It's the date football fans in Bell County have been looking toward since practically last season. Friday, August 26th is the kickoff to high school football season in Texas and it begins with a huge bang - Belton vs. Temple.

To start what is sure to be a season filled with memorable moments, two old adversaries are meeting again in what is being dubbed "The Leon River Rivalry."

Temple High's Wildcats visit the Belton Tigers for a Friday feline fracas. The two are no longer in the same division but the competition between the two is too great not to rekindle the rumble between the two teams.

Friday night also marks the debut of the new Temple Wildcat Broadcast Crew. Former play-by-play man Jamie Garrett has defected to Killeen where he is now a teacher in their broadcasting program. To fill the booth, K101.7 and TISD worked in tandem bringing together a group of voices, which are distinctly Temple-centric:

--Joe Palmer

Temple ISD's Assistant Superintendent and Personnel Director will do play-by-play.  Palmer has prior experience in his radio role, and his oratory skills have been honed throughout years of presentation. Not only is Joe a teacher and former coach, he's also a former pastor used to getting a very important message across.

--Art Coley

A prominent Temple businessman and successful CEO will handle color. Art is probably best-remembered in Temple as owner of the  French Quarter restaurant, but that's just the start of a remarkable career in the franchising industry. Wildcat fans remember Art as Temple's QB in the 80's, and he also worked at KTEM radio as youth.

--Allen Roark

Will handle social media and additional color. Allen is also a Temple alumnus who today is giving back to the Temple community in a big way as the golfing coach of the combined Temple ISD Junior High Schools' golf team. He also teaches math at Lamar Middle School. He will be keeping fans up to date and connecting with you on social media.

--Gene Pemberton

Temple's longtime announcer is still a part of the team as host of the halftime interview. Nobody knows Wildcat lore like Gene, and the broadcast wouldn't be the same without him.  As he did last season, Gene will be reminiscing with Temple coaches and players from throughout the team's storied history.

Pregame begins at 7:00 Friday night, with kickoff at 7:30. You can hear the game on the free RadioPup app for your smartphone or via this website's "Listen Live" link.

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