Soul Bowl preview

Millwood (1-0) at Douglass (1-0)
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Where: Moses F. Miller Stadium, Douglass HS

Why Millwood could win: With the talent this team has, there’s no game they can’t win. That’s not saying they will win every game, but there’s not a team in the state with more talent at the skill positions. And both the offense and defense exploded out of the gate in last week’s 42-0 win over Star Spencer. Douglass will be a tougher game, but if the focus is the same, the result should be positive.

Why Douglass could win: The Trojans showed last week that they’re right back on the edge of being ready to make a run at the 4A title, so logically, it seems they should be able to handle the 2A Falcons. But it’s not that easy. Douglass will need to be on top of its game at all spots, primarily the defensive back seven, where they’ll be asked to stop Millwood’s receivers and running back Shevin Patton. But Willis Alexander’s defense showed last week that they can play some stiff ‘D.’

Key matchup: Douglass running backs vs. Millwood linebackers. Millwood’s offense will score points, but if the Falcons are going to knock off the 4A Trojans, it’ll take stopping Aliston Cobb and the Douglass run game. Davion Pierson will help clog the middle, but it’ll be up to the LBs to run to the ball. If Douglass can run the ball successfully, it’ll open up space for QB Shon Bridges to throw the ball. He didn’t throw a lot last week, but was productive when he did. And if Douglass finds balance, they’ll be hard to stop.