Font Resize- 4a football: Timpview vs. Springville
- Nov 20:
- Middle linebacker takes charge over Springville
- Timpview wins its fourth consecutive Class 4A state title
If tears were points, Springville would have been easy winners Friday in its 4A State Championship game against three-time title holder Timpview.
A magical season came to a crushing halt thanks to the juggernaut that is Timpview.
"It is a tremendous credit that we've come this far," said Springville coach Scott Mitchell, who quarterbacked the last Red Devils' team to play in a championship game, in 1985. "We've come a long way in two years."
Springville (11-2) won two games in 2007, then improved to six last year. A 12th victory in 2009 was not to be.
"Timpview expected to come in here and kill us," Springville quarterback Steven Bate said. "Myself and the offense didn't play well."
There were tears for their own lack of composure in a fourth quarter that featured more penalty flags than points as Timpview completed its 35-6 victory for championship No. 4 and fifth in six years.
Timpview (11-2) scored 14 points in the last, ugly quarter filled with late hits and taunts. Springville was called for 15 penalties, Timpview seven.
Thunderbird quarterback Trevor Brown offered the Red Devils' sideline the final insult. He formed horns on his helmet as Jeremiah Burr scored the game's final touchdown.
Afterward, Mitchell scolded as well as praised his team.
"We will never, ever do that again," he told them. "We didn't lose the game because of the officiating. [Timpview] didn't beat us. We beat ourselves.
"You can win and lose with grace and dignity."
Mitchell offered the same assessment at midfield as both teams shook hands.
"I'm not sure either side did that today," Mitchell said.
Surely, the blowout that was expected didn't develop until the final quarter, when Timpview's overall team strength wore down the Red Devils. Springville was riding high when Alema Key scored with 4:26 to play in the third quarter to close the gap to 14-6.
The Devils sensed even more good things when they forced Timpview to punt. It all drained away after Bate threw two interceptions.
Still, "it's a great feeling when the players grow," Mitchell said.
One more step remains, though.
» Springville is hit with 15 penalties for 114 yards while Timpview forces four interceptions.
» Timpview gains 207 yards rushing and 142 passing, to Springville's 119 rushing yards.
» Timpview quarterback Trevor Brown throws three touchdown passes to three different receivers.
