Miller takes over LCA program with big plans in mind

FLOWERY BRANCH — To the casual outsider, Bruce Miller appeared to be enjoying his semi-retirement after nearly 40 years of coaching football.

He had been more consultant than coach in stops at Lakeview Academy, Flowery Branch and West Hall since leaving Gainesville after the 2017 season. He was helping groom quarterbacks David Renard (Flowery Branch) and Clayton Jenkins (West Hall). Life seemed good.

But two things made Miller answer a call from Lanier Christian Academy after the 2020 season.

“I’m a terrible golfer and I don’t like to fish,” he said. “I was getting a little restless, and I was really starting to miss coaching on a full-time basis and teaching kids. I have to admit, I didn’t know that much about (LCA). But when I listened to what they want to do as a program, I felt I couldn’t turn it down.”

The Lightning play in the GAPPS 8-man league. They do not have a field of their own, though huge plans are in the works for the campus off Winder Highway, including a football stadium. They finished 3-7 in GAPPS 8-man in 2020 after a playoff appearance in 2019 in the GAPPS 11-man league.

It will be a learning curve for Miller, who is bringing his patented spread offense to a program that has been a traditional Power-I attack.

“Oh, we’re going to run the spread. And we have some guys that can do it,” Miller said. "But the game is a little different so I'm trying to pick things up as fast as I can."

A good old-fashioned quarterback battle has been taking place between sophomore Walker Anderson and junior Carter Raulson. But no matter who wins the starting job, both will be in the lineup. Freshman Zeke Clanton will handle the main running back duties and could be on some early radar as a breakout player in the area. Junior Isaac Dinn will play multiple positions.

On the line, the Lightning look well-equipped to give Anderson and Raulson plenty of protection with Gabe Jarmillo, Qwinn Winfrey, Josh Waymack, and Cade Reed.

On defense, Clanton and senior Ethan Jarrard, who could garner some major college attention, will anchor the linebackers while Anderson, Raulson, and junior Pierce Mudd secure a talented secondary.

“When we had our first spring together a couple of months ago, I was impressed by what was already here,” Miller said. “It’s going to take some time for everyone to understand what we want to do. How well they adapt to the new offense obviously will be a key. Defensively, I think we’re going to be very good.”

After two state championship game appearances and one title at Gainesville, and leading North Forsyth to its only semifinals before taking over the Red Elephants, Miller is all about building a winning tradition. LCA, which has talked about possibly moving up to the GISA or GHSA ranks in the very near future, gives Miller the chance to build a program almost from scratch as they consider the future possibilities.

“Growing this program is definitely possible. I think it could be a hidden gem in this area,” Miller said. “We’re going to have to take a common-sense approach, though, when it comes to what we will do in the future. It can’t be rushed into it, but you don’t want to wait too long either if it’s doable.

“All I know is that no matter where you are, you have to be competitive and winning helps create enthusiasm and build confidence in the program. My goal is to teach the kids and hopefully win games in the process.

“It’s just fun to be back running a program. It’s way better than fishing. I can’t wait for the season to get started.”