ESCONDIDO -- The heat is on -- the field. The Marines were summoned -– to the field

The result is Saturday night's Defender Bowl at Escondido High, matching the San Diego Enforcers against the Camp Pendleton Marine Bulldogs.

Here's hoping experience can hang with youthful exuberance.

"The Marines are quite a bit younger; they are around 19-25,'' said Lt. Neal Griffin, an Escondido Police patrol watch commander. "And we are a little older, probably 25-30 -– and some guys are older than that.''

But don't sell the cops and firefighters short.

"I think the level of sophistication of the game goes to the Enforcers,'' Griffin said. "But the stamina and speed side of it goes to the Marines.''

Most importantly, the money goes to worthy causes. Funds collected from Saturday night's extravaganza will help the Escondido Police Department in its work with its Explorer Post and Police Athletic League teams. Proceeds going to Camp Pendleton will aid families with a father or mother deployed in fighting for our freedom.

"We've sold a couple thousands of tickets and we expect a great crowd,'' said Griffin, an Escondido officer who has been with the force 20 years. "I'm so exited about this that the Escondido Police Foundation is already making plans for next year. This is something the community can really get behind.''

Up front, it should be a competitive game. The Camp Pendleton squad, consisting of players in the 11th Marine Regiment, is the base league champion. Many of its players have served in the Middle East; many are returning there soon.

This makes the Defender Bowl a great avenue for North County residents to display their appreciation for all things military.

"It's a way to say thank you to the sacrifice the Marines make,'' Griffin said. "By them sacrificing, we are able to bring the community together for this game.''

The Enforcers, made up of players from 13 San Diego County first-responder departments, are no slouches. They went 5-0 last year in the 22-team National Public Safety Football League.

But it says here that we hope the Enforcers, especially the local cops, make a few errors.

Isn't that kind of harsh? Not really, and here's why: With every dropped pass and each fumbled handoff, they attain a status not often associated with them: being human.

"That is a big deal for the Enforcers,'' Griffin said. "This way, the public gets to see cops in something other than the general role as a police officer.''

So maybe a misplaced pass will be the starting point for the next cop-citizen conversation on the street. Maybe by showing a cop getting the business end of a pancake block, they'll stack up better in the eyes of others. Just maybe, some citizens will view police officers as someone other than a person holding a radar gun or executing a bust.

"It shows the community that we are about more than writing tickets and taking people to jail,'' Escondido Sgt. Greg Ellis said. "It gives us an opportunity to show them in a little bit of different light.''

Ellis, along with retired Escondido probation officer Jason Sullivan, got the Enforcers back in the mix after Sept. 11. Following a brief hiatus, Ellis and Sullivan helped form the Enforcers, who play their home games at Cathedral Catholic High.

But for this special game, Escondido is host. And two of its police officers, Sean Davidson (offensive line) and Jake Houchin (kicker/punter), are slapping on the pads.

"We have a lot of players who played in Division I football,'' Ellis said. "We put on one helluva show.''

The Enforcers, who face a visiting team from New York City in April's Hero Bowl, are doing this for two reasons: their love of football and their affection for the people they protect.

"They all donate their time and use their own equipment,'' Griffin said. "This is something that they do on their own.''

So rally the crew and own some of the community pride that will be in full bloom Saturday, but well before the 5 p.m.kickoff. There is a family-friendly tailgate party starting at 2 p.m. that will feature punt-pass-and-kick competitions, military and law enforcement displays, grub, music and good times.

The best part is it's included in the $10 game ticket.

Say, I wonder if LaDainian Tomlinson isn't busy and might be looking to stay in game shape.

"Boy, I would love it,'' Ellis said. "But we got something close in Kassim Osgood.''

The Chargers' soon-to-be free agent is expected to attend. He'll lend a hand while lending his support to the Enforcers.

No disrespect to the Marines, but Osgood's brother, Chayin, plays for the Enforcers. He's an officer at San Diego's Donovan Correctional Facility. The Osgood with a badge plays tight end, and Ellis said, "He's about the same size as Kassim -– maybe a little thicker.''

The skinny on the Defender Bowl? It'll be good football for a good cause, and good grief, it deserves your support.

"The goal is to play for a win,'' Ellis said. "But also to raise money for charities.''