Huskies’ Miles gets extended playing time

SEATTLE — As the quarterback heir apparent to senior Keith Price, redshirt freshman Cyler Miles got the first extended minutes of his UW career vs. Idaho State on Saturday.

Miles took over in the late minutes of the second quarter and played until the last few minutes of the fourth period in Washington’s 56-0 victory at Husky Stadium.

“It was great to get out there,” said Miles, who was 5-for-7 for 97 yards and one touchdown. “I had a lot of fun.”

He also got some teasing after getting tackled at the Idaho State 4-yard line after a 61-yard dash on the final play of the third quarter. Bengals defensive back Pat Carter came from all the way across the field to stop Miles short of the end zone.

“I need to get in the end zone on that one,” Miles said with a sheepish smile.

UW head coach Steve Sarkisian was generally pleased, saying “(Miles) was a little hesitant early and I think he missed a couple of throws he’s capable of making, but I thought it was good for him to get out and use his legs. We saw his explosiveness on the perimeter and he made a couple of (good) throws.

“It was really good to get him into the rhythm of playing football where he was comfortable.”

The touchdown pass was the first of Miles’ career, but it was more of a showcase for wide receiver John Ross. Midway through the third quarter, he caught the flat pass from Miles, got a block near the line of scrimmage, dodged, and easily won a footrace down the left sideline for a 57-yard TD.

“John Ross did most of the work for me, but it was fun,” Miles said.

“We saw a little glimpse of … why we think (Ross) is so special,” Sarkisian added.

Familiar face

Ex-UW running back Chris Polk was on the sideline for Saturday’s game, cheering on his former teammates. Polk plays for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, and since his team played on Thursday night he was free to travel to Seattle for the game.

Polk used to room with Price, and the two friends were planning to get together after the game. Price was asked if Polk, who is drawing an NFL paycheck, would be buying dinner.

“Hopefully,” Price said. “I’m kind of broke.”

Welcome back

The Husky Legend salute between the third and fourth quarters honored the 1963 UW team that won the Athletic Association of Western Universities (a predecessor of the Pac-8, Pac-10 and Pac-12) championship to reach the Rose Bowl. The team, coached by Jim Owens, included Everett native and future UW head coach Jim Lambright.

Honoring coach James

In the week it was announced that former UW coach Don James was beginning chemotherapy for a malignant tumor on his pancreas, Sarkisian made sure to acknowledge James to his players.

“I talked to the team (Friday) night about Coach James and about playing a brand of football that he’d be proud of,” Sarkisian said.

“(Sarkisian) mentioned to us that Coach James had been released from the hospital and that he was going to be watching the game, and that we had to do this for him,” said safety Sean Parker. “So it was good to go out there and get the win for Don James.”

Thanks, Huskies

Idaho State coach Mike Kramer went out of his way to praise Sarkisian and the Huskies for not leaving his team emotionally and physically battered. It was a contrast to a year ago when the Bengals traveled to Nebraska and suffered a 73-7 loss to the Cornhuskers.

“I’ve been coaching a long time,” Kramer said, “and the way Coach Sarkisian and his staff treated us … was one of the most outstanding examples of sportsmanship and care of another team that I’ve ever seen.”

Kramer said he appreciated “the entire Husky organization for making sure that we didn’t come out of it as badly humbled as last year against Nebraska, and I’m very grateful for that.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.