Game preview: Star Spencer at Millwood

Star Spencer at Millwood
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: LW Good Stadium

Why Star Spencer could win: Though they’ve got several new starters and a new coach, the Bobcats are a talented team. Their secondary will be able to keep up with Millwood’s speed, and the Star linebackers — though coaches were unhappy with their play last week — will be the foundation of this defense. The offense will find a way to move the ball as sophomore QB Darion Bogus comes along. Stevo Henderson will be crucial as a running back and receiver.

Why Millwood could win: The Falcons won’t face a team with more major-college prospects this season, but recruiting letters don’t always translate to automatic victories. Still, Millwood has the edge in experience, which will pay the most dividends in Week 1. Watch out for RB Shevin Patton. There wasn’t anyone more impressive last week at the Preview than Millwood’s new running back and he’ll get some help with the return of left tackle Devin Dobbins from injury.

Key matchup: Bogus vs. the Millwood secondary. The problem with playing a young, talented quarterback is that his youth contributes to as many plays as his talent does, and against a secondary with guys like Josh Turner and Kevonte Richardson, youthful mistakes turn into interceptions. Too many turnovers will do in the Bobcats real quick.