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Mark Garcia. Print Team and Sports Reporter.

// MORE INFORMATION: Associate Mug Shot taken August 24, 2010 : by KATE LUCAS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

LONG BEACH – Aliso Niguel had no trouble moving the ball Friday night. Scoring, however, was problematic.

The Wolverines totaled 412 yards of offense, but failed to score on three trips inside the red zone, leading to a 41-21 loss to Millikan of Long Beach in a nonleague game at Millikan High.

On all three attempts inside the Rams’ 20, the Wolverines were forced to turn the ball over after failing to convert on fourth down. Twice Millikan took advantage, scoring touchdowns of its own, and changing the momentum of the game.

Millikan (2-0), which has been steadily improving over the last two years, amassed 467 total yards, including 357 passing from quarterback John Buksa. He ended the night 15-of-28 with three touchdowns passing and two rushing.

Rams running back Anthony Carswell, who scored five touchdowns last week, gave Millikan a 6-0 lead with a 4-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Aliso Niguel held Carswell in check throughout the night, limiting him to just 23 yards on eight carries.

The Wolverines (1-1) took a 7-6 lead on the ensuing possession when quarterback Nick Chapman hit receiver Blake Sabol for a 10-yard touchdown. It was the only lead Aliso Niguel had all night.

Aliso Niguel closed out the half with a 7-play, 71-yard drive that was capped by a 34-yard touchdown run by junior Andre Cotton. Cotton led all rushers with 132 yards on 15 carries.

Leading 20-14 at halftime, Millikan pulled away with touchdowns on its first two possessions of the third quarter. Aliso Niguel never recovered.

Chapman finished 30-of-54 for 249 yards and a touchdown. Sabol caught nine passes for 105 yards.

Contact the writer: magarcia@ocregister.com