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For the Timpview football team, this is old hat. The Thunderbirds have won three straight titles and four of the last five. Springville hasn't won a state championship since 1985. That was the Red Devils' only state title.
When they meet Friday in the Class 4A championship game at Rice-Eccles Stadium at a 11 a.m., the contrast will be stark. Timpview expects to compete for and win state championships. Springville hopes it gets the chance to play for them.
Timpview linebacker Mike Tyler says that confidence is a key to the Thunderbirds' success.
"I think the tradition with winning it just gives us a confidence that we could do it," Tyler said. "Even though people may have better athletes, we have that confidence."
They'll need it against the Red Devils.
Springville's defense allowed the second-fewest points in Class 4A. The Red Devils have 20 sacks on the season and average an interception a game.
And they're not a one-dimensional team. The offense has a pair of quarterbacks to attack with. Steve Bate tossed 18 touchdowns and Aaron Gray had 11 touchdown passes to lead the Red Devils offense. Springville also had six runners combine for 17 running touchdowns.
"When we're at our best, we're balanced," Springville coach Scott Mitchell said. "But we still haven't played our best offensive game."
The Red Devils will need all the offense they can get to counter the Thunderbirds. Timpview's offense is a juggernaut.
It would be easy for Timpview to get a big head. The Thunderbirds haven't lost to a Class 4A opponent since 2005, so there's no reason they'll lose to Timpview, right?
Coach Louis Wong would rather his Thunderbirds not think that way.
"I tried to tell the kids not to listen to everything they hear," Wong said. "We know the truth because we know what we're trying to do. Learn and trust yourself and the abilities you've developed. We want to all be on the same page and not have any individuals or any standouts."
Along those lines, Timpview's offense is diverse. Running backs Trevor Brown (15 touchdowns) and Jeremiah Burr (11 touchdowns) lead the way. Seven other Timpview players have scored rushing touchdowns.
Just like its offense relies on many parts, Springville's defense will counter Timpview with depth of its own. Linebacker Caleb McCray anchors the defense with his 86 tackles. But there's no single standout on the Red Devils defense. Eleven players have at least one sack, and seven players have an interception.
That kind of defense can be difficult to deal with. At least, that's what Springville's hoping for.
Springville vs. Timpview
Friday, 11 a.m., Ch. 14, at Rice-Eccles Stadium
Why you should go » Two Utah County teams will compete for the Class 4A championship.
What you should know » Both Timpview and Springville have plenty of depth.
