Previews and predictions for the top high school football games in the area Thursday.

THURSDAY’S TOP GAMES

Huntington Beach at Millikan, 7 p.m.: The Rams will be tested in their season opener at home against a talented Huntington Beach team. Millikan sophomore quarterback Jonah Tuaniga will get his first opportunity to show how much he has improved since becoming the starter as a freshman. Millikan’s defense allowed 20 or more points in only four of 11 games last season. The Rams will need to show up like that again to contain the Oilers’ Ohio State-committed quarterback, Brady Edmunds, and receiver Dylin Bruce, who is committed to Arizona State. Bruce played at Long Beach Poly as a sophomore. If Tuaniga and Millikan’s offense can start fast, the Rams should be able to outlast the Oilers.

The pick: Millikan

Compton at Jordan, 7 p.m.: The Hub City League versus the Moore League with the CA-91 Gridiron Trophy on the line. That’s what’s at stake when Compton travels to North Long Beach to face former Moore League rival Jordan. The Panthers are led by first-year head coach Rashaad Penny, a former NFL running back. Compton, which is led by longtime coach Calvin Bryant, won last season’s matchup 38-21 behind receiver Edward Rivera’s five receptions for 122 yards. Rivera, who is committed to Sacramento State, is back for his senior season and is expected to also see time at running back, receiver and cornerback. A successful game for Rivera could see him gain 200 or more total yards. Jordan is led by junior quarterback Caydyn Hampton and senior receiver Sama’Jay Jackson. Jordan went 2-8 overall and 1-5 in the Moore League last season. Compton was 4-6 and 2-4 in the Moore League. Both teams should be better than last season, but Compton has the more experienced squad, which should lead the Tarbabes to victory.

The pick: Compton

Bellflower at Santa Ana, 7 p.m.: The Buccaneers are led by sophomore receiver Austin Miller, who committed to Ohio State. The 6-foot-5, four-star recruit was recently dubbed a Top 100 prospect in the nation by Rivals. Bellflower beat Santa Ana 27-21 in last year’s season opener but later forfeited the victory due to an ineligible player. Bellflower finished 8-5 overall last season and should be a much-improved team under second-year coach Keith Miller, especially with senior Elacion Saxton at quarterback. Santa Ana was 4-6 last season and ended last season on a five-game losing streak. If Miller has at least 100 total yards of offense and one touchdown, Bellflower’s balanced offense should run past Santa Ana and begin the season 1-0.

The pick: Bellflower

Cerritos vs. Cypress at Western HS, 7 p.m.: The Gladiators are seeking redemption after losing to the Centurions 17-14 in last year’s season opener. Cerritos coach Demel Franklin will have his squad prepared, but it will need a strong running game to outlast Cypress. If the Gladiators can gain at least 200 yards rushing, they will be primed to pull off a close road victory.

The pick: Cerritos