History

The tradition of T.R. Miller football is legendary across the state of Alabama. No high school football program in the state has contained the consistency of the Tigers. In the 1930’s, Coach Ben McLeod’s teams were led by the running of Hosea Rodgers and reeled off some great seasons. There were other good Miller teams led by Coach Hal Wyatt in the years after the war. But in the late fifties and early 1960’s, Miller football struggled. From 1960 to 1963, T.R. Miller won only three games. But when Coach Darrell Fitts and runner Mike Sasser found each other in the fall of 1964, little did anyone know that an unprecedented streak of success would follow the Miller Tigers for the next 45 years.

Young men from Brewton who wear the red jerseys are special. Miller players have a pride in their school, a willingness to sacrifice for the group and a special Miller spirit. Some say that the spirit began with Ben McLeod; others say it was during the hard nosed teams of the late 60’s and early 70’s. Regardless of the origin, it brings about a togetherness that is one of the great success secrets of Miller football.

And which team is the greatest? It is for Miller fans to debate as each season goes by. It was probably written best by former quarterback Scott Sasser, in a letter to Coach Jamie Riggs following the 2000 State Championship game. “When people ask me to compare this team to other great Miller teams, I tell them that it is impossible. We are all the same team. The names and faces may change, but the team remains the same.”

1. • Three losing seasons in forty-four years

2. • Six State Championships

3. • Eleven state championship appearances

4. • The most wins of any team in the State during the 1990’s

5. • Semi finalist in fourteen of the last nineteen years

6. • Twenty teams have won 10 games or more

7. • Three Alabama Coaches Hall of Fame football Coaches
   

And the future of Miller football? It lies in the hearts and minds of the elementary and middle school students who have spent their lifetime going to T.R. Miller football games. Let’s hope it will always continue to be that way.

THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE T.R. MILLER TIGERS CAN BE FOUND AT THE ALABAMA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL HISTORY SOCIETY WEBSITE.  THIS SITE INCLUDES TEAM FACTS, YEARLY SUMMARY, LIST OF COACHES, GAMES BY THE YEAR, ALL STATE PLAYERS, RANKINGS BY YEAR AND PLAYOFF RECORDS.  USE THE FOLLOWING LINK.

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