Millikan vs. Long Beach Poly Football – The562.org

The562’s football coverage in 2024-25 is sponsored by The Terry Donahue Memorial California Showcase.

The562’s coverage of Long Beach Poly is sponsored by Bryson Financial.

After twelve months of anticipation, the Moore League Super Bowl is here. Regardless of what happens on the field at DeHaven Stadium tonight, when Millikan hosts Long Beach Poly, it will be the game everyone remembers from this football season. Last year, the Rams’ narrow overtime loss to the Jackrabbits put the city on notice: The 2024 Moore League title was up for grabs.

Poly hasn’t lost a league game on the field since 2009, when they were defeated by Millikan and Lakewood. Before that, they hadn’t lost since 1996. A year full of anticipation and a season full of hype are 48 minutes of action tonight at 7 p.m. At practice this week, both teams showed a quiet confidence about their chances.

Poly coach Stephen Barbee is aware this game carries a little more weight than the average Moore League contest, but he said it didn’t change his team’s preparation all week.

“Once we start league in our room, every week is championship week,” he said. “We’re trying to go undefeated in the league, get a Moore League championship and move on from there. I don’t think it was more than, that’s another step. They are a very good team and we have to make it happen.”

Rams coach Romeo Pellum also acknowledged history was at stake, but said that wasn’t his team’s focus.

“Everyone knows, I mean, it’s Long Beach, right?” Pellum said. “But here too it is the standard that we have. It’s about us doing everything right. People ask me what it will take to beat Poly – it’s about us. It’s a game, there will be a winner and a loser. For us it’s about winning your individual battle in your own situation. That’s what we’re focusing on.”

Below are links to all of our coverage leading up to the game. The562 will be on hand tonight with live updates and comprehensive coverage.