After the first five possessions at JSerra yesterday afternoon in the second round of the CIF Playoffs, the Millikan coaching staff knew they were outclassed.  They Rams fought hard, but the Lions rolled to an easy win, 16-4.

“They out-quicked us, and out-toughed us,” said Millikan coach Alex Reyes.  “Last year we played Mater Dei and this year it was JSerra… those are two top teams and they are huge.  We shook their hands after the game and I was like ‘wow’… we’re headed to the weight room in the offseason.”

The Rams started the second quarter behind the eight ball when offensive force Nick Beavers picked up his third ejection.  From then on it was more or less Millikan chasing JSerra around the pool.  It was 8-1 at halftime, and after the break Reyes got almost everyone playing time.   That’s a new concept for a Millikan program looking to build something since Reyes and his staff have only been in East Long Beach for 15 months.

“The young guys were talking about club ball and everything on the bus home,” said Reyes.  “We’re going to miss the seniors like Beavers, Miles Nicolau, Dylan Dale, Scott Nyberg, Kyle Nottage, Conner McCombs, Mike Farrell and Jake Nieto… but our JV team finished second in a huge tournament, and we’re returning 30 of 38 players in the program.  We’re excited.”

The Rams will travel to Hawaii next year for a very prestigious tournament, something they hope will turn into a tradition.

Meanwhile in the CIF bracket, fellow Moore Leaguers Wilson could see this JSerra team in the Semis.