THURSDAY

Memorial (3-1, 1-0) vs. McCollum (2-2, 0-1) at Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

These teams have been heading in opposite directions recently, but expect tonight’s game to be close just the same.

Memorial has to be considered the favorite, not just because it has won its last two games, but because of the way its offense and defense are shaping up.

McCollum got off to a solid start this year, but there has to be concerns in the Cowboys camp after being outscored 63-14 in the last two games. By the same token, the win 14-5 over South San in Week 1 looks better in hindsight.

Although the Bobcats have made adjustments since, the defense dictated that game as it will need to Friday if McCollum is to win. Even in the 21-7 loss to Highlands Sept. 13, McCollum outgained the Owls 252-187. However, in the 42-7 loss to Floresville last Friday the Cowboys gave up 375 yards of total offense and four touchdowns of 19 or more yards — not including a 42-yard interception return for touchdown.

Turnovers have become another concern for the Cowboys. They lost the turnover battled 4-2 to Highlands and 2-1 to Floresville. Additionally, McCollum mustered just 144 total yards against Floresville and only 48 rushing yards.

McCollum is capable of winning this game, but only if it limits turnovers and big plays. Junior quarterback Ralph Vidal will need to have a good game.

Although Memorial is more than capable of generating big plays, the Minutemen showed in last week’s 36-15 that they also are able to sustain long drives. Both will be important for success against McCollum’s defense.

Another impressive element to Memorial’s offense last week was that, although the Cardinals’ defense kept big-play specialist Manases Cano in check, quarterback Alfred Ramos found other targets and still managed to throw for 200 yards.

The Minutemen have the look of a team that’s improving every week. The Cowboys will want to get on the scoreboard early to head off some of that momentum.

McCollum has won all five games in the series. 2012 score: McCollum 39, Memorial 0.