Lockport’s Chris Miller created a perfect bridge, connecting past and present Friday night.
The 5-foot-10, 190-pound senior running back, who converted from linebacker for the final game of the regular season last year, showed what he did the last time out wasn’t an outlier.
The big difference?
“I’m definitely more confident out there,” Miller said, recalling his effort in that 36-32 win over Homewood-Flossmoor. “I believe you should be certain about your ability and playing style.
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”I’ve always thought that the work you put in is the result you’re going to receive.”
The Porters received a signature performance in the season opener from Miller, who ran for 130 yards on 10 carries and scored four touchdowns in a 34-0 victory over Plainfield North.
His fast start echoed his remarkable closing final game as a junior against H-F. With the top two running backs out with injuries, Miller totaled 290 yards and five TDs in the comeback victory.
Until the H-F game, the former linebacker never had a single carry at the varsity level. The game against Plainfield North underscored his new identity as the Porters’ primary ball carrier.
“I knew that the game against H-F wasn’t like a fluke or anything and I always trusted my work ethic,” he said. “Our defense is really good — we just shut out Plainfield North.
“I go up against them in practice every day, so I know what I’m capable of.”
Lockport coach George Czart knew what Miller was capable of doing as well. His athleticism and toughness at linebacker proved his value.
“We had two senior running backs ahead of Chris last year,” Czart said. “But he was such a good athlete, we wanted him on the field and we played him at linebacker.
“Those guys got hurt, Chris was the next man up. After what he did, it was a no-brainer he was going to be our starter this year.”
After Lockport finished 4-5 last season and missed the playoffs, Miller has brought about a heightened level of excitement and possibility, according to senior tight end Mason Moore.
“What Chris has done for this program in his past two games at running back has been nothing short of spectacular,” Moore said. “We weren’t even sure he was going to be able to play Friday.
“Chris came back and defied the odds. He’s been very influential to me and everyone else on the team.”
After football ended last fall, Miller went 36-18 and was a state qualifier at 165 pounds in wrestling. He also suffered from complications of bursitis in his right knee.
The buildup of fluid caused swelling and inflammation.
“I wasn’t really able to run and it ended up getting infected,” Miller said. “The doctors thought I might have to have surgery. They ended up doing a lot of different things, sticking needles in my knee and draining it.
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“That was a pretty rough time.”
Miller also played baseball when he was younger and ran track. He credits his wrestling background for toughness, balance and vision carrying the ball.
“Wrestling is a big part of where my confidence comes from,” he said. “Being out there one-on-one with another opponent, you learn about locking in and believing in yourself.
“You can’t be timid or scared or you are going to get beat up.”
Miller is the youngest by seven years of three kids. His older brother, Scott, played football. His sister, Natalie, was a standout soccer player.
Chris’ time is now. After scoring nine TDs in the last two games, he’s only looking forward.
“We play Lincoln-Way West on Friday, and they’re going to be a more difficult opponent,” he said. “I don’t care how tough a team’s defense is — I’m going to keep my same mentality.
“I like seeing my hard work pay off for itself.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.