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All-American Bernard Pierce
Photo by: Joseph V. Labolito/Temple University

White Shuts Out Cherry, 3-0, in Spring Football Scrimmage

4.17.10 | Football

McManus Nails 51-Yard Field Goal

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PHILADELPHIA  – Sophomore kicker Brandon McManus nailed a 51-yard field goal on Saturday afternoon as White shut out Cherry, 3-0, in the team's annual intra-squad scrimmage at the Edberg-Olson Complex before 4,400 fans.

McManus made the career-long kick as time expired in the first quarter.

Because of injuries to the offensive line, the Owls played offense versus defense instead of splitting into two full squads. Scoring was kept as the first-team offense and second-team defense rallied for White, while the first-team defense and second-team offense bonded for Cherry.

The Cherry squad had an opportunity to tie the game in the third quarter as freshman PK Erik Jacobs' 31-yard field goal attempt bounced off the left upright.

On the ground, All-American RB Bernard Pierce led in rushing with 14 carries for 88 yards, including a 22-yard run in the second quarter. Redshirt sophomore Ahkeem Smith followed with 10 carries for 42 yards.

In the air, redshirt freshman TE Cody Booth led all receivers with four receptions for 38 yards. Redshirt freshman TE Alex Jackson followed with three catches for 32 yards.

All three quarterbacks saw action. Redshirt junior Chester Stewart went 8-of-15 for 119 yards. Redshirt junior Mike Gerardi went 8-of-18 for 80 yards, while redshirt freshman Chris Coyer went 6-of-15 for 70 yards.

Defensively, redshirt senior LB Jordan Martin recorded a game-high nine tackles and had three sacks for a loss of 20. Junior DB Kee-ayre Griffin followed with six tackles, a TFL, and an interception.

In the shortened game format, there were no punts or kickoffs.

At halftime, five players were recognized as the team's annual spring award winners. Redshirt junior OL Jeremy Schonbrunner earned the Mark Bresani Award for spirit and enthusiasm. Redshirt freshman TE Cody Booth was awarded the Gavin White Local 215 Award, presented to the most improved non-scholarship player. Junior LB Tahir Whitehead was the most improved defensive player, while junior OL Wayne Tribue earned most improved offensive player accolades. Redshirt sophomore RB Ahkeem Smith was awarded the most improved special teams player honor.

Temple opens the 2010 season with cross-town rival Villanova in the second annual Mayor's Cup on Friday, Sept. 3 at Lincoln Financial Field.

Temple football season tickets are on sale now for as low as $90, and can be purchased by calling the Temple Ticket Office at 215-204-8499. Fans are encouraged to visit www.OwlsTix.com for full season ticket pricing information.

POSTGAME QUOTES

Al Golden
On quarterbacks
“Some of them are trying to make some plays. They came on scrambled. We got a lot of work done today. That was the most we've worked this spring. We have one more scrimmage on Thursday. I'm just trying to get them to understand how long they have to maintain their focus on game day.”

Who jumped out to you today?
“Obviously, Michael Campbell. I thought he did a nice job on offense. He's had a good spring. It hasn't just been one day for him. Cody Booth is really going to be a good football player. I'm really excited about him. Chris Coyer early had some nice drives and moved the ball well. Brandon McManus had a 51-yard field goal which was impressive. So there were enough guys that did good things.”

On defense
“We're not where we need to be, but we have talent. I think the biggest problem now on defense is the disparity between the first unit and the second unit. That's a big disparity right now.”


RB Bernard Pierce

On not scoring a TD

“I'm not going to lie; I wanted to score. Our defense didn't see it that way.”

On his shoulder

“The shoulder is not a problem anymore. The shoulder's at 100 percent.”

On Matt Brown and Ahkeem Smith

“I think they both looked good.”


QB Chester Stewart
On today's performance

“Overall, as an offense, I don't think we did what we wanted to come out and do. We had a lot of good drives going, and we came out with a bang, but we didn't finish too strong. We left a lot of plays on the field.”

How comfortable are you?

“I'm stepping into the leadership role. I am definitely comfortable with the offense. I can talk to the guys, and they'll respond. They'll help me out. We're gelling together as a team, and that's good.”


QB Chris Coyer
On today's performance

“I think there were a lot of things I could improve on. I learned a lot. I think I had a pretty decent scrimmage, but there are definitely a few plays I left out there on the field.”


TE Cody Booth
What do you think you're doing well?

“Coach Foley's advice is so good. In the off-season I put on a lot of weight. I came in at 215, and I'm 245 now. I think that helped me a lot. Plus having role models like Matt Balasavage and Evan Rodriguez and their experience with film, etc., they've been helping me and teaching me. It's slowed the game down.”


TE Alex Jackson
How are on playing TE after playing DE last year?

“Right now, I have a lot to learn still as far as blocking. As far as catching the ball, I can do that, but I have a lot to work on. I am trying to focus on getting better at blocking.”
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