Happy Homecoming for University of Chicago’s Miles Parlet in 28-12 victory over Cornell

MOUNT VERNON – Miles Parlet enjoyed a bit of a homecoming.

He played just a short drive from his hometown of Cedar Rapids and Iowa City High where he closed his high school career as a second-team all-state running back.

The University of Chicago sophomore had a fun club. Six younger siblings, parents and grandparents watched him take the field against Cornell.

“It’s a family reunion,” Parlet said. “I’m so happy. They try to make it to everything they can to support me. They make it all worth it. I’ve got to say I wouldn’t be doing it if it wasn’t for them.”

Parlet gave them something to cheer about Saturday. He had a game-high 91 rushing yards and scored the opening touchdown, helping the Maroons record a 28-12 victory over the Rams in Midwest Conference college football game in sweltering heat at Van Metre Field of Ash Park.

“I’m so excited,” Parlet said. “I can't even put it into words how fun it's been to travel with such an amazing group of guys, because it all starts with the team. These are the guys, who through thick and thin, I can lean on no matter what.”

Parlet was second on the team in rushing last season, amassing 450 yards and five TDs. He is tops through two games, despite being second in carries. Parlet’s physical style was on display, bouncing off tacklers and running over defenders at times.

“He's a strong kid and he runs the ball hard,” Chicago Coach Craig Knoche said. “You could see that, right? And at the end of the game, he got us a first down that changed the game, too.

“So, great football player, better kid. One of the most positive people you'll ever meet.”

Both defenses were stingy throughout the game. Parlet broke a scoreless tie with 11:41 to go in the second quarter. He powered his way up the middle for an 8-yard TD.

“I always just try to keep my eyes down field and they cleared the lane for me,” said Parlet, who praised his offensive line. “I honestly didn't even feel like I was working too hard because those guys did all the heavy lifting for me. The O-Line really pushed it forward.”

Chicago (1-1) doubled its lead with a less than a minute left before halftime. The Maroons drove 60 yards on 13 plays, melting 6:19 off the clock. Jack Ruff hit Mackey Keenan on a 4-yard backside screen for a score.

Chicago added a 23-yard interception return from Simon Tchakarov for a 21-0 lead with 7:49 to play.

Cornell cracked a goose egg with a Trey Anderson 4-yard TD run with 2:49 remaining.

Parlet helped seal the win for the Maroons on their final drive. He powered his way to an 11-yard gain on 3 rd-and-5 to reach the Rams 27, leading to Avondre Kelley’s 1-yard score.

“It all starts at practice,” Parlet said. “Coaches are always emphasizing to keep the legs churning, getting north and south and fighting downhill because the play's not over until that final whistle blows. We, as running backs, are always told to keep fighting for that last yard, because it's a game of inches, truly.”

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Parlet is majoring in Economics with a specialization in Data Science at a school revered for its high academic standards. Knoche said Parlet’s positivity helps handle the demands of football and the classroom. Parlet has found balance between the two.

“School is rigorous, for sure,” Parlet said. “The coaches are always emphasizing the excitement and the fun that's in the game. Every time we step out on the field the whole team has great energy. We like to study hard. Really hit the books hard and then we get to come out and play the greatest sport in the world. It makes it so fun and it's really just such a privilege. I'm so grateful to be representing such an amazing institution.”

Cornell added a 14-yard touchdown pass from Thomas Monken to Evan Brase as time expired.

“Late in both games, they’ve continued to battle,” First-year Cornell head coach Curt Ritchie said. “We looked pretty good at the end but we have to find a way to have a little identity and play a little better to start.”

The Rams defense played well, limiting the Maroons to 255 yards. They were asked to defend short fields multiple times. The offense couldn’t sustain drives with five 3 rd-and-outs, preventing long rests.

“I thought we made good gains on both sides of the ball but defensively I thought those guys played tremendous,” Ritchie said. “One of those scores was on the offense and we didn’t help as far as getting good field position. Those guys played hard.”

Cornell’s Julius Jenkins provided a Herculean effort. He covered the entire field, tallying 14 total tackles with seven solo. Jenkins also had 6 1/2 tackles for loss, 1 1/2 sacks and a QB hurry.

“Anybody will tell you that he is our most intense worker,” Ritchie said. “He loves football. He’s all football. He comes in and works out early, including in the summer to get himself ready.

“He’s got a great motor and has great energy. He gives you everything he has.”

The Rams offense struggled and couldn’t seem to get the big play when needed. The rush attack yielded just 38 yards.

“We have just not found an identity run-wise,” Ritchie said. “It’s frustrating because I think we have really good backs. We’re capable of doing it up front. We just have to be more complete in the run game. … It’s hard when they can play everybody back and still stop the run with fewer guys.”

“I keep thinking one of these days it will all come together and we’ll be just fine. We have to keep working.”

Cornell (0-2) plays at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis., next week.

University of Chicago 28, Cornell 12 Box score

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com