WESSON – Antonio “A.M.” Miller of Wesson gave the Mize Bulldogs a wakeup call Friday night. The senior running back scored two touchdowns and rushed 15 times for 133 yards in Wesson’s thrilling 34-33 win over the previously unbeaten Bulldogs.

     Miller’s performance has earned him The DAILY LEADER’s Offensive Player of the Week award. His team is unbeaten in three games as they prepare to host the Seminary Bulldogs Friday night in Co-Lin’s Stone Stadium.

     Wesson coach Ronald Greer said Miller is a work in progress. “Antonio is just now starting to come into his own. He showed some promise at the end of last season. He worked really hard in the offseason.”

     “We are starting to get a sense of what he is capable of doing,” Greer continued. “He’s become a leader for us.”

     Miller (5-10, 186) is a soft-spoken, quiet leader. His actions on the football field speak louder than words.

     Greer said, “Antonio is a very strong kid, upper and lower body. I think he can run the 40 in 4.6 or 4.7. His biggest asset is his vision. He sees things that a lot of runners don’t see.”

     Coining a phrase, Greer said, “He has the missability. He has the ability to make people miss him. He can skip to the left or right in the hole and make people miss him.  Then he heads down field.

     “He’s a quiet kid and he’s fun to coach.”

     Wesson’s offensive line was expected to be a strength this season and they haven’t disappointed the team’s inexperienced backfield, providing lots of protection.

     Working up front are tight end Quinten Lindsey, Cullen Greer and Adam Hamilton at tackle, Ryan Spear and Corey McPherson at guard and Mitchell Hughes at center.

     “Our offensive line is doing a good job and our fullbacks are blocking well, too,” said Coach Greer. Working at fullback are Otis Smith and Nick Lewis.

     Miller wears jersey No. 2 this season. He is the 18-year-old son of Billy Ray and Doretha Miller. He has two older sisters, Betty Grinstead and Elsie Miller, and a deceased brother, Billy Ray; who also played running back at Wesson

     The Cobras practiced at 9 a.m. on Labor Day and Miller was in the field house by 8:30.

     “We have a good team and I think we can go far in the playoffs,” said Miller during a morning  conversation. “I like running the football and scoring touchdowns.”

     Asked about his favorite play, Miller said, “I like 46 power. The fullback blocks out and I power through the inside. I try to hit the hole as fast as I can.”

     Miller admitted he “was nervous at the end,” when Mize went for a 2-point conversion and the win against Wesson. It was the first loss for the Bulldogs.

     Asked about personal goals, Miller said he would like to score 20 touchdowns and rush for 1,500 yards. That would mean a great season for Wesson, too. The Cobras advanced to the first round of the Class 2A state playoffs last season, and lost a close contest to North Forrest.

     Miller said he enjoys playing for Greer. “He’s a good coach. He coached my brother, Billy Ray.”

     In his spare time, Miller said he enjoys playing video games and watching ESPN. He wears the same jersey number as Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins. His favorite college team is Michigan. Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson is his favorite NFL player.