If Lake Zurich senior Alex Miller received a grade for his play on the football field, he likely would get an ‘A’ on offense. His work included two touchdown catches, including one from 67 yards, against Zion-Benton in Week 4.
Miller solidified that grade against Warren on Friday, Sept. 23. He hauled in a 10-yard scoring pass from junior quarterback Evan Lewandowski in the Bears’ 35-6 win.
But Miller’s grade on the defensive side of the ball entering the game might have been an incomplete, as he is playing a new position this year in the defensive backfield.
“Offensively, we always knew that Alex could play,” Lake Zurich coach David Proffitt said. “He has been coming along well on defense at a position he hadn’t played very much.”
Miller’s defensive play against Warren might have bumped him up to an honors class, as he recorded a tackle for loss and an interception that set up his own touchdown on offense.
“I saw the ball up in the air and just jumped up and caught it,” Miller said. “It was just like being a receiver.”
“I thought he would get a pick-six,” senior safety Lukas LePage added with a smile. “He’s transitioned really well to defense. He’s a game-changer.”
Thanks to Miller and Lewandowski (10-for-15 passing, 201 yards, two touchdowns), along with junior running back Joey Stutzman (26 carries, 157 yards, two touchdowns), the Bears are in prime position heading into the season’s second half. Lake Zurich recorded nine tackles behind the line of scrimmage with three turnovers against Warren. In addition to Miller’s interception, senior Ryan McGeever also picked off a pass, and junior Matthijs Enters recovered a fumble.
“Tonight he gave a good indication he’s starting to grasp the defense,” Proffitt said of Miller. “I’m very pleased with his play. He looks a lot more comfortable out there.”
Proffitt added another wrinkle to Miller’s defensive football education, as he had him switch back and forth between safety and cornerback against Warren.
“I’m still learning the fundamentals of playing defense. I know I have to go out there and play just as hard as I can,” Miller said. “I’ll play anywhere if it helps the team. Whatever gets me on the field: linebacker, corner, safety, receiver, anywhere.”
Lake Zurich (4-1, 3-0 North Suburban) is tied for first place with Stevenson atop the conference standings. The Bears host Lake Forest (3-2, 1-2) on Friday, Sept. 30. The Scouts upset Libertyville in Week 5.
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Mark Perlman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @markdavidperlma