The562’s coverage of Millikan athletics in the 2023-24 school year is sponsored by Curtis Boyer.
It’s not a scoreline we’ve grown accustomed to seeing from the Millikan Rams in recent seasons, but in the parlance of our times: a win is a win.
The Rams’ defense put on a strong performance on the road, helping Millikan to a 17-10 victory over St. Francis. A TD grab by Loyall Mouzon midway through the fourth quarter proved to be the difference, as the Rams earned a gritty non-league win up in La Canada.
An interception by Millikan’s Ricky Cherry early in the second quarter set up the first points of the night as Jayden Icasiano drilled a 39-yard field goal to put the Rams on top 3-0.
St. Francis answered back just before the break, as running back John Calmette ran one in from 10 yards out to give the hosts a 7-3 halftime lead. Millikan nearly added another field goal to end the second quarter, but it was blocked.
The Golden Knights extended their lead to seven with a field goal in the third quarter, but the Rams responded quickly. Mouzon returned the ensuing kickoff back to midfield, setting up Millikan’s first touchdown drive, which lasted for one entire play. Kyle Parker took a handoff and raced untouched for the score to make it 10-10 with 2:26 left in the quarter.
Millikan would later take the lead back with 6:41 left to play as JP Mialovski floated a jump ball up to the right guy. Mouzon elevated over his defender just beyond the goal line, hauling in a 22-yard TD to give the Rams a 17-10 lead.
The Millikan defense then forced a 3-and-out thanks to solid coverage plays from Cherry and Matt Robinson, and St. Francis never got the ball back. The Rams’ offense was able to run the final 5+ minutes off the clock, picking up a key fourth-and-1 conversion at St. Francis’ 42-yard line as Mialovski kept it on a QB sneak to move the chains.
Next week could be another entertaining game for the Rams as they host what projects to be a very even matchup with Upland. Kickoff at DeHaven Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday night.
