. He commented, “I still learn things every day. I’m definitely more comfortable with the ball in my hands and reading defenses better. I’m learning every week.”
Miller comes from a line of Marmion running backs. His grandfather and father, both Gary Miller, played the same position for the Cadets. “I love football,” Henry said, who also runs track and plays basketball. “It’s my favorite.” Despite injuries, he hopes to play in college and has an NCAA Division III offer from Carroll in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
His return was seamless, starting with a 41-yard run to North Lawndale’s 13. He followed this with a 6-yard run and a 7-yard touchdown. His other touchdowns were 9 and 40 yards. Junior receiver Aidan Miller, unrelated, added a 41-yard TD reception, and senior receiver Ryan Loria caught another for 27 yards.
Cleared by his doctor two weeks prior, Miller eased back into play, though still feeling some pain. “It hurt a little bit,”, he said, “But once you tape it up and take an Advil, it’s fine.”
Miller also plays strong safety on defense. His coach, Adam Guerra, stated, “His conditioning was affected a little bit. He played about three-fourths of the running back snaps in the first half and maybe a fourth on defense. He’ll be ready for next week.”