Temple City football has overcome a lot of adversity
To think, the Temple City High School football team potentially could have been a coin flip away from missing the CIF-Southern Section playoffs.
Yes, it was that close.
But Tim Loya, the Rams offensive coordinator-turned-interim coach, made the call, a gutsy call that paid off in more ways than one; it also instilled confidence in the players whose season seemingly was on the line.
Temple City scored in the final two minutes against La Cañada in the regular season finale, but the Rams still trailed, 14-12.
"We knew that a win would get us in," Loya recalled. "But at that point we needed to get the tie to avoid the coin flips."
Loya opted for the two-point conversion.
The rest is history.
Temple City went on to finish second in the Rio Hondo League, and in two days the Rams will play host to Paraclete at 7:30 p.m. in the semifinals of the Mid-Valley Division playoffs.
Temple City is on a magical run, perhaps the "Cinderella" team of these playoffs, yearning for midnight to strike no earlier than a week from Saturday.
The magical ride has been a near indescribable experience for Loya, who took over on an interim basis after head coach Randy Backus was put on administrative leave.
"It's pretty surreal, yeah, that's the best way to put it," said Loya in his first lengthy interview Wednesday morning. "It's happening so fast that you don't really have time to digest it. It's been a fun ride and the kids are enjoying it and playing football for themselves, as they should be.
"They're high school kids, they should enjoy the experience, and that's what matters."
For seven years, Loya has been Backus' top assistant, making the calls on offense.
But despite being thrust into the interim head coach position and earning praise from colleagues for his poise, composure and soft demeanor, it's the behind-the-scenes role that Loya relishes most.
"When I coach I do it for the kids, and that's truly what I enjoy," Loya said. "It's never been about having my name in the paper or a win-loss record, that's never been anything I've ever wanted.
"I feel confident in my abilities as a coach, but there's a lot of other things that go into it."
With Backus out for the time being, the Rams coaching staff has suddenly dwindled to just three. Mike Cable and Marti Valdez round out the rest of the coaching staff.
"Marti and Mike have been absolutely great," Loya said. "None of this would be possible without them. A lot of the credit goes to them."
What makes it even more difficult is that none of the current assistants, including Loya, are teachers or employees of Temple City High.
"Being (Backus) was the only teacher on campus and the defensive play-caller, he mattered more than what you'd actually think," Loya said, "and now that he's gone there's only three of us. That's been more difficult with him not being around."
Despite compiling a 2-0-1 record since taking over and slowly making a name for himself,
Loya has all but ruled out the possibility of taking over the program or being a head coach elsewhere.
"I never wanted to be a head coach," he said. "I've never even considered it for one second. (Backus) is still the head football coach."
The seniors have taken it upon themselves to avoid a let down. And although it happened in the first round against Arroyo and escaped with a 7-6 win, Loya said they turned it around during practice later that week, en route to an impressive 17-0 win over highly-touted Azusa.
"This particular group of seniors have gone through a lot since before last season began," Loya said. "They went through the whole spring and summer without a head coach, then Backus got diagnosed with cancer and missed a couple of games in the season, and some how (the seniors) have never taken a 'Why me?' attitude.
"They've been through a lot in two years and after what happened a couple of weeks ago they're rallying behind themselves, if anything else."
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Melendez worked as a correspondent for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune for three years and later landed a job as a freelance writer at the Los Angeles Times before accepting an offer at The Orange County Register covering high schools. Melendez covered Major League Soccer at The Register for three years before being promoted to report on the Lakers, Angels and Dodgers for the Web. Melendez also worked for the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Fresno Bee, Oakland Tribune and The Boston Globe. E-mail opinions, suggestions and tips to miguel.melendez@sgvn.com. |
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To Goldenarm and the rest of the Rams faithful:
Great season and best of luck on Saturday! You have demonstrated that grit and determination can make a real difference. My sense is that if you all can keep an even keel throughout the game, even if you get down a score or two early, your will and skill will prevail late. I would love to see an all RHL final to show how tough this league is, so do us proud and leave nothing on the field. GOOD LUCK RAMS!
Jr10Ram,
if what you say is true - it took guts to say it
Bring the house on Saturday, we need the voices!
Coach Loya understands what his players can accomplish, are capable of - and puts them in a position to be successful. In my opinion, the sacred ground of coaching. He listens as well.
No where is this more apparent than in the play of Morgan Hatch, the RHL's highest rated QB, in both completion % and rush yards per carry. Hatch's tremendous improvement from junior to senior season is a result of Morgan's unreal work ethic and also, the tutelage and "Mr. Spock" mind link that Loya and Hatch
appear to have established.
Although the Azusa game goes down as a "defensive" victory, Hatch had a stellar, near flawless game.
Regardless of Saturday's outcome, Loya, Hatch and the entire Ram squad have renewed the pride in an already proud program.
Go Rams!!
I played for the Rams back in the day when we took
the 1976 & 1977 CIF championships and i must say
you guys are making us proud!
Make good sticks but play clean, keep cool headed
and all should go well.
To the pride of TC best of luck to you!!!!!!
Go Rams! Been doing so great this year. I regret not continuing onto Varsity after my JV year last year.
I'll be there supporting you guys Saturday.
Go Rams! Been doing so great this year. I regret not continuing onto Varsity after my JV year last year.
I'll be there supporting you guys Saturday.
I have nothing but absolute respect for Coach Loya. He has one of the softest demeanors I have ever seen and has some of the best speeches I have ever heard. Coach Valdez is one of the best line coaches in this area and I'm truly glad he decided to come back to TC after leaving for a year. Cable is new, but he's also a great DB coach. I don't want to say anything against Coach Carrington but he doesn't show up too often bacdoc, and he doesn't really work too much with the line either from what I see. He's a cool guy but he mainly works with equipment (behind the scenes? and says stay behind the line on the sideline)
Go rams!
Good luck TC!
Miguel,
Don't forget one of the finest coaches that TC has.. Art Carrington. He has made their lines solid for more years than we have been around!!
I'm glad the kids have fought through the b.s. They're gonna need to buckle in Saturday cuz Paraclete is a monster of a team.