Game preview: Millwood at Lexington

Millwood (9-0, 5-0) at Lexington (4-5, 1-4)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Lexington HS

Why Millwood could win: The Falcons have reached the cusp of an undefeated season, and even though this team has much higher goals, 10-0 is still a big deal. RB Shevin Patton has been hampered by an ankle injury much of this year, but he seems to be getting back to form, evident by his 121 yards and a TD on six carries last week.

Why Lexington could win: Travelle Pelkey. The running back got off to a fantastic start this season, and Lex looked like a top 10 squad. But the road got bumpy. Still, Pelkey is a strong runner and gives Lex a chance to move the ball. Four of their five losses are by nine points or fewer, and they snapped a four-game losing streak last week with an overtime win against Meeker.

Key matchup: Millwood defense vs. Pelkey. Pelkey powers the Lexington offense, but he will face a challenge in the middle this week. With linebackers Larry Seals and Larry Lambeth behind a line that includes DE Clifford Lawrence and DT Davion Pierson, the Falcons can pursue the ball well.

The pick: Millwood 45, Lexington 18.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com