Paloma's Nolan, Mills accept college football scholarships

Chance Nolan (left) and Phillip Mills pose for pictures with Paloma Valley head coach Tom Tello (left) and assistant Juan Merida. Menifee 24/7 photo: Doug Spoon

Paloma Valley High School on Monday paid tribute to two stars of the school's football team who have accepted NCAA Division I scholarships.

Quarterback Chance Nolan has accepted a scholarship to Middle Tennessee State and linebacker Phillip Mills will attend Boise State. They were honored during a morning celebration on campus attended by their teammates, family members, coaches and administrators. Both will make their selection official during the early signing period next week.

Nolan passed for 3,797 yards and 43 touchdowns to lead the offense for the Wildcats, who posted a 10-3 record and advanced to the CIF Division 5 semifinals this fall. In his three-year high school career, Nolan passed for 9,024 yards and 104 TDs.

Mills helped lead the defense with 55 solo tackles, 14 of them for a loss. He also finished the season with 5.5 sacks and one interception.

"They're great players, great people, and they're great students," coach Tom Tello said about the players. "They are both 4.0 students, so they get it done in the classroom as well. They give us all something to aspire to. I'm proud to be around them."

Nolan said he believed all along that Middle Tennessee State would be a good choice for him. He has developed a relationship with quarterbacks coach Tony Franklin of the Blue Raiders, who will play Arkansas State in the Camellia Bowl on Saturday. The team is 6-6 overall.

"I got offered in the spring and I knew it was a great fit for me," Nolan said. "I took my time, but I kind of solidified my decision in the summer. I'll have an opportunity to fight for the job."

Nolan tried to put into perspective the success of the Wildcats this season.

"The way we came together and turned it on at the end of the year was amazing," he said. "I think the senior leadership really helped us. But our young offensive line ... my hat's off to them. I can't wait to see what they have in store for the future."

Mills said he had eight Division I offers but felt most at home at Boise State when he visited there. The Broncos finished the regular season 10-3 and will face Oregon in the Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday.

"Their coaches showed me the most love," Mills said. "I've been there twice -- one official visit and one unofficial. They told me they're putting me in position to play, but it's up to me, how hard I work and how much I want it."

Mills also listed making the CIF semifinals as a highlight to his senior season.

"To do it my senior year, that was a highlight for me," he said. "Knowing how hard we worked and to go to the semifinals ... we wanted to go all the way, but I think that was pretty good."