Richmond-Burton quarterback Joe Miller knew at some point he would be required to throw the ball more than a few times a game like the Rockets had in their first five games.

The ideal time for that came on Friday, when R-B, No. 3 in The Associated Press Class 4A poll, visited Sycamore, No. 4 in 5A. It was the Rockets’ biggest regular-season game in a long time as they got a chance to see how good they were against a school with an enrollment almost twice their size.

R-B defeated Sycamore, 42-20, and Miller, a junior, had his best game of the season, completing 7 of 8 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Miller was rewarded by being voted as the FridayNightDrive.com Team of the Week MVP. He received 266 votes, 23 more than the next-highest total.

Also voted to Team of the Week were his R-B teammates fullback Brock Wood, offensive lineman Enzo Martinez and defensive back Coleman McDonough. Other area players voted to the team were Crystal Lake Central quarterback Colton Madura, McHenry wide receiver Kyle Kaempf, McHenry offensive lineman Luke Zunkel, Woodstock defensive lineman Gavin Loiselle, Woodstock linebacker Jack Raymond and Marian Central defensive back John Ahler.

Miller answered a few questions from Northwest Herald sports writer Joe Stevenson.

What will you remember most about Friday’s win at Sycamore?

Miller: “The way our team supported one another. Last Friday felt like a 2019 playoff game the way we prepared and executed. Everyone played great and our sideline had the most energy it had seen in a long time.”

Which of your teammates really inspires you?

Miller: “Nate Komar. Not only have we been on the same team since second grade, he is a very close friend of mine. Each and every day he goes to work, never complains, never whines and consistently gives it his all. He truly has a passion for the game which I admire greatly.”

What is your favorite class?

Miller: “Math. For as long as I can remember, math has always been my favorite subject. They say you’re either a math brain or a history brain, but I’m definitely a math brain.”

If you could celebrate touchdowns in high school like they do in the NFL, what would you do with your teammates?

Miller: “We’d probably bring out our smallest guy (Brogan McKeown) and use him as a bowling ball to knock down some of our teammates.”

You were on the sideline as a freshman at DeKalb two years ago, what are your fondest memories of R-B’s state championship game?

Miller: “I’d have to say seeing the smiles on every senior’s face. My brother, Conrad Miller, was a senior that year. Being able to play on the same team with not only him, but his friends who brought me in and treated me like a little brother was a memory I’ll hold forever. Those players were a part of something special that very few people get to experience.”

What do you have for your usual pregame meal?

Miller: “Turkey sub with lettuce and provolone from Jersey Mike’s, water, and a bag of pretzels.”

Do you have any pregame superstitions or rituals?

Miller: “Sit and listen to music to get my mind right. I don’t necessarily have a specific genre but just whatever I’m feeling on that day.”

Who is the most famous person you have ever taken a picture with?

Miller: “Matt Nagy after an eighth grade basketball tournament where we got blown out by his son’s team.”

If you could play at any college, where would it be?

Miller: “Wisconsin.”

What is your favorite professional sports team?

Miller: “Unfortunately, it’s the Bears. I love them to death, but they definitely put an emotional toll on me every season.”