Marmion’s Henry Miller finally had reason to smile.
If it weren’t for bad luck, the senior running back could be forgiven for thinking he had no luck at all after being sidelined most of these past two seasons in football by injuries.
A fracture and three torn ligaments in his ankle kept Miller out of action since Week 3. It followed a junior year that ended with groin injury in Week 4 that also cost him half of his basketball season.
“Last year was definitely tough mentally,” Miller said. “And this year, it 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.”
That opportunity came Saturday afternoon during the Cadets’ Class 4A opening-round playoff game against North Lawndale at Knute Rockne Stadium in Chicago.
The 5-foot-9, 170-pound Miller was anything but rusty following a six-week layoff, piling up 122 yards and three touchdowns on nine carries to spark Marmion to a 40-0 win over the host Eagles.
“It’s honestly better than stats to get through the game and be healthy,” Miller said. “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.”
Overmatched North Lawndale (5-5) from the Public League had just 23 players in uniform against the Cadets (4-6), who advance to next weekend’s first round at Sterling (7-2).
Senior quarterback Colin McEniry, for one, was glad to have Miller again in the backfield.
“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, the CCL/ESCC Red’s player of the year last season at receiver, was pressed into emergency duty at QB due to another injury four days before the start of this season.
He continues to improve. The left-hander completed 7 of 12 passes for 118 yards and two TDs.
“I still learn things every day, which I think is common for everyone,” McEniry said. “I’m definitely more comfortable with the ball in my hands every play and in reading defenses better.
“I’m learning every week.”
Marmion running backs, meanwhile, run in Miller’s family. His grandfather, Gary “Ach” Miller, and his dad, Gary Miller, both played the position for the Cadets.
“I love football,” said Henry, who also runs track in addition to playing basketball. “it’s my favorite.”
He has one NCAA Division III offer from Carroll in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and hopes to still play in college despite the injury setbacks.
“If anything, it makes me better mentally to get knocked down and come back stronger,” Miller said. “Carrying on this offseason and getting ready for the next step will be my goal.”
He didn’t miss a beat in his return, taking a handoff from McEniry on the first play and running left for 41 yards to the North Lawndale 13. He followed up a 6-yard run with a 7-yard TD run on the next two plays. His other TDs covered 9 and 40 yards.
Junior receiver Aidan Miller, no relation to Henry, added a 41-yard TD reception and senior receiver Ryan Loria caught another TD covering 27 yards.
Henry Miller, who was cleared by his doctor two weeks ago, still wasn’t ready to go right away. He was helped by having the extra time off.
“It hurt a little bit (Saturday),” he said, “But once you tape it up and take an Advil, it’s fine.”
Miller also pulls double duty, playing strong safety on defense.
“His conditioning was affected a little bit,” Marmion coach Adam Guerra said. “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.”