From past experience, Richards’ Myles Mitchell understands that one of the first rules of playing his position is learning how to instantly forget about failure.
The junior running back quickly erased any bad thoughts Friday night after watching his long touchdown reception called back and also that fumble at Oak Lawn’s goal line.
“It was definitely very challenging in the beginning,” Mitchell said. “The fumble really got into my head, and I had to battle back and get right mentally.
“I never give up. I never lose confidence in what I can do out there. I like to make defenders miss, and I like to make plays in the open field and be a big playmaker.”
Big playmaker, indeed. Mitchell made those big plays again, rushing for two TDs in leading the Bulldogs to a 27-7 South Suburban Red victory over host Oak Lawn.
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Mitchell’s 58-yard run on the first play of the third quarter led to a 21-yard TD reception by senior receiver Shaun Reynolds for Richards (2-2, 2-0) that broke a 7-7 halftime tie.
Then, later in the third, the 5-foot-11, 195-pound Mitchell had a 23-yard run, paving the way for his 3-yard TD run that broke the game open against Oak Lawn (1-3, 0-2).
“I think my main qualities are my versatility, my athleticism and, of course, my vision,” Mitchell said. “I see the hole every time, no matter where I am headed.”
Mitchell showcased those attributes against the Spartans. On a 2-yard TD run in the first half, he played quarterback and took a direct snap out of the Wildcat formation.
As a slot receiver or as an extra threat out catching the ball out of the backfield, Mitchell provides senior quarterback Dijon Newman with a security blanket.
“Myles is an elite back and a true force,” Newman said. “His speed, agility and vision are unmatched. He consistently finds ways to make big plays.
“We have a great dynamic and amazing chemistry back there. I love setting him up for success. We make a lethal duo.”
A guard for the basketball team and a sprinter in track, Mitchell has the quickness and explosiveness to get to the edge. He also has a fearless running style.
He’s not afraid to operate in the teeth of a defense.
It’s been a bit of a breakout season for Mitchell in his second year on varsity. As a sophomore, he was a situational talent who backed up senior Michael Maura, entering games primarily for Richards to take advantage of his speed.
Now, he’s a three-down back.
“He has grown tremendously in the last year,” Richards coach Tony Sheehan said. “We want to get him the ball different ways, throwing to him, throwing him the ball out of the backfield.
“He is our playmaker. We have to find ways to get him the ball.”
Making the leap from understudy to lead role is not always an easy transition. Mitchell has stepped up and won’t look back.
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“Once he gets going, there’s nothing much you can do to stop him,” Reynolds said. “We can always count on him to make a big play if we need it.
“He’s also a very good teammate if he’s the one making the play or not. He’s always there happy for you or lifting you up if you mess up.”
The famous axiom about those who fail to remember the past are condemned to repeat it does not apply with Mitchell. His personality brims with optimism.
“The more touches I get, the more comfortable I get flowing again,” he said. “Not every play is going to go for a touchdown. No matter what happens in a game or a situation, I am never going to get down about what I do out there.
“I’m just going to keep moving the chains.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.