TEMPLE, Texas — The Temple High School football program joined an exclusive club with a victory in the 2023 season opener on August 25th and the district will celebrate that achievement with a recognition prior to the Wildcats’ home opener on Friday night (September 8).
Temple High School became just the fourth high school program in the history of the state of Texas to reach 800 all-time victories when the Wildcats beat McKinney Boyd 57-34 in the 2023 season opener on August 25th. THS joined Amarillo, Highland Park, and Mart as the only high school programs in Texas to record at least 800 victories with that win. Temple ISD will celebrate the achievement and honor the program with a recognition prior to Friday’s home opener against College Station. Prior to the 7:00 p.m. kick-off, a video honoring the history of Temple High School football will be shared with fans featuring interviews with program head coaches and highlight clips from teams throughout the decades. The video will be followed by an on-field presentation of a commemorative “800” Wildcat jersey to program head coaches. Previous Head Coaches Bob McQueen and Mike Spradlin are expected to be in attendance and join current Head Coach Scott Stewart and TISD Superintendent, Dr. Bobby Ott, in the special presentation.
“I am a big believer that we stand on the shoulders of those that came before us,” Ott said. “Securing 800 victories is a great reminder of the steeped tradition we are fortunate to have in Temple, Texas. It represents the past, present and provides a springboard for the future. Although reaching 800 wins is significant, I am more proud of the integrity, character, and values that this program represents. The wins will come and go, but the traits these young men carry when they leave this program will continue to spread the empire.”
“800 wins is ‘rare air’ in Texas high school football. It is a feat that only three other high school programs have reached in the history of this great game,” Coach Stewart said. “I am honored to be a small part of such an accomplishment. This is much more than a coaches and players recognition thing. There have been great players and coaches come through this program for over a century. Accomplishments like this happen because of a great campus, great administration, and most of all, unbelievable community and family support.”
Tickets for Friday night’s game are available at www.wildcatstrong.com/tickets. Ticket prices are $10 for blue chair back seats and $7 for general admission seating. Student tickets are $3. Tickets may also be purchased in the athletic office on Thursday (September 7) from 9-5 and Friday (September 8) from 9-1.