**CORRECTS nickname of Temple throughout and OMITS connection between players named Johnson**

Football practice around Texas started 117 days ago.

That seems like forever ago for guys like Port Arthur Memorial coach Kenny Harrison.

Harrison’s Titans are still practicing, playing and face Temple today at 1 p.m. at Cy-Fair FCU Stadium in Cypress.

“It has been a long season,” Harrison said. “I don’t mind it though, because the years before this one I learned what other things you can be doing right now other than preparing for a game.”

Temple is no stranger to the playoffs. The Wildcats are playing their 13th playoff game in the last three seasons and 10-2 in those games.

The Wildcats are also no strangers to today’s venue, the former Berry Center stadium. Temple has played three playoff games in Cypress and lost its most recent game there, a 59-46 defeat to George Ranch in 2015. George Ranch went on to win the Class 6A Division I state title.

“They are a playoff team, it seems every year,” Harrison said. “They are a good team and a great program. We have our work cut out for us.”

Temple averages 33.2 points and 417.3 yards per game. The Wildcats average 191.7 rushing and 225.6 passing.

Memorial defensive coordinator Cody Haug said his defense is up to the challenge. It all starts with buying into the program.

“They have bought into our coaches,” Haug said. “I think our defensive coaches have done an outstanding job in coaching these young men. They have developed relationships with the players, and the kids now play hard for their coaches.

“Once the success started early, all the momentum picked up from there.”

Haug said his philosophy on defense this year has been to get the lead early and then loosen up just a bit.

“Once we get the lead, I usually back off just a little so we don’t give up the big plays,” Haug added. “At this time of year, though, it is all about winning and not about stats.”

Memorial’s defense has to contain Temple senior quarterback Reid Hesse, who has thrown for 2,659 yards on 167-of-310 passing with 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

The Wildcats use a trio of receivers with D’Yonte Heckstall leading the way with 46 receptions for 744 yards and two touchdowns. Zaccheus Johnson has 656 yards on 37 catches and six touchdowns and Xavier Johnson has 654 yards on 31 receptions and four touchdowns.

Jemiyah Franklin leads Temple with 1,009 yards rushing on 154 carries and 10 touchdowns in 10 games. He missed two games with an injury.

The Knights squeaked past Pflugerville Connally last week, 17-14, behind a Jared Wiley 22-yard field goal with 7 seconds left.

Memorial had a bit of an easier time in defeating Fort Bend Elkins, 45-14. This was after a 49-3 win over New Caney Porter in the first round.

The Titans started quickly in both games, something Harrison has preached to his team to do again this week.

“Our main focus again is to take care of the things we can control,” Harrison said. “If we eliminate mental mistakes and focus on the small things, I like our chances.”

The winner of this game takes on either Cedar Park or Manvel in next week’s regional final.

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Gabriel Pruett: 721-2436. Twitter: @PaNewsGabe