Temple Routs Cedar Ridge in 6A Debut

By Chris Doelle
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Updated: September 1, 2018

photos: Steve Thomas

For two years, Temple junior wide receiver Quentin Johnston patiently waited for his opportunity to take the lead receiver role for the Wildcats. Friday night’s opener against perennial Class 6A powerhouse Round Rock Cedar Ridge provided just such an opportunity, and Johnston took full advantage. Johnston caught five passes for 223 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Wildcats to a 45-25 victory over the Raiders.

After going 13-2 a year ago, Cedar Ridge entered the season looking to build upon that success. The Raiders reached the UIL 6A Division I semifinals before losing to eventual champion Allen. To make another deep playoff run, they will need to overcome the loss of ten starters on defense. On the offensive side of the ball, the Raiders returned several key pieces including junior quarterback Jalen Brown, junior running back Deuce Vaughn, and senior wide receiver Jaylen Ellis.

To begin the game, the Wildcats muffed the opening kickoff and set up Cedar Ridge at the Temple 30-yard line. On the first play from scrimmage, Brown connected with Vaughn on a 30-yard touchdown pass. Temple senior defensive back Monto President blocked the extra-point attempt to give Cedar Ridge a 6-0 lead. The Wildcats responded immediately with a 55-yard touchdown pass to Johnston from senior quarterback Jared Wiley to take a 7-6 lead. Wiley then increased Temple’s lead to 14-6 on 43-yard keeper. On the ensuing drive, Jalen Brown connected with senior wide receiver Colby Schoenrock on a four-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 14-12. The Wildcats then increased their lead to 17-14 at the end of the first quarter with sophomore kicker Aaron Wagaman’s 30-yard field goal.

Brown gave the Raiders the lead back 18-17 midway through the second quarter when he connected with senior wide receiver Ethan Moron. This lead, however, did not last long. Wiley connected with Johnston on a 55-yard pass for his second touchdown of the night to give Temple a 24-18 lead going into halftime.

To start the second half, Cedar Ridge muffed the kickoff just as Temple had done at the beginning of the game. The Wildcats recovered the ball at the Cedar Ridge 29-yard line, and Wiley connected with Johnston for a touchdown on the next play to give Temple a 31-18 lead. After the Wildcats’ defense forced a punt on the ensuing drive, junior running back Anthony Jackson gave Temple a 38-18 lead on a 78-yard touchdown run. Quentin Johnston caught his fourth touchdown pass of the night later in the third quarter to increase the lead to 45-18.

In the final quarter, the offensive fireworks slowed. Junior running back Jacoryan Isaac scored a touchdown late in the fourth quarter for Cedar Ridge to bring the game to its final score of 45-25.

After the game, Temple Head Coach Scott Stewart lauded the effort of Quentin Johnston and the entire team. Concerning Johnston, Stewart said, “He’s special. He’s one of the hardest workers on the team. He’s not just out here for himself.”

Stewart also gave credit to the offensive line for the team’s performance and praised the entire team for overcoming the early mistakes for a win. For his part, Johnston was not only glad that he had the opportunity to shine as the starting wide receiver but also that he could use his talent and level of play to create opportunities for his teammates.

Next week, Temple will host Univerisidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon from Monterrey, Mexico. The Tigers are 0-1 on the year after losing to Copperas Cove 34-27. Cedar Ridge, meanwhile, returns home to play Cedar Park on Thursday. The Timberwolves are 0-1 following a 29-13 loss to Leander Vandegrift.

by Steve Thomas