TAPIA OFF TO TEMPLE.(SPORTS)

Byline: BILL ARSENAULT Staff writer

NISKAYUNA -- Manuel Tapia of Niskayuna High, one of the top high school linebackers in Section II, will play his college football at Temple University of the Big East. He signed a letter-of-intent with the Philadelphia school last week.

Tapia, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound senior, helped the Silver Warriors post a 7-2 record this past season and an 18-9 record in his three varsity seasons, all as a starter.

Niskayuna, which captured the Suburban Council Blue Division title, lost 27-0 to Troy High in the Section II Class AA semifinals this past season.

Tapia said he was ``disappointed'' at the way the football …