Owls Host 2025 Spring Game

PHILADELPHIA – Temple Football closed out spring practice with the annual Cherry & White Spring Game on Saturday, held under rainy skies at Edberg-Olson Hall. Despite the weather, a strong turnout of Owls' fans came out to catch a first public look at the team under new head coach K.C. Keeler. The defense took control for the majority of the game, limiting the offense to just one touchdown while forcing multiple field goals.

How It Happened

On the first play from scrimmage, quarterback Evan Simon broke loose on a read option for a 33-yard gain across midfield. The offense continued to move the ball, highlighted by a shifty 8-yard rush from Jay Ducker for a first down. The defense held strong, ending the drive with a 36-yard field goal conversion from Carl Hardin.
Running back Darius Morant moved the chains on third-and-short with a 13-yard gain to start the second drive. Shortly after, cornerback Adrian Laing ended the possession with a sideline interception.
The Owls' defense then forced two straight three-and-outs to end the first quarter of the spring game.
After starting from midfield and picking up a first down, the offense stalled, setting up a 48-yard field goal conversion from Lucas Glassburn.
Kicker Darren Wu added a field goal of his own on the next drive, converting a 44-yard attempt. Hardin added another conversion to end the first half, this time from 43 yards.
Safety Javier Morton set the tone to begin the second half, delivering a big hit for a tackle-for-loss. The offense responded, with Simon completing a pass to wide receiver Kajiya Hollawayne on the next play for a 12-yard gain to keep the drive alive. The offense reached first and goal from the five-yard line, but the defense made a four-down stand to keep the Cherry jerseys out of the end zone.
To begin the fourth quarter, linebacker Katin Surprenant picked up a sack before linebacker Willy Love broke through the line of scrimmage, forcing a quick throwaway. Glassburn added his second field goal of the day to end the drive, this time from 38 yards out.
Tight end Ryder Kusch caught a pass from Simon for a 32-yard gain to begin the next drive. However, the defense held at the goal line once again, this time with linebacker Curly Ordonez making the fourth-down stop on the one-yard line.
On the following drive, a tipped pass fell into the arms of Surprenant, who intercepted it and returned it for a large gain.
The offense found the end zone on the final drive of the day, with Simon connecting with tight end Peter Clarke for a four-yard touchdown pass.

Statistically Speaking

Linebacker Curly Ordonez led the defense with eight total tackles, including seven solo tackles.
Four players finished with five tackles apiece: linebacker Willy Love, safeties Javier Morton and Avery Powell, and defensive end Cam'Ron Stewart.
Quarterback Evan Simon finished the game going 16-25 for 138 yards and a touchdown.
Running back Jay Ducker led the way on the ground for the Owls, rushing for 66 yards on 21 carries.
Tight end Ryder Kusch was the team's leading receiver, catching four passes for 55 yards.

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Temple University Athletics

Owls Host 2025 Spring Game

Players Mentioned

Peter Clarke

Jay Ducker

Lucas Glassburn

Carl Hardin

Kajiya Hollawayne

Ryder Kusch

Adrian Laing

Willy Love

Darius Morant

Javier Morton

Curly Ordonez

Avery Powell

Evan Simon

Cam'Ron Stewart

Katin Surprenant

Darren Wu

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