Expectations continue to grow for Millikan Football, and the fall 2021 season could be a big one for the Rams under third-year head coach Romeo Pellum. The Rams have lined up a competitive schedule for the season ahead, and have an intriguing roster looking to take the next step for the program.
Millikan will face a huge test out of the gate with a home game against Santa Ana on Aug. 20. The Saints were 6-0 last season and champions of the Orange Coast League.
“It’s a good game out of the gate for us,” said Pellum. “They should be a good team. They beat a very good Orange High team in the spring.”
The Rams will hit the road for their second contest, visiting Carlsbad High on Aug. 27. The Lancers are led by a familiar face, former Lakewood head coach Thadd MacNeal, who is entering his 11th season with Carlsbad.
“It’s a great test for us early,” Pellum said of the matchup with Carlsbad. “It’ll give us an idea as to where we are and how we match up against high-caliber powerhouse teams in the state.”
Millikan begins September with an exciting local matchup against St. Anthony, hosting the Saints on Sept. 3.
“It’s a good game for our kids and for our city,” Pellum said of the Long Beach vs. Long Beach matchup. “A lot of the kids know each other, so it’s always fun for the kids to play against a team in the city that we wouldn’t normally play in league.”
The Rams will conclude their non-league slate with a home game against La Mirada on Sept. 10, a program that’s had consistent success under head coach Mike Moschetti.
After starting Moore League play with two road games against Jordan and Poly, the Rams will be back at home on Oct. 1 for a huge rivalry showdown with Lakewood. The two rivals did not play one another during the shortened 2021 spring season, and tempers should be high with the Hamilton Trophy again up for grabs. Adding to the intrigue of that matchup, former Millikan head coach Justin Utupo–who directly preceded Pellum–will be in his first season as the Lakewood head coach this fall after returning to his alma mater.
Millikan’s 2021 Fall Schedule:
8/20 vs. Santa Ana
8/27 at Carlsbad
9/3 vs. St. Anthony
9/10 vs. La Mirada
9/17 at Jordan
9/24 at Poly
10/1 vs. Lakewood
10/8 at Compton
10/15 BYE
10/22 vs. Cabrillo
10/29 vs. Wilson
