The562’s coverage of Cabrillo Athletics is sponsored by the Cohn Family.
A strong defensive performance, combined with an emerging vertical passing attack, led the Millikan Rams past the visiting Cabrillo Jaguars by a score of 24-6 on Wednesday afternoon.
Rams quarterback Holly Ibarra threw three touchdown passes for the home team, connecting with a trio of different receivers for scores–Sophia Sala, Kate Martin and Sophia Romo.
“Our girls are figuring it out, and they’re getting better every week,” said Rams head coach Romeo Pellum. “The more they play, the more we practice, the better they get, and I’m proud of them. We’re now 4-1 in league, and now it’s time for our second round of league, plus Jordan a couple times. The goal is to win it, and we’re going to take it a game at a time and see where we end up.”
Millikan opened the scoring with a 33-yard TD pass from Ibarra to Sala, giving them a 6-0 lead at the 17-minute mark in the first half.
The Jags were able to respond on their ensuing drive, however, on a great play call to Stephanie Salgado. The senior went in motion and received a direct snap on the run, continuing to the Cabrillo sideline where she turned up field and took it the distance for the tying score.
But from that point on, the Millikan defense locked in and didn’t allow another score from the Jags.
Martin made a juggling TD grab over the middle on Millikan’s next drive to give her team the 12-6 lead, which is where things stood at halftime. Both teams traded interceptions on their final drives of the half with Romo hauling one in for Millikan and Jessica Gomez snagging one for the Jags.
It was then Malia Torres hauling in an INT for the Rams defense to thwart Cabrillo’s opening second-half possession, and it took more than 21 minutes to see any points after halftime.
Ibarra connected with Martin for a big 31-yard gain down inside the Cabrillo 5, which set up a short TD toss to Romo for an 18-6 Millikan lead at the two-minute warning. Ibarra’s ability to stretch the field is a valuable weapon for the Rams’ offense, and one that continues to improve.
“She has a really, really strong arm,” said Pellum of his QB. “It’s a little different than softball, but once she learns how to throw with the wind, it’s over. Because she has one of the strongest arms that I’ve seen, she can make every throw.”
The Millikan defense then sealed the deal in style as Nicole Chechire stepped in the passing lane for an interception and took it all the way for a touchdown, giving the Rams the 24-6 win.
Both teams return to Moore League action on Monday as Millikan visits first-place Long Beach Poly and Cabrillo hosts Compton. Both varsity contests are scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m.
