This week, all of The562’s coverage is sponsored by Long Beach Gives. Visit LongBeachGives.org to find your cause and support local nonprofits! Donations will be accepted through Sept. 21.
The562’s coverage of football in 2023-24 is sponsored in part by the MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center Foundation and Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital Foundation
The562’s coverage of Millikan athletics in the 2023-24 school year is sponsored by Curtis Boyer.
The Millikan and Jordan football game last season was one of the best Moore League contests in any sport last athletic year. The Rams emerged from the thriller with a 58-54 victory, so Jordan is looking for some payback when they host this matchup again on Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Jordan (4-0) is undefeated after its non league schedule for the second consecutive year under coach Jon Nielsen with wins over North Torrance, Peninsula, George Washington Prep and La Mirada.
Quarterback J.J. Nielsen has put up incredible numbers for the Panthers already this season with 1,382 yards passing. The junior has completed almost 70 percent of his attempts with 10 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Nielsen has also rushed for 461 yards and four touchdowns.
Millikan (3-2, 1-0) is riding high after dominating Wilson in its league opener last week. The Rams have had some challenging opponents and road trips this season, but seem to be improving every week.
Last year in this game, there were four lead changes in the last five minutes of the game, before Millikan quarterback Myles Jackson found Jaden Hunt for a 17-yard touchdown with 11 seconds left to give the Rams a 58-54 victory over the Panthers. WATCH HIGHLIGHT VIDEO
Millikan head coach Romeo Pellum did not coach the game after the school’s administration announced that it was forfeiting its four wins so far this season due to use of an ineligible player.
There is also an extra twist tonight considering that both teams have star players coming back to full form this week. Millikan’s USC signee Ryan Pellum and Jordan’s Arizona commit Jordan Washington have been held out of recent games for injury and rest purposes. Will they return with rust or well rested in one of the biggest league games of the season?
