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.
It’s hard to be happy after a loss, especially one the size of Millikan’s loss to Notre Dame on Friday—but when you take into account the circumstances surrounding it, the picture becomes a lot more hopeful for the Millikan football team.
The Rams (0-4) found themselves in another short-handed, tough matchup while hosting the Knights (4-0) at DeHaven Stadium, but put together some positives in another loss despite being unable to get anything going on offense with a freshman filling in as the Rams’ third quarterback this year. Aside from a pair of touchdowns off turnovers in Millikan territory, the Rams’ defense left plenty of good tape on the field despite eventually falling 30-0 to Notre Dame.
“Our defense played well. I think we played good up front for the most part, and we played good at the line of scrimmage,” said Millikan coach Romeo Pellum of his takeaways. “I think our defense was better on third down today, and our offense was better on first down. We lost the turnover battle, and you can’t have that. We just have to get better on those important phases of the game.”
Notre Dame was led by quarterback and defensive back Tahj Skinner, who finished the game 12-for-19 for 167 passing yards and three touchdowns, while Mica Weaver had six grabs for 79 yards and two scores. Running back Noel Washington finished with 14 carries for 77 yards and a touchdown in the win.
Offensively, Millikan had to go with freshman Damian Diaz at quarterback with injuries to starting quarterback Jonah Tuaniga and backup Garret McLoud, and Diaz did a nice job all things considered. It was promising to see Tuaniga suited up for the game, and Millikan is hopeful to have him back soon, along with a handful of other starters with the end of the sit-out period next week.
“[Diaz] showed a lot of grit and fight today, man,” Pellum said. “He took some tough hits and he got up and finished the game. That’s all we can ask of him. He’s a freshman and he’s got bones of fire against the No. 33 team in the state. I’m sure there’s a couple throws that he’ll want back, but he managed the game really well. It’s really good for us that we now have three guys who have started games, so we’re going into the league with three guys who we’re comfortable with.”
Millikan put together a strong opening drive as Diaz connected through the air with Jay Williams, Joshua White and Josiah Carter before a fumble near midfield brought the drive to an end. The Rams’ defense responded by forcing a punt, but Millikan fumbled the return to give Notre Dame the ball at the Rams’ 11-yard line. The Knights capitalized on the short field, as Skinner found Weaver for a nine-yard touchdown to take a 6-0 lead in the first quarter.
The Rams were forced to punt on their next two drives, while Notre Dame settled for a pair of field goal attempts. The Knights missed their first from 49 yards out before putting together a five-play drive that ended with a 20-yard field goal from Charlie Szaras to extend their lead to 9-0.
Millikan was forced to punt once more before halftime, and Notre Dame found the end zone heading into the break after receiving the ball at its own 39-yard line with under two minutes to play. Skinner found Samuel Kasendorf for a 35-yard pickup before connecting with Weaver for a six-yard touchdown to put the Knights up 16-0 at halftime.
After back-to-back punts from either side to open the second half, Notre Dame increased its lead on its following drive. The Knights needed just three plays after taking over at Millikan’s 38-yard line, as Skinner connected with Weaver on three straight passes, including a six-yard touchdown strike.
Notre Dame added one last touchdown in the third quarter, as Skinner found running back Nolen Washington on a pair of passes before another completion to Weaver. Noel Washington then capped the drive with a 17-yard touchdown run to give the Knights a 30-0 lead.
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.
