PHILADELPHIA – Senior Chris Coyer caught two touchdown passes from junior QB Connor Reilly as the White squad beat the Cherry, 34-28, in Temple's annual spring football game on Saturday before 3,530 fans at Edberg-Olson Hall.
The White team, captained by OL Cody Booth, jumped on the scoreboard quickly, scoring three touchdowns in the first quarter. Reilly’s 11-yard pass to Coyer capped a four-play, 80-yard drive. Junior RB Kenny Harper had a two-yard rushing score, followed by an eight-yard TD pass from Reilly to junior TE Wanemi Omuso.
The Cherry squad, under the guidance of captain DB Zamel Johnson, rallied for three consecutive TDs in the second stanza. Senior QB Juice Ganger hit sophomore WR Romond Deloatch with a 6-yard pass, before finding sophomore WR Khalif Herbin with a 13-yard TD pass. Sophomore RB Hassan Dixon tied the game at 21-21 before halftime with a one-yard score.
In the third quarter, Reilly found senior WR Ryan Alderman with a 33-yard TD reception to put White ahead, 28-21.
In the final quarter, Reilly connected with Coyer again, this time on a 65-yard pass play. Cherry responded with a 62-yard TD reception from Granger to redshirt freshman Nathan Hairston for the game’s final score.
For White, Harper was the top rusher with 21 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. Reilly went 25-of-41 for 366 yards and four touchdowns. Alderman was the receiving leader with five catches for 90 yards and a touchdown. Redshirt freshman LB Haason Reddick was the top defensive player with eight tackles and two break-ups.
For Cherry, sophomore RB Jamie Gilmore led the rushing efforts with eight carries for 25 yards. Granger went 26-of-44 for 302 yards and three touchdowns. Hairston was the top receiver with six catches for 132 yards and a touchdown. Sophomore LB Tyler Matakevich led all defensive players with nine solo tackles and a break-up.
Following the coin toss, five players were recognized as the team’s annual spring award winners. Sophomore DL Shahbaz Ahmed earned the Mark Bresani Award for spirit and enthusiasm. Redshirt freshman LB Haason Reddick was awarded the Gavin White Local 215 Award, presented to the most improved non-scholarship player. Sophomore DL Hershey Walton was the most improved defensive player, while junior QB Connor Reilly earned most improved offensive player accolades. Senior WR Ryan Alderman was the recipient the Owl Club academic award for sporting the highest grade-point average.
The Owls open the 2013 season at Notre Dame on August 31. Temple’s home opener is set for Sept. 7 at Lincoln Financial Field with Houston in American Athletic Conference action.
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