The562’s football coverage for the 2025-26 school year is sponsored by Long Beach Poly alums Wendell “WoWo” Moe, Jr. & Tyson Ruffins.
The562’s coverage of Millikan Athletics for the 2025-26 school year is sponsored by Brian Ramsey and TLD Law.
Eight minutes into Friday night’s CIF-SS Division 5 playoff opener, it looked like it would be a fun night for the Millikan Rams (3-8) at Aliso Niguel (8-3).
Their defense had already looked dominant in forcing a pair of punts by the Wolverines, and the Rams’ offense marched down the field for a touchdown drive on their opening possession to take a 6-0 lead on the road. Even with their extra point attempt being blocked, the Rams were in firm control of the game in the early stages.
But things changed in a hurry when freshman quarterback Jonah Tuaniga was slammed to the turf by Aliso Niguel defensive end Corey Lewis, injuring his shoulder and forcing him from the game.
Things went from bad to worse three plays later as Millikan’s punt attempt was blocked by Parker Comerford, bouncing directly to Kaleo Elam who scampered into the end zone for a touchdown. The Wolverines converted the extra point to take a 7-6 lead with 2:25 left in the opening quarter, and remarkably, the score would not change for the rest of the night, as the Rams suffered a frustrating loss in their playoff opener.
“We’ve got to figure out a way to win in November,” said Pellum after another disappointing postseason loss, dropping his playoff record at Millikan to 1-5. “We came out with all the momentum, energy, and then when Jonah went down, we just couldn’t quite figure out how to finish on offense. Our defense shut them out, they played a hell of a game. But it’s tough. Words can’t really say it.”
The Rams’ defense forced a pair of turnovers in the first half, with Aisa Taeleifi forcing a fumble that was recovered by Khyon Wilson, and then Kylen Hart adding an interception just before intermission.
Millikan’s front seven was electric, getting a total of five sacks on the night–two each from Karim Almulhim and Peyton McCutcheon. They allowed Aliso Niguel to gain just 44 yards of offense in the second half, as the Rams outgained the Wolverines 247-146 on the night.
With Tuaniga knocked out of the game late in the first quarter, the Rams turned to wide receiver/tight end Jude Nelson to fill in as the signal caller. He was able to lead a solid drive that appeared destined for points, as his 30-yard run down to the Aliso Niguel one-yard line put the Rams in prime scoring position.
Unfortunately for the Rams, that drive did not result in points. Nelson went under center to try a quarterback sneak, but couldn’t corral the snap and had to fall on it for a loss. The next play was a handoff to running back Samson Khan, but the play was blown up by Lewis for a loss back to the six yard line.
The Rams were aggressive on 3rd & goal, as Nelson looked to the air for Jay Williams on a fade route. Unfortunately, his pass came up short and was intercepted by Tate Fettig in the end zone.
“In hindsight, could we have run the ball and kicked the field goal? Yeah. But looking at today, we weren’t able to really run the ball as much,” said Pellum of the playcalling near the goal line. “When they loaded the box, it was tougher. And then do we sit there and rely on our kicking game? We had a blocked punt today, we had a blocked PAT today, in the Lakewood game we had a blocked kick and missed one. When you have things like that it’s like, ‘Okay, let’s go score.’ We’ve just got to be better.”
Millikan received the second half kickoff and got a great return from Landon Ross out near midfield. Tuaniga was able to re-enter at QB for the Rams, driving his offense to Aliso Niguel 23 on that possession, but an interception by CJ Holland turned them away.
The Wolverines defense was able to get consistent pressure on Tuaniga in the second half, with sacks by Deacon Soto and Lewis to interrupt Millikan drives. The actual and implied pressure on Tuaniga was certainly a factor on a number of throws, particularly after halftime.
“It’s tough getting hit, and constantly getting hit, and then favoring his injury a little bit, possibly thinking the rush is there instead of stepping up and throwing,” said Pellum of his young QB. “It happens. He’s a freshman, and he showed some grit today, because he got back in there and he finished the game, and that’s all we could ask for.”
The Millikan defense continued to provide opportunities for the offense to break through, including in the final minutes. Ross returned an Aliso Niguel punt to the Wolverines 41 with 1:50 on the clock, plenty of time for Millikan to punch in a winning score, even with no timeouts.
Tuaniga connected with Nelson (5 catches, 83 yards) on the first play of that drive, getting the ball down to the 19-yard line, again putting the Rams in the outskirts of field goal range.
However, Tuaniga’s next throw came with a rusher in his face and he was unable to drive the throw over Aliso Niguel defensive back Carson Etnire, who elevated for the game-clinching interception at the Wolverines five yard line.
Senior running back Samson Khan had a solid night on the ground for the Rams, picking up 83 yards on 12 carries. The Millikan defense stifled Aliso Niguel quarterback Carter Vestermark, as he was just 9/20 for 118 yards and an interception through the air.
Aliso Niguel will be hosting La Serna in next Friday’s quarterfinal round after the Lancers took down Lakewood, 7-0, in their first round matchup.
