ARLINGTON, Tex.-- As the final whistle sounded at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, a sense of shock and disbelief rung out throughout the state of Texas.
The Temple Wildcats defeated the 5A-DI state-title favorite Manvel Mavericks by a score of 24-23, ending the Mavericks’ perfect season and delivering a fatal blow to their title chances. A week removed from Manvel’s resume-building, tremendous win over defending state champion Cedar Park, the Mavericks found themselves prematurely departing the playoffs.
By many, fans and journalists alike, the Wildcats’ win has been dubbed one of the biggest upsets in Texas high school football history. However, to some (myself included), Temple’s win does not come as a surprise, much less an upset.
After Manvel’s 12-point win over the Cedar Park Timberwolves on November 26, legions of fans developed a firm belief that head coach Kirk Martin’s squad had eliminated its most worthy challenger to hoist the 5A Division I trophy. Those fans then looked to the other side of the bracket as Ryan High School out of Denton continued to roll over its opposition, completely overlooking Temple.
When evaluating Manvel, possibly the most impressive attribute is the strength of schedule. Manvel finished the regular season undefeated against a schedule that included an up-and-coming 5A powerhouse (Crosby), an established Marshall squad, an eventual 6A area round qualifier in Pearland, and a defending 6A state champion with North Shore. By the time November 27 rolled around, Manvel had knocked off both the 6A-DI and 5A-DI defending state champions.
Temple’s schedule was no walk in the park either. In non-district play, the Wildcats faced-off with four teams from UIL’s 6A class, who combined for records of 37-12. In that stretch, the Wildcats went 2-2 (W at Belton; W vs. Round Rock; L at Midway; L vs. Cedar Ridge). Unlike the Mavericks (with the exception of Marshall), Temple’s district schedule included multiple match-ups with tough programs.
In comparison, Manvel’s overall record had been significantly superior to that of Temple. However, based on history, the door swung in favor of Temple.
Manvel has advanced to the regional final five times since 2010 and its track record is not as impressive as one would think. In such games the Mavericks possess a 1-4 record, with their only win coming in 2011 versus La Marque (38-35).
In its game against Manvel, Temple made its third straight appearance in the regional finals, going 2-1 in that span.
Another theory to factor in is the fact that history has been especially gracious to underdogs, especially in the sport of football.
Enter the presumed underdog Temple Wildcats.
After taking a lead into half, fans across the Lone Star State began to tune into the video or radio broadcast of the game at Jerry’s World. Manvel took a lead late in the third quarter only to be held scoreless in the fourth and final quarter. Temple scored the go-ahead and eventual game winning touchdown with 3:05 to go in the fourth quarter, setting up a re-match with the Falcons of Foster High School.
The Temple Wildcats will face off the Foster Falcons at Bobcat Stadium in San Marcos. Kick-off is slated for 2 pm with a trip to the state championship on the line.
