But by seizing their first district victories last week with strong all-around performances, the Wildcats (2-4 overall) and the Knights (1-5) at least have given themselves opportunities to stay in the postseason hunt.
By the end of tonight's 7:30 homecoming clash at Wildcat Stadium, however, one of them figures to be in a world of hurt as it relates to playoff hopes.
With the possibility of four teams having three 12-5A victories by the end of this evening, both Temple and Heights know it's paramount to prevail and reach the 2-2 mark with three weeks left.
"In the district picture, it's a district game and we need as many wins as we can get," said Temple coach Bryce Monsen, whose team defeated Killeen Ellison 31-14 last week. "I believe anyone can beat anyone in our district, and Heights has the same district record as us."
Former Cameron Yoe coach Mike Mullins lost his first five games at the Heights helm, but last Thursday's 48-0 thrashing of Killeen Shoemaker rejuvenated the Knights and has them in position to make some noise in 12-5A if they can topple Temple tonight.
"We're coming off a win, which has been rare for us," said Mullins, who took over a once-successful program that beat only Belton in 2007 and '08 under Todd McVey. "We know the Temple game is an opportunity to put us in the thick of the district race."
If defending district champion Copperas Cove beats league-leading Belton tonight, those two teams, likely College Station A&M Consolidated and possibly Bryan would share the top spot at 3-1.
In that scenario, the Temple-Heights winner still would be in fifth place - but only one game out of the 12-5A lead. Meanwhile, the Wildcats-Knights loser most likely will kiss its postseason aspirations goodbye.
Although Monsen didn't want to slap the "must-win" label on the home game against Ellison as Temple approached it, the Wildcats really had to have it.
They were clinging to a 10-7 at halftime, then completely outplayed the Eagles in the final two quarters for the 17-point victory.
Running back Lache Seastrunk (season-high 134 yards, highlighted by a 71-yard touchdown), fullback Derrick Davis (88 yards, three TDs) and strong play by the linemen led the way as Temple's Wing-T offense churned out 284 rushing yards on 57 carries.
On the defensive side, the Wildcats played with increased intensity in limiting Ellison to 216 total yards - 77 in the second half - while forcing four turnovers. They flustered quarterback Kyle Skinner into a 1-for-11 passing game for 7 yards, plus an interception.
"We played hard and the kids played with some confidence," said Monsen, who noted that Temple began to build momentum in its 24-10 loss at Cove two weeks ago. "It was a good performance and we were aggressive, but we've still got lots to work on.
"It's been fun the last couple of weeks to watch kids emerge and see our team develop."
Heights has endured plenty of struggles since successful coach Ross Rogers departed after 2006, notably the back-to-back one-win seasons under McVey. But Monsen says he sees signs that the Knights are on their way back.
"I remember (McVey) told me two years ago, 'In two years we're going to be good,'" Monsen said. "I saw Heights come together in that first win, and they're very talented."
Mullins, who had a solid six-year run with the Class 3A Yoemen, backed that up.
"We executed and didn't turn the ball over (against Shoemaker), which had been our Achilles' heel in the first five games," Mullins said. "Things are starting to click in some spots and we're playing better defense. We're a work in progress, but the good thing is the kids' attitudes are great."
Monsen clearly is concerned about defending hard-running Heights back Kerry Sloan, who ranks third in the area with 843 yards - he had 262 yards against Belton's defense - to go with eight touchdowns.
Said Temple's coach: "He's very good, and what we've noticed is that no one can tackle him one-on-one."
As for Mullins, he knows his defense - led by end Chris Henry and linebacker Tyler Babb - must find a way to slow Seastrunk and Davis.
"I think both guys are the priority, because Davis is a big force and runs so tough. You've got to know all your keys," Mullins said. "Our best defense is to keep those guys off the field."
gwille@temple-telegram.com
