CIF Co-Offensive Player of the Year Darrian Miller scored three touchdowns, but the Bandits lost Champions Bowl IV to Duke City on Saturday, 31-27.

The Gladiators had a 7-0 lead after one quarter, but then Miller’s day started, scoring from three yards out in the second quarter to tie the game at 7.

Just before halftime, with the Bandits trailing 14-10, Miller scored with 7 seconds left in the half, to give Sioux City the 17-14 halftime lead.

But Duke City outscored Sioux City 17-3 in the third quarter. Touchdowns by Sedrick Johnson (receiving) and Clifton Rhodes (rushing) gave the Gladiators their largest lead of the day, 31-20.

Miller scored his third touchdown early in the fourth quarter, but that was the last of the scoring, as the Gladiators were able to hold on defense, and run out the clock late, after the Bandits had burned all their timeouts.

The Bandits forced two turnovers, but didn’t get points out of a key fumble recovery midway through the fourth quarter, that could have given Sioux City the lead. Duke City out-gained Sioux City, 252 yards to 184.

It’s the first championship for Duke City, who finishes 12-2. The Bandits finish 11-4.