# – denotes current San Antonio South Side Sports area ranking

THURSDAY

McCollum (1-5, 1-3) vs. #7 Brackenridge (4-3, 4-1) at Alamo Stadium, 7 p.m.

Brackenridge was famous for its comebacks earlier in the season. Last Friday, against rival Burbank, the Eagles showed they can also hold off a furious comeback.

Burbank was able to hold Brackenridge’s offense to a relatively modest 330 total yards. That will be the challenge McCollum will have to aspire to if it is to stay with the high-powered Eagles. The Cowboys also will have to force turnovers and capitalize on them, as they have in the past.

McCollum got off to a great start last Friday in a 41-14 loss to Jefferson, but the Cowboys weren’t able to sustain their intensity to follow it with a solid second half. Nonetheless, led by quarterback Ralph Vidal and receiver Robert Salas, McCollum was able to make surgical strikes to augment Mike Ramirez’s 132 rushing yards.

That’s a combination McCollum will need to draw on tonight. Time of possession will be key, in order to limit Brackenridge’s opportunities.

Eagles back Trey Mathis quietly has become one of District 28-5A’s most reliable backs. The senior ran for 120 yards and the game-winning touchdown last week.

Brackenridge’s potent passing game had kind of an off week against the Bulldogs, with two interceptions. Look for Antonio Lopez and his numerous receivers to get back on target this week.

Series leader (record): unavailable. 2013 score:  did not play. 2014 favorite: Brackenridge.