This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Every high school football season brings change, a fact that was obvious at Timpview where star quarterback Britain Covey graduated last year after helping lead the Thunderbirds to three state titles.
It might have taken a blowout loss to Lone Peak and some adjustments to new quarterback Kahi Neves, who transferred from Brighton over the summer.
But some things don't change.
After taking a 49-27 victory over Highland on Thursday at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Timpview earned a chance to win its fourth straight 4A title when it meets East next week.
"We were a little bit iffy at the beginning of the season," said Thunderbird star receiver Samson Nacua, who caught seven passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns. "More toward the end, when we got united as a team, I thought we could make it."
This was no gimme win.
The Rams, fresh off their amazing double overtime, comeback win over Corner Canyon a week ago, came out firing. They led much of the first half behind the sterling play of quarterback James Pembroke.
But Highland turnovers coupled with Neves' fine all-around game helped Timpview figure things out for a dominating second half.
"They are a tough team," said Thunderbird coach Cary Whittingham, who has never lost in the state tournament in 15 tries. "They gave us all we could handle. Our defense needed to stop that quarterback following up on the line. We made a few adjustments with the line and the linebackers and it made a little difference."
Highland held leads of 7-0, 13-7 and 19-14 in the first half on 12- and 55-yard runs by Pembroke and a 40-yard score by Andrew Parkin.
But the Rams had no answer for Neves, who finished the game passing for 266 yards and four touchdowns and rushing for 97 yards and another score.
"In the first half, it was looking a little shaky," said Neves, who will play for the University of Utah. "We went in, got our strategies together, came out and executed. In the second half, we were a whole new team. We've been working since the summer. Being able to play in the state championship game is an honor."
Nursing a 21-19 halftime lead, Timpview came out firing in the second half. Neves hit Nacua for 34 yards and then, after a Highland fumble, found Kyle VanLeeuwen for a 33-yard score and a 35-19 lead.
The Rams, hoping for one more miracle, fought back on a 7-yard run by Sose Tupola and a two-point conversion by Pembroke to make it a one-score game.
But there would be no miracles this week as Neves responded with a 16-yard pass to Sterling Evans. Saia Folaumahina capped the scoring with an 8-yard run.
Pembroke, who finished with 101 yards rushing and 139 passing, tried mightily.
Timpview might have a different cast but, at least for now, the movie is the same.
Twitter @tribtomwharton —
Storylines
R Kahi Neves passes for 266 yards and four touchdowns and rushes for 97 yards and one touchdowns to lead Timpview into its fourth straight title game.
• Thunderbird coach Cary Whittingham has not lost a state tournament game in 15 tries.
• Highland quarterback James Pembroke rushes for 101 yards and two touchdowns and passes for 139 yards and a touchdown as the Rams keep it close for three quarters.
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More coverage
Highland fights to the finish but can't hold off mighty Timpview. > tribpreps.com