Welcome to UtahSportsAction.comUtah's source for high school sports SCORES - STATS - NEWS

A team that won a total of two games the year before Coach Mitchell took over the program was now in the 5A state title game with one loss. Their only problem… it was against the Timpview Thunderbirds.

Springville was making their first title appearance since 1985 when quarterback Scott Mitchell led their potent offensive attack. Meanwhile Timpview was making their fourth title game appearance in the last four years. Springville has once again been rejuvenated with Mitchell back as their coach, while Timpview is simply a “dynasty”.

Timpview came into the season on a 36 game winning streak and then had it snapped by Pleasant Grove in their opener. After starting their season 1-2 and losing their team leader, Bronson Kaufusi, Timpview simply regrouped and reloaded while steamrolling their way into the 4A title game on a nine game winning streak. “It’s just great. When I told the guys I couldn’t play, I told them that I had full faith in them. I knew they’d step it up. I’m so happy for them,” said Kaufusi.

Springville came into the season as an unknown commodity. While Timpview enjoyed nothing but success the previous three years, The Red Devils labored to seasons of 2, 3, and 6 wins.
In January 2008 the Red Devil’s football fortunes changed as their most famous alum came home. Since Scott Mitchell took over the Springville program he has led them on a turnaround that is rarely seen in any level of sports, but a championship will have to wait for another year.

The game was a defensive battle until the Thunderbirds finally broke free near the end of the second quarter as quarterback Trevor Brown ran in the first score from four yards out. The Thunderbirds got on the board again just before the end of the first half as Brown connected with Zach VanLeeuwen for a seven yard touchdown, giving Timpview a 14 to nothing lead heading into halftime.

Springville’s explosive offense led by sophomore sensation, Steve Bate, did not find the end zone until mid way through the third quarter on a five yard touchdown run from Alema Key. The following extra point was blocked. Key, a former Timpview Thunderbird, wound up with the only score of the day for the Red Devil’s as the Timpview defense forced them into four interceptions, two of the picks coming from tournament star, Ofa Latu.

Latu, Timpview’s high energy linebacker, took whatever momentum the Red Devils had when he intercepted his second pass of the day from Steve Bate as he took it 32 yards for the score making it a 21 to 6 Timpview lead. Latu finished his outstanding championship game with eight tackles, one pass break up, two interceptions, and one touchdown.

Afterwards, reminiscing about the last four years, Latu said, “It’s been a dynasty. To finish my last year like this it just tops it off.”… and to finish his last few games the way he did, Latu is sure to catch the attention of colleges coaches that have so far, over-looked him.

Timpview quarterback, Trevor Brown, capped his high school days off in style by throwing for 142 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing 19 times for 113 yards.

Despite the final score being 35 to 6, Springville had the respect of the Thunderbirds. “I knew we had this one in the bag when the clock had four zeros at the end,” said Brown. The Springville Red Devils now have the respect of the 4A football schools but Timpview once again has the trophy. “It’s so great! My last year in the program, all of our commitment, there’s no individuals on this team,” said Timpview safety, Chris Badger.