Football: Miller Time: Lewisville gets underway Friday at Plano Senior

The last time Lewisville's football team was seeking a head coach, the Farmers opted for a successful coach from the Houston area with an offensive pedigree in Dick Olin.

In 2012, as the Farmers searched for Olin's replacement, Lewisville again looked south but this time went with a coach with a defensive mindset tabbing former Katy defensive coordinator Gregg Miller.

Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Kimbrough Stadium against Plano Senior, the Lewisville faithful will get its first viewing of the Farmers' new-look defense when the squad takes on the Wildcats.

But changes to the defense aren't the only alterations, as the Farmers are also switching from the spread attack to a power-I system.

"During the spring, we installed our basic offense and defense and I've really been pleased with the retention we had from the spring and coming back to practice this fall," Miller said. "But there is also a lot more that goes along with it. The guys are adjusting to the nine or 10 new coaches that we have and are adjusting to the specific ways that we practice and to the new systems. We also have guys that are changing positions. We've certainly had our challenges and it is going to take a little while longer to get used to the routine and what we are looking for."

The Farmers got a good look at where they stand Friday when they scrimmaged against Mansfield Timberview, which reached the fifth round of the Class 5A playoffs last season.

"The scrimmage went well," Miller said. "They have some big kids and some athletic kids and they run a tough system on offense. They run the triple option and also run some shotgun out of it, so it was a very good test. We had some hiccups, but it really gave us a good gauge of where we are at."

The scrimmage also provided another opportunity for Lewisville's quarterbacks to separate themselves.

"We have a good battle going on there right now," Miller said. "Both Matt (McDougal) and David (Vasquez) did some good things and were able to manage the game. That's the biggest thing for us is seeing who is the better decision maker and who is doing a better job of reading what the defense is giving us."

Last year, McDougal completed 23-of-40 passes for 350 yards and one touchdown with one interception. Vasquez connected on 15-of-24 attempts for 204 yards and one touchdown against one interception.

"I don't envision a scenario where we are swapping quarterbacks every series," Miller said. "But I'm not afraid to use both of them at times. They're pretty similar in what they do. Neither of them is a guy that can really get out and run with the ball, but that's not what we are looking from our quarterbacks."

The quarterbacks will be tasked with delivering the ball to a variety of receivers, including Jordan Jorgenson and Jaden Wright.

"We have a lot of options at receiver," Miller said. "They've been catching balls for a long time."

The Farmers were able to keep their depth at receiver despite having players switching to the tight end position, among them Quay Bradford.

"Quay has done a good job transitioning so far," Miller said. "I think early on the receivers were maybe a little mad thinking that we weren't going to be throwing the ball that much. But they're seeing that isn't necessarily the case and they're having a good time. It's been a healthy environment."

Deandre Brown returns to handle halfback duties after leading the Farmers with nine rushing touchdowns to go with 523 yards (6.5 yards per carry).

Fullbacks include Metrick McHenry-Buhler and Cameron Shauf.

"Deandre is a good, solid running back," Miller said. "He's continuing to develop and is only getting stronger. And we have some good depth behind him.

"Our fullbacks are primarily there for blocking and not carrying the ball. In fact, they'll be used more in the passing game than running the ball. But we'll throw them a bone every now and then."

Miller said the Farmers are progressing on the offensive line as well.

"They've bought into the system well," he said. "They have good chemistry within the line and are really buying into what (offensive coordinator) coach Brixey is teaching. He's one of the best there is and they're really building unity."

Defensively, the Farmers will employ a 3-4.

"The guys are still learning the system," Miller said. "It's different because it is all about fit and understanding what is going on around us. You can run the system with normal athletes and be very good or have great athletes and have an outstanding defense."

On the line, Hendrick Ekpe handles nose guard duties with a deep unit of defensive ends, including D.J. Jackson.

"We think the guys on our line are going to be able to get after the quarterback," Miller said. "But it's going to start with us with stopping the run."

Linebackers include Calvin Minor, James Abney and Joseph Head on the outside and Anthony Cusano and Ryan Alias on the inside.

"Calvin is a tremendous athlete and Ryan is a great player and is really developing as a leader," Miller said. "Casano is returning from an injury, but has also been doing very well."

Lewisville returns the most experience in the secondary where Jordan Meyers, Tyus Williams and Dior Traylor are back.

"We have a lot of speed and playmakers in the secondary," Miller said.

Lewisville's kicking game will be anchored by Hmung Tluang, who will handle kickoffs and field goals.

While the odds of Lewisville reaching the playoffs have increased in a six-team district, the Farmers have challenging opponents in Denton Ryan, Coppell, Flower Mound, Marcus and Hebron.

"It's going to be very tough," Miller said. "There are just so many good coaches in this area. I think when you look at the Houston and Dallas areas, there are plenty of good teams in both places. Both areas could produce the champion, but I just think the parody in the Dallas area is incredible. There aren't going to be any easy wins in our district, though I guess some of the teams are probably looking at us as the easy victory. It's our job to change that. You have to develop the mindset of a champion before you can be a champion. Right now, we're looking at the big picture and improving."

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