T-Birds hold off Tigers in 'half, half-not' game

PROVO — Leading 27-0 at halftime over Orem, the Timpview football team looked to be well on its way to a 4A semifinal match-up with Logan next week. But just when Timpview thought it was in control, Orem sent a wave of shock when the Tigers whittled the T-Birds' lead to 27-21 late in the fourth quarter, thanks to three touchdowns by quarterback Billy Strong.

The shock on the Timpview sidelines did eventually turn to excitement.

The Tigers' rally came to an unexpected halt after Timpview's defensive line stopped Orem running back Jake Schroeder just inches from the end zone on a fourth-and-goal from the one-yard line with one minute left in the game, preserving the 27-21 victory.

"I'm numb," Timpview coach Chad Van Orden said. "After the way we played the first half and things were going our way, I think I got a little conservative during the third quarter and we shouldn't have. I learned a little bit today."

Timpview racked up 251 first-half yards but managed only two first downs and 42 yards in the second half. While Timpview struggled offensively, the Tiger offense churned up 232 second-half yards to inch its way back into the game.

"That was as much me as anything," Van Orden said on his team's lack of offensive execution. "I wanted that clock to keep going but I should have kept doing what was successful. Give them a lot of credit for that comeback."

Guiding the second-half Tiger comeback was Strong, who led Orem to touchdowns on its first three possessions by scoring on runs of eight, seven and two yards.

His two-yard run with 7:08 left in the game cut Timpview's lead to 27-21.

"I was so shocked they came back," Timpview wide receiver Andrew Badger said. "At halftime, we were probably a little too confident."

Timpview then gave the ball back to Orem's offense with 5:39 remaining in the contest following a punt. Thanks to the running of Schroeder, Strong and Ryan Hogue, the Tigers found themselves with first-and-goal from the 7-yard line.

Timpview's defense then came up with the game-saving goal-line stand when Schroeder was stopped inches from the goal line on a fourth-and-goal.

"Our defense won the game for us right there," Badger said. "That was probably the best play I've seen ever watching Timpview football."

In the first half, Badger burned the Orem secondary by catching touchdown passes of 57 and 66 yards from Stephen Covey. He finished with three receptions for 123 yards.

"What a day for Badger," Van Orden said. "He made some nice plays."

What was even nicer for Van Orden to see was the 27-21 final score on the scoreboard.

"I told them that was the best first half I have seen in a long time," Van Orden said. "That was maybe my fault. Give them credit they've got a good running back and good linemen. But we got 27."