Texas high school football is more than just a game — it’s a way of life. Dave Campbell's Texas Football is spotlighting a different program from across the Lone Star State, diving into their history, traditions, and legends. From powerhouse programs to hidden gems, Texas High School Football Spotlight is your deep dive into what makes each team unique. Whether it’s unforgettable seasons, iconic players, or fierce rivalries, this series celebrates the schools, communities, and stories that define Texas high school football.

Today’s Spotlight: Temple Wildcats

The Rundown

An historic Texas high school football power, Temple is one of just four programs in UIL Texas high school football history with 800 wins to their name. One of the standard-bearers of Central Texas high school football, the Wildcats have appeared in nine state championship games since their inception in 1905, winning two of them in 1979 and 1992 under legendary coach Bob McQueen. Now, the longstanding power hopes to return to glory in a big way with a new generation of Wildcats.

By The Numbers 

Class – 6A
Enrollment – 2,470
Location – Bell County, just south of Waco

Trophy Case

State Championships – 2 (1979, 1992)
State Championship Appearances – 9 (1940, 1941, 1951, 1952, 1976, 1979, 1992, 2014, 2016)
District Championships – 36 (most recent: 2021)
Playoff Appearances – 50 (most recent: 2024)

Glory Days 

Which Temple team stands above the rest? While the 1992 team is held in extremely high esteem, the 1979 Wildcats are the stuff legends are made of. The only unbeaten season in program history, the Wildcats went 15-0 en route to their first state championship, outscoring their opponents 480-92 thanks to a suffocating defense. And while the Wildcats won their state championship over Houston Memorial, it was their state semifinal win — a 3-0 victory over Lewisville — that's talked about in hushed tones around Bell County. That team featured three future NFL players in Kenneth Davis, Dan Remsberg and Adrian Simpson.

The GOAT

This might be the most impossible task out there — Temple's history features multiple Pro Football Hall of Famers (including safety Bobby Dillon), a handful of current NFL stars (like receiver Quentin Johnston) and some of the best college players out there (like linebacker Taurean York). The answer should be the iconic "Mean" Joe Greene, one of the best defenders in football history...but Greene did not attend Temple High School, but rather the segregated Temple Dunbar High School (the schools merged in 1968). Greene nonwithstanding, the nod goes to Ki Aldrich, a College Football Hall of Famer who became an All-American at TCU before becoming the irst overall draft pick in the 1939 NFL Draft for the Chicago Cardinals.

The Architect

Temple's had its fair share of outstanding coaches, but none looms larger than the great Bob McQueen. After four good years as head coach at Mexia and a three-year stint on Hayden Fry's staff at SMU, McQueen took over at the helm of the Wildcats and never looked back, winning 242 games in 28 seasons as head coach, winning the only two state championships in program history and reaching another title game in that span.

Battle Lines

Temple is one of those progarms that a lot of teams will claim a rivalry with, but if we're getting down to it, the longest-standing rivalry for the Wildcats is Temple vs. Bryan, which has been played 74 times since 1932. But much to the delight of Wildcats fans, it's not all that competitive — Temple holds a 52-20-2 record against the Vikings, including last year's 56-34 victory.

Home Turf

If you've been on I-35 through Central Texas, you've seen the iconic Wildcat Stadium. A gleaming 11,500-seat venue just off the Interstate, the venue built in 1965 is about as Friday Night Lights as it gets, and tickets always seem to be at a premium.

The Year That Was

Coming off of a dismal 1-9 season — the program's worst since 2010 — the Wildcats rebounded solidly, tying for second in District 12-6A...though, by virtue of losing a head-to-head with Hewitt Midway, Temple ran headlong into defending champion Duncanville in the first round of the playoffs, ending their season at 7-4. Safety Lezlie Jackson earned co-Defensive Player of the Year honors, notching 77 tackles and five interceptions, while quarterback Champ Mayo threw for 2,742 yards and 24 touchdowns to earn co-Offensive Newcomer of the Year. 

Looking Ahead

There's a new buzz around the Wildcats this year as they enter the 2025 season with local legend Chad President taking over as head coach. Just 28 years old, President led Temple to a state championship game appearance back in 2014 before an injury-riddled college career at Tulsa. He inherits a squad loaded with talent, including quarterback Champ Mayo and defensive end Jamarion Carlton. If things break right around the new coach, the Wildcats are a threat to win District 12-6A.

Xs and Os

Offense – Spread
Defense – 3-3-5

On the Rise 

Temple has a history of putting out star defenders, and Class of 2028 linebacker Corrion Nealy might be next in line — already at 6-1 and 180 pounds, he's got Temple fans dreaming about the future.

In Their Own Words

“Temple High School football is special because of its rich history, dedicated players, passionate coaches, and supportive community. The team exemplifies hard work, perseverance, and a spirit of unity both on and off the field. The pride and tradition of Temple football bring together generations of fans and athletes, creating a legacy that goes beyond the game. With a strong emphasis on discipline, teamwork, and personal growth, Temple High School football continues to inspire excellence and foster a deep sense of pride within the school and the surrounding community. There’s a new energy flowing through the community right now—parents and kids are fully bought into the program. The current group of players is doing a great job upholding last year’s expectations and success, and they’re hungry to build on it. We’re very proud of where we are and where we’re headed.” - Chad President