The562’s coverage of Millikan Athletics for the 2025-26 school year is sponsored by Brian Ramsey and TLD Law.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Poly Athletics for the 2025-26 school year is sponsored by Former Jackrabbits Wendell “WoWo” Moe, Jr. & Tyson Ruffins.
Monday’s matchup between Millikan and Long Beach Poly delivered something the Moore League hasn’t seen through three years of flag football.
The Jackrabbits brought their undefeated Moore League record to DeHaven Stadium, having won all 27 league games in program history including the first meeting with Millikan this season. That trend looked set to continue on Monday, as Long Beach Poly struck first and held the lead for nearly the entire game.
But behind a strong pass rush, Millikan found time to ignite its offense before tying the game in the fourth quarter. After another stop in their own red zone, the Rams marched downfield behind quarterback Holly Ibarra, who connected with Kayla Cisneros for the game-winning touchdown with just nine seconds left, sealing a dramatic 13-6 victory.
“These girls showed resilience, man,” said Millikan coach Romeo Pellum after the game. “They were prepared, they were ready, and I mean they played their butts off. They left it all on the field and I’m just so proud of them.”
With each team’s only loss coming against the other, Millikan and Long Beach Poly are now tied atop the Moore League standings. For senior Kate Martin, who has been the heart of Millikan’s program since flag football began in 2022, the win carried extra meaning with the Rams’ first share of a Moore League title now within reach.
“I can’t even explain it. It’s just the best feeling ever,” the senior said, wearing her emotion on her face. “It’s been one of our goals since I joined the team to beat Poly and to be able to do it in my senior year, it’s just such a great feeling.”
After the game, Long Beach Poly head coach Rob Shock made no excuses despite being shorthanded. The Jackrabbits were missing All-Moore League and USA Softball standout Ki’ele Ho-Ching, along with several other players sidelined due to injury.
“They made some great adjustments and flustered us. They have some great athletes over there and their girls play with heart,” credited Shock. “I knew it was going to be a tough game coming into it so it was just about who wanted it more, and I don’t know if I set them up as well as I should’ve. We didn’t take advantage of a lot of our opportunities and those Millikan girls came to play today.”
Those missed chances loomed large for the Jackrabbits, who struggled to finish drives in the second half. After a first-quarter touchdown from QB Brooklyn Richardson to Bailey Holder, Poly’s offense stalled on three goal-to-go possessions, turning the ball over on downs each time.
But credit the Millikan defense, which kept the Rams in it with a handful of sacks from players like Alyssa Carillo and Martin. That pressure helped limit what was otherwise a big day on the ground from Richardson and gave Millikan’s offense time to get going.
After forcing a turnover on downs minutes into the fourth quarter, the Rams’ offense got going on a drive that saw Ibarra connect with Martin three times, including a tough deep-ball catch that put Millikan at the one-yard line. Ibarra then rolled out to the right and ran into the end zone to tie the game.
Millikan came up with another turnover on downs with two minutes left after three consecutive sacks on goal-to-go, including a pair from Carillo. Ibarra then led another drive, once again finding Martin on a deep ball down the left side to set up first-and-goal. This time, she rolled out and hit Cisneros for the game-winner.
“I just had to relax and stay calm, cool and collected,” Ibarra said of the game-winning drive. “We just had to understand our assignments as an offense and make good decisions with the football. I know I can trust my team to come through and we were able to get in our rhythm.”
Ibarra said the team will enjoy the win but emphasized the importance of moving forward to win out and claim a share of the title.
“Our team just wanted it. This whole week this is what we were looking forward to. But we’re not satisfied yet because we’re not in first place, and that’s our goal. It felt good getting the win, though,” she said.
Shock tells The562 that both teams are in discussions about scheduling a third game between the schools in order to determine an outright Moore League. Both Poly and Millikan still have several league games to play the rest of the regular season, but The562 will provide updates if a tie-breaking game is scheduled between the two programs
Poly will host Compton on Thursday while Millikan will have a local matchup against St. Anthony. The Rams will return to league play at Compton next Monday.
