The562’s coverage of Lakewood Athletics is sponsored by J.P. Crawford, Class of 2013.
The562’s coverage of Millikan Athletics for the 2025-26 school year is sponsored by Brian Ramsey and TLD Law.
There’s a lot that can change in 12 months.
The last time the Lakewood and Millikan football programs faced off – the Rams were surging on their way to an undefeated Moore League run, while Lakewood was looking to force a three-way tie for first.
This year, Millikan (2-6, 2-2) is fighting for a playoff berth after a loss to Poly that puts the Rams in must-win mode for the rest of the season as the two face off in the Battle of the Blueprint – with the Hamilton trophy on the line.
“It shouldn’t take much, you know, to get the team ready,” Millikan coach Romeo Pellum said of getting the team ready with the season on the line. “If we have to get them up to win this game, then we probably won’t win the game. You know what I mean? We’re at a point right now in our season, you know, especially our seniors. Either we win or it’s over.”
In their win last season, the Rams struck first as they scored an explosive play on their first drive on a long run from JP Mialovski and then leaned on Anthony League to take a 48-26 lead at halftime before pulling away for a 69-28 win.
While the Rams don’t have the dominating run game they had last season, they have multiple playmakers across the offense that can break the game open whenever they touch the ball. Last week Samson Kahn was a big factor in their comeback attempt against Poly.
Senior Jude Nelson will be a big factor for Millikan on both sides of the ball and will be a big target for freshman Jonah Tuaniga. He’ll also look to contain Lakewood’s Kade Casillas who can hurt defenses when he’s able to keep plays alive with his feet.
“Our goal is to win and dominate every game,” Nelson said. “I think being in the game the whole time, it just allows me to be a game changer. Whether it be Kade rolling out and me having to set the edge or catching a pass from Jonah just to help our team win – whatever it takes.”
“I’m trying to keep him in that backfield,” Millikan senior defensive end Peyton McCutcheon said. “If anything, further back in the backfield, I don’t need him running around. If he has that hair out, it’s fair game. I just want to let that be known andI want it to be a good game. When the best team comes out on top.”
For Lakewood (5-3, 3-1), they’ve faced their share of adversity – but it came before the season started with their head coach Justin Utupo accepting the job at Long Beach Poly and Caleb Tafua – the team’s top receiving target – transferring out.
The Lancers have responded this season by rallying behind coach Mario Morales and their core of senior leaders winning every game they’ve been projected to win and are in position once again to be in the conversation for one of the top spots in the Moore League.
Kade Casillas and company have had the Millikan game circled on their calendar and are ready to take on Millikan.
“We’ve had a good week of practice,” Casillas said. “Mentally focused, everyone pitched in and did what they had to do. Our one through 11 had a good week of practice. We want a chance at winning the league, if it’s possible.”
While Casillas has been a game-breaker for the Lancers using his feet to keep plays alive to use his arm to find his guys down field, senior Tiwan Jones has continued to show his big-play ability at every phase of the game. In Lakewood’s win last week Jones had an interception, a punt return for touchdown and a receiving touchdown.
“Coming into this game our defensive players are more dialed into the game plan,” Jones said about what’s changed with this year’s defense. “I think us believing in each other, trusting one another and knowing our athletes are better than theirs.”
Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Millikan.
