Riverton coach looks to next step

Progress.

That word has defined Riverton football during Mike Miller's three-year tenure as head coach. In each of those three seasons, his squads have been better than they were the previous year.

That trend continued in 2006. Riverton finished above .500 (6-5 overall), qualified as the third-seed from Region 3 and nearly broke through in the opening round of the playoffs.

Miller quickly pointed out that he isn't happy with a first-round playoff exit.

Nonetheless, Riverton's performance in the postseason will be something to build on next year.

"It's a step forward," said Miller.

On the whole, Riverton's season can be summarized this way: It won the games it should've and lost the games it should've.

The closest the Silverwolves came to breaking through in a big game came against Lone Peak in the playoffs. Riverton played well in the first half of that contest en route to a 10-0 halftime lead.

However, Lone Peak rattled off 20 unanswered points over the final two quarters, including a late touchdown, to send Riverton home.

"We really should've beaten them, but (Lone Peak) made plays at the right time," said Miller.

Throughout the 2006 season, seniors came up big for Riverton time and again.

Miller has always played a huge amount of seniors, and this year wasn't an exception. Guys like Joey Schrader — a second-team All-State selection — and Weston Ellis formed the backbone of the team.

"My senior class was super in terms of just being good young men," said Miller.

"They're the greatest group of guys."

Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how the Silverwolves cope without those seniors. According to Miller, this year's junior class isn't very large. However, look for Riverton to assemble another quality squad in 2007.

"What we plan on doing," said Miller, "is to have the kids get better each year."

RIVERTON FOOTBALL

Overall: 6-5

League: 3-2

State: Lost in first round

Results

Aug. 18 Riverton 21, Taylorsville 9

Aug. 25 Riverton 22, West 10

Aug. 31 Pleasant Grove 20, Riverton 0

Sept. 08 Riverton 21, Hillcrest 7

Sept. 15 Riverton 28, West Jordan 13

Sept. 22 Bingham 41, Riverton 7

Sept. 28 Riverton 41, Kearns 38

Oct. 06 Hunter 31, Riverton 21

Oct. 11 Provo 20, Riverton 3

Oct. 19 Riverton 41, Copper Hills 14

5A FIRST ROUND

Oct. 27 Lone Peak 20, Riverton 10

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E-mail: drasmussen@desnews.com