Temple University Athletics
RB Myron Myles
Photo by: Joseph V. Labolito/Temple University
White Edges Cherry, 27-26, in Spring Football Game
4.16.11 | Football
Myron Myles Scores Three Touchdowns
Photo Gallery | Addazio Interview | Stewart Interview | Jackson Interview | Jones Interview
Game Statistics
PHILADELPHIA – Redshirt freshman RB Myron Myles scored three touchdowns on Saturday morning as White edged out Cherry, 27-26, in Temple's annual intra-squad football scrimmage at the Edberg-Olson Complex before 3,423 fans.
White wasted no time leading the charge, scoring first on an eight-yard Mike Gerardi pass for Alex Jackson in the first quarter.
Early in the second quarter, Ahkeem Smith recovered a fumble in the endzone for put Cherry on the scoreboard. The extra point attempt failed, giving White a 7-6 advantage.
Myles scored his first touchdown on the next drive with an eight-yard run. The Cherry squad countered with a two-run touchdown by QB Chester Stewart. White closed the half with another Myles score, this time with a 14-yard run. White led at intermission, 21-13.
In the third quarter, Gerardi hurled a 71-yard TD pass to TE Evan Rodriguez to pull Cherry to within one, 21-20.
In the final stanza, redshirt freshman QB Connor Reilly saw his first action. He threw a 21-yard touchdown to Myles to give the White a 27-20 edge.
With less than two minutes to play, Stewart march the Cherry down to score with a 63-yard pass to Michael Doty. But the two-point conversion attempt for the win failed, giving White the one-point victory.
Myles led all players on the ground, finishing with 133 yards and three scores on 20 carries. For the Cherry squad, junior RB Ahkeem Smith was the top rusher, carrying 13 times for 53 yards and a touchdown.
Three quarterbacks saw action for both sides. Senior Chester Stewart and junior Mike Gerardi each went 6-of-8 with a touchdown for Cherry. For White, Gerardi was 7-of-10 for 97 yards and a TD, while Stewart was a perfect 4-of-4 for 61 yards. Redshirt freshman Connor Reilly went 2-of-5 for 20 yards and a touchdown.
In the air, sophomore TE Alex Jackson led the White receivers with five receptions for 79 yards. Myles followed with three catches for 51 yards and a touchdown. For Cherry, senior TE Evan Rodriguez posted 91 yards and a touchdown on three catches, while senior WR Joe Jones had three receptions for 63 yards.
Defensively, senior DB Deonte Parker and sophomore LB Wyatt Benson recorded game-highs of six tackles each for the Cherry. Sophomore DE Sean Daniels led the White with four tackles.
In the shortened game format, there was limited special teams action.
After the game, five players were recognized as the team's annual spring award winners. Senior LB Tahir Whitehead earned the Mark Bresani Award for spirit and enthusiasm. Redshirt freshman WR Brett Pierce was awarded the Gavin White Local 215 Award, presented to the most improved non-scholarship player. Senior DE Morkeith Brown was the most improved defensive player, while sophomore TE Alex Jackson earned most improved offensive player accolades. Junior RB Ahkeem Smith was awarded the most improved special teams player honor.
Additionally, the Owls unveiled new helmets for the 2011 season. Temple will now wear cherry helmets with the white “T”, a look previously worn during the 1989-95 and 2004-06 seasons.
Temple opens the 2011 season with cross-town rival Villanova in the third annual Mayor's Cup, sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts, on Thursday, Sept. 1 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Temple football season tickets are on sale now for as low as $15 per game, and can be purchased by calling the Temple Ticket Sales Office at 215-204-8499 or visit www.OwlsTix.com.
POSTGAME QUOTES
STEVE ADDAZIO
On today's effort:
“I think the kids had fun out there today and enjoyed themselves. Obviously we just went out there and played it pretty close to the vest, a little vanilla. The defense didn't bring any pressure or anything like that. We just played it straight up. I wanted them to go out and have fun, compete a little bit. Obviously the work we thought needed to be done was done Friday. This was just a chance to have a good time and be out amongst family and friends. I thought they did a great job with it. It was fun to watch them compete.”
Were you pleased with today's execution:
“I didn't think it wasn't too, too sloppy when we started mish-mashing a lot of guys out there. I thought it was well-run and pretty clean. That was good to see. I was happy with the execution. My evaluation started on day one (of spring drills) until Friday. This is their day to have some fun. A few points had to be made, and I made them in there. There are a few game management points that had to be pointed out, how we're going to conduct our business, and how we're going to do things, but I was pleased.”
On Myron Myles and Ahkeem Smith:
“I thought they both did some nice things. I thought Myron had some nice runs. Ahkeem made some nice runs. It was their opportunity to really get a lot done, and I thought they did. They've been doing that all spring which is great. Bernard Pierce had a great spring; he had a tremendous spring. So I felt that I had seen enough with Bernard coming into this scrimmage; I wanted to see those guys take the snaps. That's why I did that.”
On Alex Jackson and the tight ends:
“They're explosive. I'm really excited about that. I thought Alex Jackson had a great spring. H was the most improved out here in the spring. He's dynamic; he's a playmaker. He loves football. No question, that was the biggest surprise for me. I thought Evan (Rodrigguez) did a great job, (Matt) Balasavage and (Cody) Booth … we have a real solid group of tight ends. We will use every one of them.”
On Chester Stewart:
“I thought he did great. Chester had a great spring. He had a lot of plays throughout the spring. I like his demeanor; I like his approach to the game; and I thought he had a great, great day out here today. As did Gerardi and Connor (Reilly) had a chance to get out here. I feel bad about (Chris) Coyer's hand. He could of gone, but we decided there was no point for one day to take a chance of setting that back by something more happening. He's fine right now; there was no point in doing that. I'm excited about the quarterbacks. I think they've come a long way. I think they showed you today that they have the ability to make some plays.”
On defense:
“Adrian Robinson was another guy we saw enough of this spring; we didn't need to evaluate him (today). But I thought the other guys-- Morkeith Brown-- he just had a great, great spring practice. He's emerging as a helluva player and a leader. That's really, really nice to see. Tahir Whitehead, same thing. Just a heck of a player. Kee-ayre Griffin has really done a great job for us. I like the interior defensive line. I think they're really coming on. (Kadeem) Custis has done a great job. (Shahid) Paulhill has done a great job. A bunch of guys-- I could name a bunch. I like where our defense is headed. I wouldn't let them do anything today. I wouldn't let them play three-down packages, I wouldn't let them blitz, I wouldn't let them do things like that. I just wanted to be vanilla, but they've had a heck of spring. They're making a heck of a transition with a new scheme and a new concept. So it's good.”
QB CHESTER STEWART
On today's performance:
“I thought I did all right. I made a few mistakes, but I accomplished what I wanted to accomplish which was no turnovers and put some points on the board.”
RB MYRON MYLES
On today's performance:
“I worked hard all spring, and I had my opportunity. The coaches had faith in me, and they gave me the ball a number of times. The offensive line did a great job especially with our quarterbacks practicing handoffs and stuff like that. We were talking trash to the defense all spring, so when we got the chance to go against each other, it was a good thing.”
TE ALEX JACKSON
On receiving the most improved offensive player award:
“It feels great. I think I work hard, so it feels great. I didn't expect to win it, but when they called my name, I was very happy. I've worked very hard this spring to improve my game and show what I can do.”
QB MIKE GERARDI
On today's performance:
“As a unit, we played really well on offense. We moved the ball. We were able to run the ball which obviously opens up the passing game. It seems like out play-actions were working really well, just short, little passes. Guys were having great yards after the catch. When we get the ball into playmakers' hands, like Alex (Jackson) and all our playmakers, they always make plays for you. They make (quarterbacks) look good.”
On Alex Jackson:
“He's an unbelievable athlete. He's huge, he's fast, and he catches the ball. What more can you ask? He catches the ball and gets 40 yards after the catch almost every time. He's really coming into his own.”
Game Statistics
PHILADELPHIA – Redshirt freshman RB Myron Myles scored three touchdowns on Saturday morning as White edged out Cherry, 27-26, in Temple's annual intra-squad football scrimmage at the Edberg-Olson Complex before 3,423 fans.
White wasted no time leading the charge, scoring first on an eight-yard Mike Gerardi pass for Alex Jackson in the first quarter.
Early in the second quarter, Ahkeem Smith recovered a fumble in the endzone for put Cherry on the scoreboard. The extra point attempt failed, giving White a 7-6 advantage.
Myles scored his first touchdown on the next drive with an eight-yard run. The Cherry squad countered with a two-run touchdown by QB Chester Stewart. White closed the half with another Myles score, this time with a 14-yard run. White led at intermission, 21-13.
In the third quarter, Gerardi hurled a 71-yard TD pass to TE Evan Rodriguez to pull Cherry to within one, 21-20.
In the final stanza, redshirt freshman QB Connor Reilly saw his first action. He threw a 21-yard touchdown to Myles to give the White a 27-20 edge.
With less than two minutes to play, Stewart march the Cherry down to score with a 63-yard pass to Michael Doty. But the two-point conversion attempt for the win failed, giving White the one-point victory.
Myles led all players on the ground, finishing with 133 yards and three scores on 20 carries. For the Cherry squad, junior RB Ahkeem Smith was the top rusher, carrying 13 times for 53 yards and a touchdown.
Three quarterbacks saw action for both sides. Senior Chester Stewart and junior Mike Gerardi each went 6-of-8 with a touchdown for Cherry. For White, Gerardi was 7-of-10 for 97 yards and a TD, while Stewart was a perfect 4-of-4 for 61 yards. Redshirt freshman Connor Reilly went 2-of-5 for 20 yards and a touchdown.
In the air, sophomore TE Alex Jackson led the White receivers with five receptions for 79 yards. Myles followed with three catches for 51 yards and a touchdown. For Cherry, senior TE Evan Rodriguez posted 91 yards and a touchdown on three catches, while senior WR Joe Jones had three receptions for 63 yards.
Defensively, senior DB Deonte Parker and sophomore LB Wyatt Benson recorded game-highs of six tackles each for the Cherry. Sophomore DE Sean Daniels led the White with four tackles.
In the shortened game format, there was limited special teams action.
After the game, five players were recognized as the team's annual spring award winners. Senior LB Tahir Whitehead earned the Mark Bresani Award for spirit and enthusiasm. Redshirt freshman WR Brett Pierce was awarded the Gavin White Local 215 Award, presented to the most improved non-scholarship player. Senior DE Morkeith Brown was the most improved defensive player, while sophomore TE Alex Jackson earned most improved offensive player accolades. Junior RB Ahkeem Smith was awarded the most improved special teams player honor.
Additionally, the Owls unveiled new helmets for the 2011 season. Temple will now wear cherry helmets with the white “T”, a look previously worn during the 1989-95 and 2004-06 seasons.
Temple opens the 2011 season with cross-town rival Villanova in the third annual Mayor's Cup, sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts, on Thursday, Sept. 1 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Temple football season tickets are on sale now for as low as $15 per game, and can be purchased by calling the Temple Ticket Sales Office at 215-204-8499 or visit www.OwlsTix.com.
POSTGAME QUOTES
STEVE ADDAZIO
On today's effort:
“I think the kids had fun out there today and enjoyed themselves. Obviously we just went out there and played it pretty close to the vest, a little vanilla. The defense didn't bring any pressure or anything like that. We just played it straight up. I wanted them to go out and have fun, compete a little bit. Obviously the work we thought needed to be done was done Friday. This was just a chance to have a good time and be out amongst family and friends. I thought they did a great job with it. It was fun to watch them compete.”
Were you pleased with today's execution:
“I didn't think it wasn't too, too sloppy when we started mish-mashing a lot of guys out there. I thought it was well-run and pretty clean. That was good to see. I was happy with the execution. My evaluation started on day one (of spring drills) until Friday. This is their day to have some fun. A few points had to be made, and I made them in there. There are a few game management points that had to be pointed out, how we're going to conduct our business, and how we're going to do things, but I was pleased.”
On Myron Myles and Ahkeem Smith:
“I thought they both did some nice things. I thought Myron had some nice runs. Ahkeem made some nice runs. It was their opportunity to really get a lot done, and I thought they did. They've been doing that all spring which is great. Bernard Pierce had a great spring; he had a tremendous spring. So I felt that I had seen enough with Bernard coming into this scrimmage; I wanted to see those guys take the snaps. That's why I did that.”
On Alex Jackson and the tight ends:
“They're explosive. I'm really excited about that. I thought Alex Jackson had a great spring. H was the most improved out here in the spring. He's dynamic; he's a playmaker. He loves football. No question, that was the biggest surprise for me. I thought Evan (Rodrigguez) did a great job, (Matt) Balasavage and (Cody) Booth … we have a real solid group of tight ends. We will use every one of them.”
On Chester Stewart:
“I thought he did great. Chester had a great spring. He had a lot of plays throughout the spring. I like his demeanor; I like his approach to the game; and I thought he had a great, great day out here today. As did Gerardi and Connor (Reilly) had a chance to get out here. I feel bad about (Chris) Coyer's hand. He could of gone, but we decided there was no point for one day to take a chance of setting that back by something more happening. He's fine right now; there was no point in doing that. I'm excited about the quarterbacks. I think they've come a long way. I think they showed you today that they have the ability to make some plays.”
On defense:
“Adrian Robinson was another guy we saw enough of this spring; we didn't need to evaluate him (today). But I thought the other guys-- Morkeith Brown-- he just had a great, great spring practice. He's emerging as a helluva player and a leader. That's really, really nice to see. Tahir Whitehead, same thing. Just a heck of a player. Kee-ayre Griffin has really done a great job for us. I like the interior defensive line. I think they're really coming on. (Kadeem) Custis has done a great job. (Shahid) Paulhill has done a great job. A bunch of guys-- I could name a bunch. I like where our defense is headed. I wouldn't let them do anything today. I wouldn't let them play three-down packages, I wouldn't let them blitz, I wouldn't let them do things like that. I just wanted to be vanilla, but they've had a heck of spring. They're making a heck of a transition with a new scheme and a new concept. So it's good.”
QB CHESTER STEWART
On today's performance:
“I thought I did all right. I made a few mistakes, but I accomplished what I wanted to accomplish which was no turnovers and put some points on the board.”
RB MYRON MYLES
On today's performance:
“I worked hard all spring, and I had my opportunity. The coaches had faith in me, and they gave me the ball a number of times. The offensive line did a great job especially with our quarterbacks practicing handoffs and stuff like that. We were talking trash to the defense all spring, so when we got the chance to go against each other, it was a good thing.”
TE ALEX JACKSON
On receiving the most improved offensive player award:
“It feels great. I think I work hard, so it feels great. I didn't expect to win it, but when they called my name, I was very happy. I've worked very hard this spring to improve my game and show what I can do.”
QB MIKE GERARDI
On today's performance:
“As a unit, we played really well on offense. We moved the ball. We were able to run the ball which obviously opens up the passing game. It seems like out play-actions were working really well, just short, little passes. Guys were having great yards after the catch. When we get the ball into playmakers' hands, like Alex (Jackson) and all our playmakers, they always make plays for you. They make (quarterbacks) look good.”
On Alex Jackson:
“He's an unbelievable athlete. He's huge, he's fast, and he catches the ball. What more can you ask? He catches the ball and gets 40 yards after the catch almost every time. He's really coming into his own.”
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