Timpview 'D' may get test from Knights

The Timpview football team has a reputation of fielding a powerful offense year after year. If you talk to other coaches, however, they'll praise the T-Birds' defense as much, if not more, than their offense.

Even Timpview coach Chad Van Orden credits his team's defensive effort as the key to both of the wins this season. But both teams that Timpview has played mainly ran the ball and nobody has really tried to test the T-Birds' secondary yet. That should change tonight when Timpview (2-0) visits Lone Peak. The Knights (0-2) throw the ball and pass it about the same number of plays, and they have two very able quarterbacks in Matt Bahr and Mike Jensen.

"They mix it up pretty well," Van Orden said.

Lone Peak is in the middle of the most difficult schedule stretch in high school football. The Knights could have won both of their first two games and probably have a better chance of beating Timpview tonight than they do Hunter High next week. Coach Monte Morgan said his players have learned in the first two games that the margin of victory can be pretty narrow. But if the Knights get into a scoring contest against the T-Birds, they'll probably come out on the short end again.

"We have to keep the score low and keep the ball away from them," Morgan said.

Both teams have struggled offensively in the second half of their first two games. Van Orden wants to see a better balance of run and pass plays from his new spread offense. Morgan wants his team to take advantage of the scoring opportunities that it gets. Both coaches said their teams can't turn the ball over and expect to win.

The outcome will probably come down to defense and the winner will be the team that makes the most key stops.

Rayburn's prediction: Timpview

Springville (0-1) at Mountain View (0-2)

Both teams are glad to have this game on the schedule. A good matchup to work out some kinks.

Rayburn's prediction: Springville

Orem (0-1) at Spanish Fork (1-0)

The Dons have a passing attack that's ready to erupt. The Tigers will feel the force of the offensive explosion.

Rayburn's prediction: Spanish Fork

Payson (0-2) at Lehi (1-1)

The Lions' offense has marched up and down the field in two games; however, not as much as the opposing team's offense.

Rayburn's prediction: Lehi