This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

TIMPVIEW THUNDERBIRDS

The Hurry-up — Timpview finished 11-2 in 2015, 6-0 in Region 7, and lost to East, 49-14, in the Class 4A championship.

If the 4A classification were scripted as an episode of "Game of Thrones," Timpview is the equivalent of Daenerys Targaryen this season. The Thunderbirds are angry, powerful and motivated to regain the iron throne after East knocked them off in the state championship last season, ending their three-year reign atop the classification.

Thunderbirds or dragons, it makes no difference — Timpview is intent on destroying everything in its path. This team is ready for war.

"Obviously you don't want to have a loss in a state championship game, but I think that's getting the kids more focused, because they know what they didn't accomplish last year," said Timpview coach Cary Whittingham, who for the first time in his four years didn't lead his program to the state championship.

Whittingham said the players have abandoned an entitlement complex that infected the roster last year.

"I think there's a greater sense of urgency with the kids," Whittingham said. "They're working harder, they're more excited. That entitlement, where we think it's just going to come, I don't think that's there this year. The previous couple of years have been a little bit tough with that, especially last year, and I think that could have been the difference-maker."

Three-year starting center Shintaro Mann said the conclusion to last year was "pretty painful" and subsequently, with East being the favorite to repeat again this year, Timpview has bonded together in pursuit of another ring.

"Our strength, right now, is our brotherhood," Mann said. "We're coming together as a team, more than we did last year. I feel like we're gelling together."

Quarterbacks — Whittingham has a problem of luxury at quarterback: Timpview has too many. "We've got four quarterbacks. We probably have the best backup quarterbacks in the state, I would guess," Whittingham said. "We're pretty fortunate to have the quarterbacks we have. Two juniors and two seniors. We'll just have to wait and see how it plays out. It may go awhile."

Running backs — The Thunderbirds are equally fortunate in the backfield, but unlike quarterback, they'll split carries between Alema Te'o, Jacob Bosco and Amoni Tuha with different packages. "They all bring a little bit different things to the table," Whittingham said. "One is more of a power guy, one is a more of a receiver-type, and one is kind of a mix between there."

Receivers — Kyle Van Leeuwen and Niles Herrod have emerged as the top candidates to play on the hashes, but Whittingham said the position is far from established. "Another position of flux," he explained. "Maybe some of those quarterbacks could help us at receiver, but we do have some capable receivers, as well."

Offensive linemen — The success of the offense can be directly attached to the veteran group up front. Mann is joined by three other returning starters — Jacob Palu, Andre Owensby and Jacob Jefferies — who helped Timpview generate nearly 5,000 yards of total offense last year.

Defensive linemen — Although Whittingham said "we're going to be fairly young" on the defensive line, Timpview has a proud history of producing pressure from its interior. Kolby Enosa and Mo Mangisi are expected to be next in line.

Linebackers — Timpview is loaded here. Donovan Faumui is a returning starter, while Braxton Whitney, Karene Reid and Kimball Thompson form a deadly combination. "Depending on what defense we want to run, we can go with a three-man front and four 'backers quite easily, because we have the talent," Whittingham said.

Defensive backs — Timpview received the biggest offseason acquisition of any program in the state when four-star safety Chaz Ah You transferred from Westlake. Ah You is one of the top talents in the nation and instantly improves the defense. Beau Tu'ua, who Whittingham said is "long, athletic and speedy" lines up in the second safety position, while Morgan Anderson and Brig Sibley hold claim to the corner spots, although three or four other players will rotate.

Key Players

Chaz Ah You, WR/DB — New to the program, Ah You is ready to showcase his ability on a team competing for a title. "I think the intensity level and the goals have changed a lot," he said. "At Westlake, my goal was to make the playoffs, but here I see [we have] state championship potential, so that's my goal, is to take that state ring."

Shintaro Mann, C — The leader of the offensive line, Mann is the one who will set the pace as the new quarterback acclimates to the system.

Alema Te'o, Jacob Bosco and Amoni Tuha, RB — All three are listed because they're expected to share touches throughout the year. One strength Timpview has always possessed is the ability to win the battle in the trenches and punish opponents with the run, and it's counting on its trio of running backs to continue to the tradition.

Key Losses

Samson Nacua, WR — Named to the All-Tribune team as one of the top receivers in the state, Nacua presented a matchup nightmare for opposing corners.

Nate Richardson, LB — Led the team with 126 tackles.

Will Watanabe, S — Return specialist who was named to the All-Tribune team also lead the team with five interceptions.

Name To Know: Karene Reid has a very familiar last name, and like his brother, Gabe, he's a Division I talent who is poised to have an enormous season this year.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — WEST, 7 p.m. (Won, 35-0, in 2015)

Aug. 27 — at Helix (Calif.), 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 — TAYLORSVILLE, 7 p.m. (Won, 32-22)

Sept. 9 — at Alta, 7 p.m. (Won, 35-14)

Sept. 16 — at Provo, 7 p.m. (Won, 42-7)

Sept. 23 — OREM, 7 p.m. (Won, 35-20)

Sept. 29 — TIMPANOGOS, 7 p.m. (Won, 42-0)

Oct. 7 — CORNER CANYON, 7 p.m. (Won, 28-20)

Oct. 13 — at Mountain View, 7 p.m. (Won, 28-0)

Oct. 19 — at Skyridge, 7 p.m.

Verdict: Timpview hasn't experienced being overshadowed very often, and one thing is abundantly clear: It doesn't like it. The Thunderbirds are ready to once again be kings of the 4A classification, and they're motivated to burn down anything standing in their way. This team is dangerous.

Projected finished in region: First.