First-year starting quarterback Stephen Mills and the Loyd Star Hornets open their season Thursday night at Mount Olive in Covington County. Loyd Star is coming off a 7-4 season in which they won the Region 7-2A title before being knocked from the playoffs by Mize. The 1A Mount Olive Pirates finished 1-11 last season. Kickoff Thursday night is set for 7 p.m.