Temple Owls Football: Fresh Faces Shine in Annual Cherry-White Game

Temple University’s annual Cherry and White game was a “fun, but competitive atmosphere,” to say the least.

First-year coach Steve Addazio hoped that this game would have a light, stress-free feel after intense spring practices.

Temple’s White squad defeated Cherry, 27-26, at the Edberg-Olson Complex on Saturday morning in front of 3,423 fans.

Quarterback Mike Gerardi engineered White to an early lead with an eight-yard touchdown pass to Alex Jackson. 

For Addazio and the Owls, it was a chance to see what they have to build with in their future. They got all that and more in redshirt freshman running back Myron Myles. Myles paced the White Team to victory with 133 yards and three touchdowns (two rushing).

“The coaches had faith in me and gave me the ball a number of times,” exclaimed Myles. “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.”

Temple’s talent, particularly on offense, doesn’t end with its blue-chip tailback. Tight end Alex Jackson, also on the White Team, was named the spring’s most improved offensive player. Jackson caught five passes for 79 yards and a touchdown.

“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,” said Jackson in regards to his award.  

Gerardi threw for 207 yards and two touchdowns. All in all, he appeared better suited for the spread offense than his counterpart Chester Stewart.  

Gerardi’s highlight came in the third quarter, with a 71-yard touchdown pass to tight end Evan Rodriguez to cut Cherry’s deficit to one.

Additionally, sophomore quarterback Chris Coyer sat out with a hand injury. However, redshirt freshman Connor Reilly saw some playing time and connected with Myles on a 21-yard touchdown pass.

"I'm excited about the quarterbacks," Addazio said. "I think they've come a long way, and I think they showed today that they have the ability to make some plays.”

Although the defenses were prohibited from pressuring the quarterback, their presence was still felt.

“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,” Addazio said.

On a side note, a change in attire greets the Addazio Era, as Temple will now don cherry helmets with a white “T.”

Temple commences its 2011 season in the Mayor’s Cup against the Villanova Wildcats on September 1 at Lincoln Financial Field.