The562’s football coverage for the 2026-27 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.
After an injury-riddled, tough start to the 2026 football season, Millikan is hoping to come out of its bye week fresh when the Rams continue non-league play tonight against Notre Dame. The Rams will host the Knights at DeHaven Stadium with kickoff set for 7 pm.
Head coach Romeo Pellum has not confirmed whether sophomore quarterback Jonah Tuaniga or running back Ryan Carter will be available for Friday. If Tuaniga remains unavailable, that would turn the helm back over to senior Garrett McLeod at quarterback for the third straight game. McLeod returned to football after leaving the program to focus on baseball as a junior.
Regardless of who’s in or out, it’ll be an uphill battle for the Rams against a 4-0 Notre Dame squad. The Knights have been lights out through their undefeated start to the season, averaging over 45 points per game while outscoring their opponents a combined 182-66. That schedule has included wins over Crespi, Bishop Alemany, Moreau Catholic and Oaks Christian.
The Knights are led by QB Tahj Skinner, who’s thrown for 134 yards per game with nine total touchdowns and one interception. Juniors Emmanuel Pullins and Mica Weaver have been the top targets, combining for seven of those touchdowns, while fellow junior Noel Washington has led the run game with over 80 rushing yards per game and six total touchdowns.
Defensively, Millikan will have to overcome Notre Dame’s strength up front, which includes linebacker/defensive lineman Vaughn Ovsepyan, who’s leading the team in tackles and sacks. Impressively, Skinner will also be at defensive back, where he and fellow senior Dylan Northcutt each have a pair of interceptions this season.
Millikan will have some questions on either side of the field due to injuries and new players stepping in, as the Rams enter the final week before the sit-out period ends which should bring some consistency to starting roles. Offensively, Jay Williams has been the most consistent skilled presence, and Williams had six grabs for 98 yards and a touchdown in Millikan’s loss to Capistrano Valley.
The Rams can use a win after starting the season 0-4. With two fewer Moore League matchups, Millikan will conclude its longer non-league schedule next week at Palos Verdes before starting league play at Lakewood on Oct. 9.
