On September 25,2026, the Sherman Oaks Notre Dame Knights achieved a 30-0 shutout against the Millikan Rams in Long Beach. This victory keeps the state-ranked Knights undefeated while Millikan remains at 0-5.
Tahj Skinner's three-touchdown performance drives the Knights' offense
Quarterback Tahj Skinner led the Sherman Oaks Notre Dame offense with high efficiency, completing 14 of 19 passes for 167 yards. As reported by the source, Skinner's connection with receiver Mica Weaver proved lethal, as the duo combined for two touchdown passes—one for 9 yards and another for 6 yards. Skinner also found Quincy Hearn for a 21-yard score late in the second quarter, providing the momentum needed to pull away. Running back Noah Washington also contributed to the offensive surge, recording a 17-yard touchdown run in the closing seconds of the third quarter.
Millikan's special teams errors gift Notre Dame short fields
The 30-0 margin was heavily influenced by Millikan's inability to secure the ball during critical special teams plays. According to the report, a muffed punt following a fair catch signal allowed the Knights to take over at the Rams' 11-yard line, leading to an immediate Weaver touchdown. Later, a blocked punt by Trace Lowrey set the Notre Dame offense up at the 12-yard line, allowing Charlie Szaras to kick a 20-yard field goal. Millikan head coach Romeo Pellum attributed the loss to these specific miscues, noting that the team was "minus two in the turnover battle."
Freshman Damian Diaz manages a difficult first start for the Rams
With starting quarterback Jonah Tuaniga sidelined by injurry, freshman Damian Diaz took the reins for his first career start at Millikan High. Diaz finished the game with 35 passing yards on 7 completions out of 18 attempts and was sacked twice during the contest. Despite the struggles, Coach Pellum noted that Diaz "managed the game well" and maintained positive momentum on first downs. Diaz himself acknowledged the learning curve, stating he needs to "read the defense a little better" in future matchups to improve his performance.
A state-ranked defense holds Millikan to zero points
The Sherman Oaks Notre Dame defense, curently ranked 33rd in the state, stifled the Millikan offense throughout the contest in Long Beach. The Knights' defensive unit recorded key stops from players like Obehi Oyamendan, Vaughn Ovsepyan, Malcolm Allen, and Richard Dunn to prevent the Rams from finding any rhythm. The Knights' defense was so effective that they held the Rams scoreless for the entire duration of the game, even as Millikan's defense managed to record three sacks and force a fumble.
Can Millikan find a winning formula before facing PV High?
Several questions remain for the 0-5 Millikan Rams as they look to break their losing streak. It is unclear how the coaching staff will address the recurring special teams errors that directly led to Notre Dame's scoring drives. Furthermore,the impact of Jonah Tuaniga's injury on the long-term stability of the Rams' offense remains an unverified variable as they prepare for their next matchup against PV High.
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