Miscues Cost Westminster in Loss to Millikan

Two mistakes early in the game helped Millikan High School defeat Westminster, 13-7, in a nonleague game at Westminster Friday night.

Millikan’s Robert Darville intercepted Westminster’s Johnny Mahurien following the opening kickoff and returned the ball to his own 47. Seven plays later, Dione Tyler scored on a 25-yard pass from Scott Allen with 8:35 remaining in the first quarter.

Early in the second quarter, Westminster’s Steven Kale recovered Sheve Branch’s fumble at the Millikan 19. Five plays later, Robert Besanson tied the game on a 13-yard pass from Mahurien with 8:35 to play.

Three plays after the ensuing kickoff, Branch broke around the left tackle and ran 37 yards for the winning touchdown with 7:41 left in the second quarter.

Said Westminster Coach Stan Clark: “We looked good at times, but we sputtered a lot. Two fumbles and an interception hurt. We also hurt ourselves with dumb penalties (12 for 97 yards).”

Millikan, led by Allen (22 carries, 114 yards) gained 303 yards rushing on 51 carries. Westminster (1-1), led by Christian Moore (11-76), was held to 73 yards on 25 carries. Mahurien completed eight of 12 passes for 81 yards.