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Yappi.com writer PERRY TWP.—He is the proud father of two daughters. As head coach of the Perry Fighting Panthers, he is the proud father of 70 young men that wear Perry on their jerseys. Call it how you see it. It’s easy to say that head coach John Miller is the father of 72 children but don’t tell him that. Saturday night, Miller leads his undefeated Panthers back to the stadium that he coached inside for three years, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Field at Fawcett Stadium. No matter what happens, the Panthers clinched their first winning season under Miller, and the first since the 2002 season last week with a 22-10 win over Youngstown Boardman. In an exclusive, I had the opportunity to chat with Miller about his team, the challenge of playing Canton McKinley, and what it would mean for him to come back inside Fawcett Stadium. Here is a recollection of what took place via phone. Keno Sultan: In your three years as head coach of the Perry Panthers, what does it mean for your Panthers to be 6-0 and did you believe such a start was attainable? Do you point to the improving records of 3-7 and 4-6 from your first two seasons? John “Spider” Miller: Yes. We felt that it was attainable to have a great year. The kids worked hard and they have done a good job during the practice week and it has carried over to the games. They find a way to get it done. KS: What has pleased you the most about your team offensively and defensively? How would you describe the close bond between yourself, players, and position coaches during the Panthers six-game winning streak? JSM: The effort given on offense and defense has pleased me. Our players give their best effort they have every time. I tell our players that to know that we care about them and we as coaches put them in the best position to win games on the field. They are a bunch of great kids. KS: You are a coach who is about giving 100% on every play. If a mistake is made, your players disguise that by going full speed. Describe that approach. JSM: Well…anything you do, you have to do it at full speed. You have to do it with a great effort. You may not have the best talent but if you have heart, you can do that. KS: Your team faces a major test in undefeated Canton McKinley. From what you have seen regarding the Bulldogs, are they the best team your Panthers will face all season? JSM: I don’t know. They are the best team right now but we haven’t seen GlenOak, Jackson, or North Canton Hoover. Canton McKinley is the best as of right now. KS: This game will be emotional for you in many ways than one. You coached Canton McKinley for three seasons. Will you feel any pressure returning to the stadium you were a head coach in? JSM (directly): No, I don’t feel pressure. It’s a game between Perry High School and Canton McKinley High School and that’s it. It’s not about me. Nothing else. KS: In that case, moving on, what will it take for your team to knock the Bulldogs from the ranks of the unbeaten? In the most dangerous game of the season for your team, have you addressed the importance of playing with poise and staying focused and not getting caught up in the emotions of the game to your team? JSM: We have to play a very good football game. We can’t give up big plays. The Bulldogs are very explosive and we have to stay aggressive on defense and get to the ball. We always talk to our team about their poise each week. We remind them to play the next play and do the right thing. Enjoy the moment but remain focused on what we have to do? KS: Do you think this game has the makings of being a low scoring contest? JSM (laughing): I hope it’s a low scoring affair. But you never will know. You never know. KS: Thank you very much and good luck to your team Saturday night Coach Miller. JSM: Thanks Keno. You have a nice day. |
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