On paper, the matchup looked like an even fight.

After Millikan lost to offensive powerhouse Gahr, while Redondo Union fell to one of the country’s best in Serra a few weeks ago – no shame in either of those losses – both teams stood at 1-1 going into Thursday night’s contest at Millikan High.

But on the field, one team clearly had the advantage.

Redondo Union running back Ryan Spiwak had two rushing touchdowns and two interceptions to lead the Sea Hawks, who dominated the line of scrimmage and ran the ball effectively against an outsized and shorthanded Millikan defense. The Sea Hawks held a 28-0 lead into the fourth quarter until Millikan receiver Mahmud Hassan punched in a 3-yard score to make it a 28-7 final.

“There was no quit in our kids tonight,” said Millikan head coach Kirk Diego. “They just ran into a good football team.”

Diego refused to make excuses for his team’s thin depth, but the fact remained that many linemen played both ways and were clearly worn down by the relentless rushing attack and bruising backs of Redondo Union. In fact, two starting linemen did not play on Thursday night and the coaching staff had to shift a wide receiver into the role of offensive tackle.

The Rams had opportunities thanks to a slow start for the Sea Hawks. Spiwak was the star of the night but he fumbled on the game’s first possession and gave Millikan the ball in Redondo Union territory. However a botched field goal attempt prevented the Rams from striking first.

The Rams took excellent field position again on their next possession when a Sea Hawk punt traveled to just the 33-yard line. When junior quarterback Christian Ybarra looked for a crossing receiver over the middle, however, Spiwak made up for his fumble by picking off the pass and returning it to Millikan’s 42-yard line.

A determined Redondo Union drive ended with a Spiwak 3-yard rushing touchdown and the Sea Hawks never looked back.

Millikan will look for a better result when they travel to face Fountain Valley next week.

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