The last time the Wildcats won a game by a single possession was the first game of the season.  Since that first week, and a loss by 1-point to 6A power Austin Westlake in the 2nd week of the season, the Wildcats' closest game was a 9-point win on the road against Waco.  Even that game only got close when Temple put in on cruise control and Waco recovered two perfectly-executed onside kicks.  Temple will next face Ridge Point High this Friday.  Pregame will be at 1:30, and kickoff is at 2pm.  The game will be played near Houston at Berry Stadium in Cypress.

As Temple prepares for their matchup Friday at 2pm against Ridge Point High, we'll have a special edition of the Temple High School Football Coaches Show Tuesday at 5pm at Schlotzsky's on 31st St. in Temple.  I'll be there with Head Coach Mike Spradlin, Defensive Coordinator Scott Stewart, Gene Pemberton and select players from the offense and defense.

Photo credit Joe Olivares of ImagesByOlivares.com.
Photo credit Joe Olivares of ImagesByOlivares.com.
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Fans are encouraged to come by and be part of this special Coaches Show that will lead directly into the UMHB Coaches Show at 6:30.  Starting at 5pm and going through closing time at the Temple location ONLY, customers that ask for the Wildcat Special will get free chips and a drink with the purchase of a sandwich.

As far as how the Wildcats got here, Temple has seen some close games in the 2nd half this season, and Friday night against Stratford was an example as the Spartans pulled to within five points (40-35) in the 4th quarter.  In much the same way Temple's done during those other tense 2nd half moments, the leadership on the offensive side of the took charge and executed a drive to near-perfection to put Temple up 12 points.

Photo credit Joe Olivares of ImagesByOlivares.com.
Photo credit Joe Olivares of ImagesByOlivares.com.
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On that decisive 4th quarter drive, Baylor commit Chad President mixed in a couple passes to his big target, Chris Minter, for key first downs.  Mixing in the running of Jeff Carr with those passes along the way took Temple downfield, where Marques Hatcher did what he does best:  Score touchdowns.

After Jeff Carr rushed for nearly 300 yards in Temple's opening round KO of A&M Consolidated, it was Chad President's turn to dominate.  President threw for 270 yards, 4 passing TDs and a rushing TD in Temple's 47-35 win at Bryan's Merrill Green Stadium in front of an incredible Temple crowd.

Photo credit Joe Olivares of ImagesByOlivares.com.
Photo credit Joe Olivares of ImagesByOlivares.com.
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Braving the potential wet weather and the 90-minute drive, Temple had enough fans in attendance to make it feel like a home game.  Luckily for Temple fans, there was plenty to cheer about early.  Temple got the scoring underway with a pass from President, tipped by Minter, and falling into the hands of Ty Hannon.  Hannon took it the rest of the way for a 72-yard TD that put Temple up 6-0 after a blocked extra point.

Despite an incredible night from Stratford RB Rakeem Boyd (421 yards rushing, 5 TDs), Temple's defense was able to make big plays when they needed them.  Boyd got his, but QB Michael Milstead finished 4-16 for 60 yards (all 60 yards coming during a stretch of 3 consecutive completions).

Photo credit Joe Olivares of ImagesByOlivares.com.
Photo credit Joe Olivares of ImagesByOlivares.com.
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Temple Head Coach Mike Spradlin said on multiple occasions during the week leading up to Friday night's game that he wanted to make Stratford one-dimensional, and thanks to stellar play in the secondary from Clint Cole and Co., they did just that.  Stratford took their chances downfield early, but Temple's secondary gobbled up anything thrown their way early and often.

Temple now faces Ridge Point out of Missouri City.  The Panthers average close to 250 yards rushing per game, and their Senior RB Remus Bulmer has rushed for 397 yards in two playoff games.  Coming off a game that saw Temple get eaten up on the ground, Coach Scott Stewart has his work cut out for him this week.

Photo credit Joe Olivares of ImagesByOlivares.com.
Photo credit Joe Olivares of ImagesByOlivares.com.
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Ridge Point enters Friday's game (1:30 pregame, 2pm kickoff) undefeated and with four shutouts to their defense's credit.  They've given up 21 points in two playoff games, and in last week's matchup against King High, they gave up 3 points while sacking the QB five times and forcing 4 turnovers.  Nine times this season the Panthers defense has held the opposition to 14 points or fewer.  To quote Ed Rooney, Ferris Bueller's principal in the movie, "9 times.  Niiiiinnnnnnnne times".

Temple's offense hasn't been tested like they'll be tested Friday.  It's a game that might come down to defense.  Temple's D has been creating turnovers more in recent games, including two early turnovers Friday night.  It'll take that kind of pressure, along with containing another potent running back, for Temple to advance to a potential matchup against Bryan or George Ranch.

 

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