Cypress (5-4, 3-1) vs. El Dorado (6-3, 3-1)

7:30 TONIGHT VALENCIA HIGH

Each team has had success in the air, but the sturdier ground game could decide which team reigns as Empire League champion. Cypress quarterback Jeff Crooks has rushed for 366 yards, and three teammates have combined to gain nearly 1,100. Jason Vermilyer’s 6.2 rushing average is good, but El Dorado also has Tim Fairfield and Brandon Fischer, who have combined for more than 600 rushing yards. Fischer has also caught nine passes and Byron Davis has caught seven. El Dorado has given up only 35 points in four league games. Cypress surrendered 41 in its last two games but won both.

KEY PLAYERS

Cypress

QB Jeff Crooks 1,699 yds. passing, 17 TDs

WR/DB Richard Herrera 51 rec., 5 ints.

RB Justin Jones 575 yds. rushing, 11 TDs

El Dorado

WR Bryce Nebeker 16 rec., 6 TDs

QB Mitch Nord 1,270 yds. rushing, 10 TDs

RB Jason Vermilyer 512 yds. rushing