Playing physical football and laying thunderous hits on receivers and running backs is certainly Bills' trademark.

"He is so aggressive on the field that officials haven't seen a player like him, so they throw flags on him because he's so relentless when he hits someone. They think he's actually trying to hurt them and knock them out, when that's just his nature. He has always been that way and he'll continue to be that way. He'll hit you so hard it will knock himself out," Wong said.

He's plenty quick as well, as he proved in picking off a pass against Sky View in the playoffs in the end zone and then racing 102 yards for a touchdown.

Bills will play next for BYU, which offered him a scholarship when he was only a sophomore. He's hoping to remain a safety at the next level, but many predict he'll grow big enough to play linebacker.

"I want to make a difference there, just like I did here. I want to make an even bigger name for myself at BYU, maybe even someday playing a level beyond there," Bills said.

The Mr. Football award is not only an honor individually to Bills, but Timpview folks believe it also recognizes the program as a whole — which has never before had a Mr. Football recipient despite its repeated success year after year.

"I just hope we can continue to develop players like Craig down the road," Wong said.

Mr. Football Winners

2008 — Craig Bills (BYU)

2007 — Boo Anderson (Utah)

2006 — Sausan Shakerin, Alta (Utah)

2005 — Riley Nelson, Logan (BYU)

2004 — Jason Zundel, Bear River (UVSC baseball)

2003 — Ray Feinga, Hunter (BYU)

2002 — Kyle Brady, Tooele (Utah)

2001 — Daniel Coats, Northridge (BYU)

2000 — Steve Tate, Skyline (Utah)

1999 — Bo Nagahi, Skyline (Utah)

1998 — David Fiefia, Hunter (Utah State)

1997 — Morgan Scalley, Highland (Utah)

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E-mail: jimr@desnews.com