It was a blustery, rainy night for your Millers’ regular season finale. Due to the weather, the game was played at Old Beaver Stadium to keep the grass field at Hallmark Orthodontics Soccer Complex intact for sectionals. Regardless of the weather or field, your Millers started off strong with energy and confidence, scoring 3 goals in the first 8 minutes of the contest. The first goal was created by a nice run down the left flank by senior Sam Holland. He beat 2 defenders and took the ball endline, eventually finding a cross to freshmen Ben Hewitt for the opener. The 2nd goal was scored on a lovely ball over the top of the Franklin Central back line by center back Kasole Williams. The pass found senior Ashton Craig and cooly slotted it past the goalkeeper. Minutes later, Craig found an assist as he dribbled right and slotted a pass back left to Holland who uncorked a vicious left-footed strike near post past the keeper. The final scoring of the half came in the 26th minute when junior Caden Rice sent in a great curling cross from the left flank. Sophomore Quinn Johnston had a thundering header back to the near post to beat the goalie. Your Millers went into halftime up 4-0.
The second half saw each team score 1 goal. Your Millers added to their lead 5 minutes into the 2nd half with a lovely through ball by Holland that found Craig on the run. Craig deflty toe-poked a shot past an on rushing keeper from 30 yards out. After the 5th goal, Coach Dollaske gave many players their first varsity experience. With sectionals coming up, the roster expands and this was a prime opportunity to get rid of any nerves heading into playoffs. Freshmen Ashton Hancock, Sophomores Braden Lindley, Keaton Kulp, Vince Cash, and Mason Glanzman, and Juniors Jackson McQueeney and Deklan Jenski all got their first minutes of the season. Franklin Central was able to pull 1 goal back with about 5 minutes to go in the game.
The game ended 5-1 with your Millers feeling very confident marching into playoffs next week. Their road to a 3peat starts with Muncie Central on Monday, October 2nd at Hallmark Orthodontics Soccer Complex.
With the win, the Millers earn the program’s third Hoosier Crossroads Conference Championship in the last four years; it is the program’s fourth HCC Title.
HCC Championships: 2011, 2020, 2021, 2023