Tackle machine Miller leads solid unit of Vols

Matt Miller has become the warrior on a team of road warriors.

The linebacker has been banged up through the playoff run for the Starkville Academy Volunteers, but he continues to take the field each week to make tackles.

Miller has an amazing 220 total tackles this season going into Friday night's MAIS 5A championship game against Heritage Academy, which is easily the most any Volunteer has ever had and could be the most ever in the state. That has not been confirmed.

He's the unquestioned leader of the Starkville Academy defense.

“He's a guy who has played a lot of defense for us,” Volunteer defensive coordinator Brad Butler said. “Even as a sophomore, he came in and played at a high level. He has continued that.”

Starkville Academy has made postseason trips to Magnolia Heights School, Lamar School and Adams County Christian School and has emerged as winners all three times.

When it comes to the recent postseason success, Miller said it has been important for the defense to make plays to take pressure off the offense.

“If (an opposing) offense makes a big play on us, we have to be the one to make the next big one,” Miller said. “We had a big interception to get the ball back (against Adams County Christian School) and kind of seal the game. We just need to make big plays when we can.”

The Vols recorded two shutouts during the regular season and even though they haven't totally shut down opponents in the playoffs, it has been enough to keep the games close.

Starkville Academy head coach Chase Nicholson knew from the first day of fall practice that there was room for improvement for every area of the team.

He has witnessed that taking place with the defense.

“Week in and week out, we've continued to get better on everything we are doing,” Nicholson said. “That's what you are seeing on both sides of the ball. You are seeing the potential come out in every single one of them.”

Miller said the Vols have gotten closer on the defensive side of the football as the season has progressed. That has led to much better performances as of late.

Butler uses the word “steady” when describing how Starkville Academy's defense has performed.

“We haven't been stellar, but we've done just enough,” Butler said. “We need to be consistent. Hopefully going forward we can keep folks from getting chunk plays. I thought the other night (against Adams County Christian) with the exception of the one long run, we played pretty well.”