T-birds peaking at the right time

In the second round game of the state championships this past week, Timpview eliminated the Spanish Fork Dons with a 57-22 waffle stomping. Although they tried, the Dons just couldn't get past the Thunderbirds' defense and couldn't get close enough to the end zone to put more than a few points on the board.

The Thunderbirds went undefeated in Region 7 and although they did manage two losses during the regular season, it looks as though they will come out on top when it really counts -- during the state playoffs.

"We're slow starters, but good finishers and we are peaking at the right time. The two losses didn't really affect us at all because we never set out to start a streak. We always just worked to be prepared and that translated to wins," coach Louis Wong said. "Eventually every good thing has to come to an end. The win streak was a good thing, but our primary goal as always been to repeat as state champions. We've always had that vision in store."

Bryson McKenzie contributed two touchdowns and rushed for more than 113 yards against the Dons. Jeremiah Burr only rushed for 19 yards but had three touchdowns. Quarterback Trevor Brown was 8-for-10 and had one touchdown, his 21st for the season.

The Thunderbirds will take on Mountain Crest in the semifinals today at 6:30 p.m. at Rice-Eccles. The winner of this game will go on to the final against the winner between Springville and Dixie.

"We're excited about the opportunity

to play in the semifinals," Wong said. "Mountain Crest is a good squad but we are a good football club, also. They'll have to prepare as hard as we have if they hope to beat us."

 

Springville

The Red Devils' dream of a 4A state title almost came to an abrupt end last Friday as they narrowly defeated Woods Cross 16-12. The Wildcats had a field goal go left and had a touchdown called back due to a penalty in the fourth quarter, which gave Springville the advantage and they eventually came out on top.

Skill played a huge part in their victory however and the Red Devils were able to stop the Wildcats three times when they were in the Devils five yard line, an accomplishment that hasn't gone unnoticed.

"A little nervous would be an understatement," coach Scott Mitchell said. "Our defense and offense were all right and we managed to have enough good plays to end up on top."

Mitchell said it's back to basics for the Red Devils this week in preparation for their game against Dixie today at Rice-Eccles Stadium, which means executing and improving what's already been working for them.

Defensive end Brody Swanson came up with several big plays last week. Running backs Marcus Case and Alema Key also came up with plays that helped the Red Devils win, including a touchdown for Key.

"There are a lot of people that feel like the 4A title game is being played today in the other bracket," Mitchell said, referring to the game between Timpview and Mountain Crest. "But we like where we are in this tournament and people don't have a lot of expectations when it comes to our team and don't see us coming."