Games today unless noted
The big game
No. 10 Escondido (6-2, 4-0 Valley)
at No. 7 Mission Hills (7-1, 4-0), 7:30
The winner is guaranteed at least a cut of the Valley League title. The Cougars, who climbed as high as No. 3 in section rankings, hit a two-game skid midseason. But they've shown resiliency, winning the games they are supposed to win behind the rushing attack of Noel Phillips and Tyler Ennis. Escondido's defense is quick and athletic, and coach Paul Gomes knows how to bring pressure. The Cougars will need to slow down Mission Hills QB Caleb Charlow, who has blossomed into a strong game manager. He can make plays with his arms and feet and even returns kicks. RB Dante Potter is a slippery ball carrier, and the Mission Hills goal-line package is as formidable as any in the region. The Grizzlies are allowing 7.8 points per game. (Web: xxsportsradio.com)
North spotlight
Fallbrook (0-8, 0-3 Avocado) at El Camino (5-3, 2-1), 7:30: Warriors running out of chances to get that first win. It will be tough against El Camino's balanced offensive attack.
Vista (3-5, 1-2 Avocado) at No. 4 Oceanside (5-2-1, 2-0-1), 7:30: Pirates QB Steven Carroll was efficient and effective last week, tossing four touchdown passes against Fallbrook. (Web: hitekradio.com)
No. 6 La Costa Canyon (6-2, 3-0 Palomar) at Rancho Bernardo (3-4, 2-1), 7:30: Mavs can't look ahead to next week's showdown against Torrey Pines. Broncos have talent on both sides of ball.
Mt. Carmel (4-4, 1-3 Palomar) at Poway (5-3, 1-2), 7:30: Titans responded to blowout loss against El Capitan with a win. Can they do the same after getting thumped last week by LCC? (Web: KBCsports.com)
No. 1 Torrey Pines (8-0, 3-0 Palomar) at Westview (0-8, 0-4), 7:30: Falcons have won eight consecutive Palomar League games. Wolverines have lost nine consecutive Palomar League games.
Ramona (4-4, 2-3 Valley) at Orange Glen (4-4, 1-3), 7:30: With 977 rushing yards coming in, Ramona running back Kyle Blackwell should easily clear the 1,000-yard milestone against a team that's allowed 129 points the past three games.
San Pasqual (4-4, 3-1 Valley) at Valley Center (3-5, 1-3), 7:30: Jags let big upset get away last week against Escondido. Now they face an offense that's found its identity and is loaded with confidence.
Cathedral Catholic (4-4, 2-1 Eastern) at Scripps Ranch (6-2, 2-1), 7:30: Dons rolling after lopsided win over Henry. Falcons try to avoid hangover from loss in last week's Forcier Bowl. (Web: KBCsports.com)
Bishop's (6-2, 2-1 Coastal) at Santa Fe Christian (6-2, 3-0), tomorrow, 2: Bishop's loss last week to Christian opens the door for SFC to run away with the Coastal League title.
Player profile
Tyler Ennis, Escondido
On the field: The 5-foot-10, 170-pound senior running back is the guy who gets the ball when Escondido needs a yard. Noel Phillips is the Cougars' lightning, Ennis is very much their thunder in short-yardage and goal-line situations. He has nine touchdowns this year and said he hopes to walk on at some college next season.
Just run, baby: “When it's short yardage, I just try to pound it in there as hard as I can. I'm not the fastest back and I can't really juke that much. It's just straight forward.”
All about attitude: “When I see a guy step up to hit me, I know I'm probably not going around him. I know my best chance is to try and put him on his back and go through him.”
Superstitions: “I borrow the same gloves for every game. (Punter) Jeff Asper holds them for me and gives them to me on Fridays. He offered to just give them to me, but he has to hold them all week.”
Role models: “My uncle, Bruce Petonvich. He taught me to try as hard as I can and don't give up.”
– KEVIN GEMMELL
Rest of the schedule
TODAY
Coastal League
Army-Navy vs. Horizon at Patrick Henry, 7
Christian at Francis Parker, 7
Eastern League
St. Augustine at Morse, 2:30 (Web: KBCsports.com)
Patrick Henry at Mira Mesa, 7
Western League
Serra at No. 9 Hoover, 7
No. 8 Point Loma at San Diego, 7
Central League
Kearny at Crawford, 2:30
University City vs. Clairemont at Serra, 7
Coronado at Madison, 7
Grossmont North League
El Cajon Valley at No. 3 El Capitan, 7
Grossmont at Santana, 7
Grossmont South League
Mount Miguel at Granite Hills, 7
Valhalla at No. 5 Helix, 7
Monte Vista at Steele Canyon, 7
Mesa League
Chula Vista vs. Bonita Vista at Southwestern College, 7
Eastlake at Sweetwater, 7 (Web: KBCsports.com)
Otay Ranch at San Ysidro, 7
South Bay League
Hilltop at Castle Park, 7 (Web: KBCsports.com)
Marian Catholic at Montgomery, 7
Mar Vista at SD Southwest, 7
Imperial Valley League
Calexico at Palo Verde, 7
EC Southwest at Brawley, 7
Mountain Desert League
Vincent Memorial at Holtville, 7 (Web: KBCsports.com)
Imperial at Mountain Empire, 7
Pacific League
Tri-City Christian at Julian, 3:30
Calipatria at La Jolla Country Day, 7
H-Town vs. Foothills Christian at Valhalla, 7
Nonleague
All Tribes at Escondido Charter, 4
Online extra
For more coverage of high school sports, visit SignOnSanDiego, the Union-Tribune's Web site: sports.uniontrib.com/highschool
Football rankings, standings, statistical leaders, results/schedules.
