He said he hadn't been keeping tabs on the Tigers, who had improved greatly from last year in winning their first six games en route to their current records of 7-1 overall and 4-1 in District 12-5A.
Whether Monsen's lack of an opinion on rival Belton was a true indication of his focus on Temple or perhaps a bit of gamesmanship wasn't clear.
But regardless of which one it was, Belton week is officially here for Temple and Monsen knows his Wildcats (3-5, 2-3) must have their full, undivided attention on the upstart Tigers in tonight's ESPNU-televised clash at what should be an overflowing Wildcat Stadium.
"They're playing outstanding football," Monsen said of Belton, which will try to stop a three-game losing skid against Temple. "On film it looks like they're very physical and aggressive on defense, and on offense they're very proficient. The receivers run good routes and the line does a good job of protection. We know they're very good."
Although Monsen's Wildcats haven't had the banner season they had not only hoped for but really expected, they still have a great shot to advance to the Class 5A state playoffs for the third consecutive year.
Beat Belton tonight and winless Killeen Shoemaker next Friday and Temple most likely will make three straight postseason appearances for the first time since 1995-97.
Lose to the Tigers for the first time since 2005, however, and the Wildcats will find themselves at home come the second weekend in November.
But even with those do-or-die stakes and the reality that this will be a rivalry game in front of roughly 15,000 fans and a national TV audience, Monsen maintained his consistent stance that the Belton duel is no more or less important than any other 12-5A game.
"It's another district game, just like last week," Monsen said, referring to the 17-14 must-have win at Bryan that intensified the ramifications of tonight's game. "That was a big game, but it just felt like a district game. This feels like a district game and we've got to win a couple more."
gwille@temple-telegram.com
