A road trip to Mountain House will hopefully be just what the doctor ordered for Escalon.

The varsity Cougars head out on the road this week to face off with the Mustangs in a pivotal game.

“We’ve got to get back on track,” head coach Mark Loureiro said.

Escalon, coming off a hard fought 24-14 loss to league favorite Hilmar, goes into the contest with a mark of 2-4. Mountain House, 1-5, opened up the Trans-Valley League season against Ripon, falling 48-0.

“They are an option team, not real big, not a lot of depth,” Loureiro said of the Mustangs. “It’s their second year with seniors on the team.”

The young varsity squad is coached by Jason McCloskey. Top players include quarterback Sami Dhaoui, running back/defensive back Quinn Kalabolas, lineman Miguel Nevarez and top receivers Joshua Grande and Brennan Sales.

Coming off a strong effort against the Yellowjackets, Loureiro said the same type of approach this week will hopefully translate into a win.

“We need to get our confidence back,” the coach said.

After battling three tough teams over a four-week stretch, including a bye week and Homecoming, the coach said his squad must seize the opportunity to get a win in league play this week, which will keep them in contention for a playoff berth.

Then they host Ripon in a crucial contest at Engel Field on Oct. 21.

But first, Loureiro said, they have to take down the Mustangs and get that all important TVL victory.

Game time will be about 7:30 p.m. Friday in Mountain House.