In the world of football, the finish often matters more than the start. For North Ridgeville, the loss of All-Ohio running back Zack Barnhart due to a season-ending injury led to a strategic pivot—relying heavily on quarterback Cole Miller. After guiding his team to a critical victory against Midview, Miller elevated his game, ultimately securing a finalist position for the prestigious 2025 Matt Wilhelm Award.
“After Week 6, we saw a completely transformed quarterback,” stated North Ridgeville coach Bryan Morgan. “He excelled not just in passing but also in rushing. His performance did not go unnoticed, earning him the county player of the year title and significant recognition for Southwestern Conference Player of the Year.”
Miller stands out as the sole player in the area to surpass 1,000 yards both rushing and passing, with figures of 1,159 yards on the ground and 1,473 yards through the air. His achievements include being named first-team all-district as an athlete, a fitting accolade according to Morgan.
“Sometimes our best play is to call a pass and let Miller take control,” Morgan explained. “With Barnhart and our offensive line from last year, we could confidently run the ball for 4 to 5 yards. This season, the responsibility rests entirely on Cole.” In addition to his impressive yardage, Miller tossed 12 touchdown passes and reached the end zone 18 times over the course of 11 games.
Much of Miller”s success can be attributed to his offseason work. He bulked up by 30 pounds, now weighing 220 pounds on his 6-foot-5 frame, and holds the team”s weightlifting records. “He is the biggest player on our team,” Morgan noted. “Other teams take notice during warm-ups, and when you have that size and strength, he is a challenge to bring down.”
Beyond statistics, Miller has delivered in critical moments, showcasing performances that have been pivotal for the team. In a tense fourth quarter against Midview, he converted a fourth-and-20 play, positioning his team just shy of the end zone, before scoring the winning touchdown to seal a 28-24 victory.
In a subsequent high-scoring match with Berea-Midpark, Miller played a crucial role, contributing to five of the six touchdowns in a comeback win. “He has consistently stepped up in our games against Midview,” Morgan remarked. “In my view, he has been the standout player each time.” Against Amherst, Miller rushed for over 200 yards, scoring five total touchdowns, including a crucial 55-yard touchdown pass that secured the lead in the fourth quarter, leading to a 42-28 victory.
The Rangers finished the regular season with an impressive 9-1 record, going 6-1 in the SWC. Following a first-round bye in the OHSAA playoffs, they triumphed over Anthony Wayne with a score of 42-7. As they advanced to their first regional semifinal in school history, Miller”s contributions included rushing for 96 yards and three touchdowns, along with a touchdown pass for 180 yards.
With his recent performances, college scouts are taking notice. Morgan believes Miller has a future in college football, having already drawn interest from Kent State and several Division II programs. He has received an official NAIA offer from Lawrence Tech. The Rangers are set to face Medina Highland in a Division II Region 6 semifinal, and Miller hopes this larger stage will bring even more attention to his talent.
