#14 McCollum (2-6, 2-4) vs. #10 Edison (3-5, 3-3) at Alamo Stadium, 7 p.m.

Talk about an important win.

By defeating Burbank 37-35, Edison gained the tie-breaker advantage on both teams it’s jockeying for one of the two remaining 28-5A playoff spots with – Burbank and Harlandale.

With its destiny firmly in its hands, Edison can’t afford to slip up against McCollum tonight. The Golden Bears, who’ve been a bit inconsistent this year, need the sustained intensity they showed against Burbank.

Another part of the formula that Edison would like to repeat is a big game from sophomore back Matt Garcia to complement big-play quarterback Jonathan Hernandez. Garcia ran for 76 yards against the Bulldogs. Hernandez accumulated 385 total yards.

To keep its slim playoff hopes alive, McCollum probably needs to get on the scoreboard first.

With the return from injury of receiver-returner Jeff Valdez, to go along with back Mike Ramirez and Ralph Vidal, the Cowboys should have more offensive potency than they’ve had all year.

Like Edison, McCollum has been plagued at times by an inability to play four steady quarters and they’ll need that tonight. One thing is certain, the Cowboys can’t lose again. Another loss eliminates them from playoff consideration.

Series leader (record): unknown. 2013 score: did not play. 2014 favorite: Edison.