Cherry tops White in Temple Spring Game

PHILADELPHIA (The Phanatic Magazine) – Sophomore RB Kenny Harper scored two touchdowns, one for each side, on Saturday as Cherry edged out White, 17-10, in Temple’s annual intra-squad football scrimmage at Lincoln Financial Field before more than 2,500 fans.

Senior PK Brandon McManus put points on the board for both squads in the first quarter.  The senior nailed a 53- yard field goal for the Cherry squad before converting a 34-yard field goal for the White squad to tie the score at 3-3.

In the second quarter, junior WR Ryan Alderman caught a 43-yard touchdown pass from junior QB Chris Coyer for put Cherry ahead 10-3.  The Cherry added another seven points on a Kenny Harper one-yard rushing touchdown and McManus extra point.  The Cherry held a 17-3 edge at intermission.

The only scoring in the second half was another Harper one-yard rushing TD—this time for the White squad.

 

In the shortened game format, there was limited special teams action.

 

For Cherry, sophomore Jalen Fitzpatrick led the rushing efforts with five carries for 40 yards.  Coyer went 6-of-15 for 116 yards and a touchdown to Alderman who led the receivers with three catches for 56 yards and a TD.

For White, Harper was the top rusher with 48 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. Junior QB Clinton “Juice” Granger went 14-of-20 for 125 yards.  Redshirt freshman WR Robbie Anderson was the receiving leader with three catches for 43 yards.

At halftime, six players were recognized as the team’s annual spring award winners. Senior RB Matt Brown earned the Mark Bresani Award for spirit and enthusiasm. Sophomore TE Wanemi Omuso was awarded the Gavin White Local 215 Award, presented to the most improved non-scholarship player. Senior LB Ahkeem Smith was the most improved defensive player, while sophomore RB Jalen Fitzpatrick earned most improved offensive player accolades.  Junior LB Olaniyi Adewole was awarded the most improved special teams player honor.  Graduating senior OL Pat Boyle was the recipient the Owl Club academic award for sporting the highest grade-point average.

Temple opens the 2012 season with cross-town rival Villanova in the fourth annual Mayor’s Cup, sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts, on Friday, August 31 at Lincoln Financial Field.