NFL Player's Grandson Helps Lead Stevenson's Team

Chick Cichowski played defensive back for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Redskins. For the 1958 Redskins he even recovered a fumble.

That was 53 years ago. Now in retirement, Cichowski hangs out in the stands of . He's quite fond of a linebacker named Carl Miller who plays for the Patriots. Miller is, in fact, Cichowski's grandson.

For 20 years, Cichowski coached football at New Trier and another linebacker of note, Clay Matthews of the Green Bay Packers.

Miller is another quality linebacker as well. Evidently those football bloodlines are working well.

"Carl Miller is an extraordinary football talent,'' said Stevenson coach Bill McNamara. "He has been a starter on Stevenson's defense since sophomore year and has compiled a 22-3 record."

After two games this season, Miller paces the Patriots in tackles (32). He's also mindful that his grandfather is watching his every move.

"I think he's coaching from the stands,'' Miller said. "He loves it. He loves analyzing the game. He talks to me after the game and he really helps me."

Miller, who has a scholarship offer from North Dakota, took in football camps this summer at Illinois, Indiana, Ball State, Western Michigan and Northwestern.

It's clear Miller is a special defensive player. He's actually playing a new position in his senior season. The safety has moved to outside linebacker.

"I love playing linebacker,'' Miller said. "I get to come up close and fill in for the run. That's fun being to closer to the line. But I still get to drop deep for the pass."

McNamara is delighted his gifted linebacker is playing despite wearing a brace.

"One of the amazing things about Carl's accomplishments is that most of his games, he has been wearing a cast on his right arm,'' McNamara said. "Carl broke a bone in his right wrist during the last playoff game his sophomore year that has been slow to heal. However, this has not slowed him down."

Miller has moved on from this injury.

"I broke my wrist and it's pretty much healed,'' he said. "I just wore the brace as a precaution."

A year ago as a junior, Miller made a stunning 110 tackles. He had six tackles for loss and made three interceptions.

Stevenson's first victory of the season came over Glenbrook South Sept. 2. And it was close. The Pats prevailed 17-15.

The Pats are home tonight (Friday) in a 7:30 p.m. game against Zion-Benton. There is word that two 2010 graduates are fresh out of boot camp and will be saluted as honorary football captains.

At Buffalo Grove: The Bison scored 41 points on Friday night. On most every night that would lead to an easy victory. However, Schaumburg scored 48 points in this offensive battle. BG quarterback Richard Zirngibl had another terrific outing scoring four touchdowns for the Bison.

The Bison travel to Conant tonight at 7:30 p.m.