HARVEST- Last season, Sparkman’s Miles Tillman raised over $800 to benefit childhood cancer research where donations were accepted on behalf of each of his field goals and extra points he hit during the 10-game season.

In 2019, the talented senior nicknamed “Golden Leg” by his teammates, who was an All-State selection for his play as a junior, is again assisting the work done for the research on helping youngsters with their struggle with cancer. He is asking for matching donations each time he kicks the football through the uprights for the Class 7A Senators.

“I thought I was really successful last year so I figured I would do the same again this season in my final season at Sparkman,” said Tillman. “I’m having a great time doing this for others who need help. Plus, it’s great to see all the community helping out and donating money to help these kids.”

The 5-foot-10, 185-pound place kicker and punter began as a soccer player as a youngster before, at the suggestion of his mother, he joined the football team at Monrovia Middle School. With kicking talents second to none on the squad, Tillman became the starting kicker and punter for the Hawks.

Once upon the Sparkman team Tillman perfected his football talents to where he was named First Team All-State in Class 7A in 2018.

This season Tillman continues to help children with cancer by again assisting the national Kick-It Champion program. So far this season he has hit on 4 field goals and 27 extra points including five against the Senators latest game a 38-0 blanking of Buckhorn. Those pledging have made those donations in several ways- some pledge $1 per point while others pledge a straight up amount for the entire season. His goal is raise at least $1,000 in 2019.

“I hope more people get involved and help this season as the money is going to a good cause,” said Tillman, who has used his twitter account as well as his mother’s and some of the Sparkman coaching staff to get the word out.

Tillman  is hoping attend the University of South Alabama (USA) after high school with his sights set on kicking for the school based in Mobile. Before even considering time spent on the college, he’s currently one of the main weapons have in what has been a perfect 5-0 start to the current campaign and a No. 9 state ranking. The Senators have posted victories over Hazel Green, Gadsden City, Grissom, Huntsville and Buckhorn through the first half of the 10-game regular season schedule.

“This is my passion as I love helping others,” said Tillman, who along with his classroom work and duties as a member of the school’s football team, also works part-time at Handel’s Ice Cream in the Kroger shopping center at the intersection of Jeff Road and Highway 72.

“I’ve been there since May as I wanted to work,” said Tillman, son of Dajuan and Karen Tillman. “I’m also working hard and helping youngsters with cancer.”