COLORADO SPRINGS — “It was everything they said it would be.”
Todd Miller always wanted to find out what it was like to win a state championship. So on the final day of last month, his Pine Creek Eagles gave him the chance with a thorough 49-14 victory over Montrose for the Class 4A title, his school’s first and his first.
“And then some,” the 41-year-old said of basking in the glow. “Maybe the most special moment was walking out of the tunnel at (Sports Authority Field at Mile High), and there were about 30 ex-players, graduates who were waiting.”
The Broncos’ high school coach of the year will return to the scene Thursday evening, when the Broncos host the San Diego Chargers and present their annual salute to high school football.
The native of Evansville, Ind., and former parochial schooler who made his way to Colorado in search of a family-oriented situation — it helped that his brother was already in Colorado Springs — has an 87-21 record for the Eagles since taking charge in 2005. His lone losing season was 4-6 in 2012.
“We just had to worker harder,” he said.
They did. Pine Creek, which ended 12-2, ran the table of the Pikes Peak League after going 1-2 against 5A foes in its nonleague schedule. And in the postseason, the Eagles handled arguably the state’s deepest and most competitive layout by a four-game aggregate score of 130-39. Also included were victories over regular powers Pueblo West and Windsor, as well as defending champion Monarch in the semifinals.
“Winning is addictive and fun,” Miller said. “The process is as fun as the season, just getting there. From lifting weights to doing 7-on-7s … all of that stuff is very enjoyable.
“And test scores? We take a test every Friday night in front of thousands. There’s pressure with that.”
Pine Creek, which was waxed by Valor Christian in the 4A final two years ago by 66-10 and hasn’t forgotten, chose to focus on improvement. Its coach also remembered his first three years at Pine Creek when money was tight and he was finding himself.
“Tough years make you appreciate the things you get,” Miller said. “I respect the fact that some guys go their whole careers and never get that opportunity. It just doesn’t come around a lot, and you try to make the most of the opportunity.
“This game is so special with all of the relationships and life lessons. When you do get on that stage, you want to see your players perform to the level they’re capable of.”
Neil H. Devlin: ndevlin@denverpost.com or
Mile High Salute
The Broncos’ 18th annual salute to high school football will be at halftime of Denver’s game against San Diego at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. There will be three segments — coaches of the week and year; honoring the seven classification championships; and presentation of The Denver Post Gold Helmet.
COACHES OF THE WEEK
Ashour Peera, Gateway
Matt Smith, Thompson Valley
Brandon Milholland, Cedaredge
John Trahan, Montbello
Todd Casebier, Montrose
Mark Robinson, Lakewood
Matt Flavin, Buena Vista
Brian Davey, Mountain Range
David Joyce, Doherty
Shawn Mitchell, Discovery Canyon
Coach of the year: Todd Miller, Pine Creek
Each coach of the week will receive a $2,000 donation from the NFL Foundation and the Colorado National Guard; Miller will receive a $4,000 donation.
STATE CHAMPIONS
Class 5A: Valor Christian
Class 4A: Pine Creek
Class 3A: Coronado
Class 2A: Platte Valley
Class 1A: Paonia
8-man: Dayspring Christian
6-man: Liberty/Stratton
THE DENVER POST’S 63RD GOLD HELMET AWARD
Since 1951, The Post has recognized Colorado’s top combination of senior football player, scholar and citizen. This year’s winner is Christian McCaffrey of Valor Christian.
