But this time it's Pierce onal

BRYAN CARBALLO Reporter @BRCreport

Football players often consider the gridiron a battlefield where the opponent is thought of as an enemy.

Last season, wide receiver Kareem Miles was fighting for the Victory Bell as a player with Los Angeles Valley College. Now, Miles is looking to win the Victory Bell for the second straight season, but this time it’s with Pierce.

Every year, the Brahmas and Monarchs participate in a rivalry game dubbed the Victory Bell, where the winner gets to take the bell home until the following year. Valley College has held onto the bell for the past four years, but the football team is hoping it makes its way to Pierce.

Miles is doing everything he can to ensure that the bell does come back to Shepard Stadium.

“I just go hard at practice,” Miles said. “Just building chemistry with my team and letting them know how important this is.”

Although he’s a transfer student, Miles isn’t an unknown face to the team or the coaching staff. Earning 828 yards and 10 TDs last season, Miles caught the eye of John Austin, the wide receivers coach.

Austin has been coaching at Pierce since 2014, and he sees a lot of potential in Miles.

“He's a freak of nature, has great speed, great hands. He is a big playmaker for us,” Austin said. “He’s gifted, has a lot of talent, and has so much room to grow.”

Austin explained how when Miles is on the field, he’s all about business. He said Miles is a quiet guy who keeps to himself. It could be tough to get words out of him, but he said it could be a good thing for him, as it potentially limits distractions.

Jeremy Boyle, special teams coach, had similar high regard for the esteemed wideout.

“He’s a great guy, not one problem with him, he’s getting good grades,” Boyle said. “He drives 2 hours to get here so he is dedicated.”

Miles recently got an offer from Southern Miss. Whie Miles has only played one season of college football, there are people out there who are keeping a close eye on him.

Miles said he is thinking about signing with Southern Miss, but his focus is on this season.

Coming off a tough loss against West LA on Sept. 14, Miles was in high spirits and seemed hopeful as he prepares for the big game.