Nearly a century since their last game, Paso Robles beats Templeton 34-20
For the first time in nearly a century, two North County schools met on the football field.
Paso Robles beat Templeton 34-20 at the Eagles’ stadium.
And while Templeton (3-2) has never beaten Paso Robles (3-2) in school history, according to Paso Robles Press archives, the Eagles pulled off a first on Friday. The Eagles scored their first points in the programs’ head-to-head history.
The last time the schools played in 1924, the Bearcats won 9-0 and 13-0 in two games that season, the Paso Robles Press reported.
But the Bearcats didn’t shut out Templeton Friday, as the Eagles mounted a fight in the second half, logging three touchdowns.
“It was just cool because we’re so close to get to play each other and just win,” said Paso Robles receiver Dylan Gaither. “Paso Robles is the North right now.”
Gaither, brother of former Paso Robles star Bailey Gaither — who is coming off a stellar career at San Jose State with a chance at earning a job in the NFL — said the win gives the Bearcats a leg up in the North County for this year at least, saying: “We had to show up.”
Paso Robles Head Coach Matt Carroll said that while the schools haven’t played in decades, they know each other well, having scrimmaged often.
“We’ve always known their a tough and proud program,” Carroll said. “Coach Crow and the other Templeton coaches do a great job over there. We’re very familiar. They’re a very good football program.”
Carroll said he was very pleased with his offensive line, which helped establish a strong front and open lanes for running backs Jake Morones and Leo Kemp, who establish a 20-0 halftime lead.
Morones kickstarted the Bearcats offense with a 1-yard scoring run, making big tough runs throughout the contest.
Kemp had three rushing touchdowns in the game, including an impressive 17-yard score in which he dragged multiple Eagles players into the end zone, bouncing off Templeton tackle attempts.
Carroll said he employed a few more “wrinkles” in the running schemes to surprise the Eagles, noting the offensive line did a “fantastic job.”
Carroll acknowledged that both teams have faced some injury issues.
“We have our issues and they have their (injury) issues,” Carroll said. “I know they’re not going to make excuses just like we won’t. Next guy up. But I tell you what, it did impact the game. But I liked how our guys (handled the injuries). We adjusted.”
Paso Robles’ junior quarterback Trevon Bridewell said that it was “a lot of fun” to play Templeton, adding he’s close with Eagles senior quarter Tyler Kaschewski, saying they “grew up together” and their families have ties.
“It was good to play against him,” Bridewell said. “Our families are really close. I consider him my brother.”
Bridewell said the game was “the strongest the team has ever come out,” starting out with a burst of energy to put Templeton on its heels.
“This is my first year in high school playing quarterback, since I was receiver before,” Bridewell said. “I like to help run the team, help us win ... I’d like to win out the rest of the season and go 5-2.”
Templeton battles injuries
Templeton was banged up after a number of injuries the team sustained against St. Joseph in a 38-0 loss the week prior.
Missing in action were Eagles star lineman Chase Richards, who dislocated his knee, and key running back Josh Berna, who sustained a concussion. Linebacker Will Evans also tore his ACL.
“It was tough missing our best lineman (Richards) and running back (Josh Berna), not having the dynamic duo back there,” Kaschewski said. “I felt like they were keying in on me the whole time, and not having Berna by my side it was hard to focus.”
Kaschewski made the most of his second half opportunities, though, scoring on two touchdown runs and connecting with Kale Loppnow on a touchdown pass to narrow the gap.
Kaschewski was playing with a dislocated thumb, which popped out of alignment “five times during the game,” he said.
“We gotta do what we gotta do,” Kaschewski said in their game against San Luis Obispo next week. “It is what it is.”
Kaschewski said he thinks Richards will be back next week but the other injured players, also wide receiver Hayden Swift who’s hurt, likely won’t be in action.
Other SLO County Scores
Arroyo Grande 22, San Luis Obispo 17
Nipomo 49, Atascadero 12
Mission Prep 22, Morro Bay 17
This story was originally published April 16, 2021 at 11:38 PM.
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