Defensive backs Carr, Bradford make big plays for Temple secondary

Going into Temple’s final District 12-6A road game at Copperas Cove on Nov. 1, senior free safety De’Avonte Carr and junior cornerback Jason Bradford had produced solid but unspectacular seasons for the Wildcats defense. That all changed in a 42-14 win that propelled Temple into the Class 6A Division I playoffs. Cove’s offense was threatening late in the first half but, when the Bulldawgs faked a 30-yard field goal try and passed to the end zone, Carr was playing center field and made a vital interception — his first — inside the goal line to preserve Temple’s 21-7 halftime lead. Early in the fourth quarter, Cove had cut its deficit to 21-14 and drove deep into Temple territory, seeking the tying touchdown. But after a hit by senior linebacker Dederick Colbert dislodged the ball from a receiver, Bradford snared the deflected pigskin and sprinted 90 yards for a game-changing touchdown. “I saw the ball in the air and saw JB catch it and start running,” Carr said Tuesday, sitting next to Bradford. “I was happy. I was yelling, ‘Go, JB! Go! Go!’” Bradford was right back at it on the Bulldawgs’ next snap. He broke in front of a receiver to pick off another pass and cruised 31 yards for his second TD in 18 seconds, a stunning sequence of events that keyed the Wildcats’ 28-point victory. “It was very exciting. We were up 21-14, but they had momentum and they were in the red zone. It just came so fast,” said Bradford, who made four interceptions in district play. “After the first one I had to fight (fatigue) and get another one. When the game was over I was like, ‘Wow, I had a game.’ It was like God had come in. I’m just thankful.”

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Temple High School Athletics

DEFENSIVE BACKS CARR, BRADFORD MAKE BIG PLAYS FOR TEMPLE SECONDARY

GREG WILLE

Temple Daily Telegram | 11/15/2024

PHOTO CREDIT: Ray Swindle