After spending four straight seasons as Port Byron's starting quarterback, it may have been a shock to Ray Miles' system when he didn't see any varsity action as a freshman on the SUNY Cortland football team in 2005.

But Miles didn't see it as a disappointment. He saw it as a chance to learn.

“It was a great start to my career,” Miles said. “The opportunities developed for me.”

Three years later, Miles has cemented himself in Cortland's record book and is leading the 16th-ranked Red Dragons into an NCAA Division III quarterfinal game against No. 1 Mount Union, at noon today.

This season, his senior campaign, Miles set a school record in career touchdowns (46) and single-season pass yards (2,772). He is also second in career passing (5,492) and career offensive yards (5,409). And with one more touchdown, the Port Byron native will set the Cortland record for most single-season touchdowns (21).

But the quarterback prefers to stay in the moment, preferring to focus more on Mount Union than his accomplishments.

“We're just living in the moment,” Miles said. “After we win a few more games, then I might let it soak in.”

Cortland (11-1) already has two postseason wins under its belt - in the first round to Plymouth State and against Curry in the second round.

But Mount Union (12-0) is a perennial Division III powerhouse.

That's why Miles knows today's game is a big opportunity for the Red Dragons. And if history holds true, Miles tends to make the most of his opportunities.

Twice in his career, Miles took over the starting quarterback job due to injuries. Cortland's former starter, Alex Smith, was injured halfway through the 2006 season. Miles took over, starting three games before he suffered an injury that cost him the rest of the season.

When Smith went down again in 2007, Miles grabbed the starting role for good.

He finished last season with 2,157 yards and 19 touchdowns on 168-for-318 passing. This season, he started all 12 games, throwing for 2,772 yards and 21 touchdowns on 184-of-308 passing.

And with Miles at the helm, Cortland has back-to-back 11-win seasons, including its first playoff win since 1988.

“He is one of the most prolific quarterbacks in school history,” said Dan MacNeill, Cortland head coach and NJAC Coach of the Year. “He is the best, established quarterback we have.”

Miles believes he's a better quarterback for having to work for his playing time. He wasn't just thrust into the starting role. He had to earn it and keep it.

“Maturity comes with each game you play in,” he said. “You experience that pocket presence and every game you expect improvement.”

Miles started to feel things click his sophomore season when he developed a better understanding of the team's complex offense. He was pleased to play well during his stint as a starter his junior year, but it wasn't until this season that he felt like a team leader.

It's a role he now embraces.

“During spring camp, my teammates and I just clicked,” he said. “It felt really good. There's been a lot of stuff between us.”

Part of Miles' success comes from the offensive line and the success of Red Dragons' running back Andrew Giuliano.

“They are such a help to us,” Miles said.

A vital part of any championship team starts up front. Miles hopes that's the case this season.

“That's all I want to finish this year with,” he said.

Miles knows his main job today is to avoid turnovers and help his team convert on third downs. A team the caliber of Mount Union will almost certainly take advantage of fumbles or interceptions.

“I can't force something that isn't there,” said Miles, who has 10 interceptions this season. “I have to take care of the ball and stay solid across the board.”

Miles was rewarded this week, being named to the All-NJAC First Team on Tuesday.

“I'm proud of it,” he said. “It's been an up-and-down time with what we've accomplished, but we still have work that needs to be done.”

MacNeill, a former Port Byron coach himself, feels confident being led by a former Panther. And his coach's confidence is all Miles needs.

“I'm glad to know he feels that about me,” Miles said. “It's an honor - he's seen a lot of good quarterbacks.”