by Levi Gilbert

Whatever the strategy, Griffin Miller is all-in for helping lead the Riverview Raiders back to the playoffs. The senior quarterback led the Raiders to the best record in school history last fall by finishing 7-4, and they earned their first 4A playoff appearance.

Despite last year’s success, the Raiders aren’t playing off the past. This year, Coach Mike McCain switched the offense from the Spread to the Flexbone to better utilize the team’s strengths and help shorten games as the Raiders fight through low numbers. With Miller’s nose for running lanes and his ability to make a big throw when needed, the move to the Flexbone was a good fit for Miller’s strengths. The senior, a three-year starter, passed for 841 yards and rushed for 963 yards in 2017. But a few games into the season, the Raiders have reversed course back to the Spread. Miller is ready to perform in either offense.

“My focus is being smart with the ball and reading the keys the defense gives me,” Miller said. “With us switching from the Spread to the Flexbone and then now back to the Spread, I feel like we can run out of both offenses.”

Miller was selected to this year’s 501 Football Team — 28 players representing all 11 counties of the 501. The team, sponsored by Conway Ortho and Sports Medicine Center, Conway Regional Health System and First Security Bank, boasts the best the 501 has to offer both on and off the field. Miller was nominated by McCain.

“He has a strong arm and great decision-making abilities,” McCain wrote in his nomination. “He’s accountable and provides our team with consistent leadership.”

Miller accounted for nearly 75 percent of Riverview’s touchdowns in 2017, and the senior is off to a fast start running the ball again for the Raiders. Through the non-conference schedule, he’s carried the ball 33 times for 275 yards and four touchdowns.

Riverview (1-2) plays host to Central Arkansas Christian this week to open 2-4A play. Miller and the Raiders are focused on playing through fatigue to close out games.

“We don’t have very many men on our football team,” Miller said. “We have 25 people on our roster, and most of them are playing both sides of the ball all night long. We have to work on finishing in the fourth quarter.”

Miller is a multi-sport athlete for the Raiders. In addition to football, he also runs track and plays baseball for Riverview. Off the field, Miller is involved with Future Farmers of America and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The senior has aspirations to play college football after high school graduation.

Miller and the Raiders open conference play at home against Central Arkansas Christian at 7 p.m. Friday.