4A high school football preview: Westlake at Timpview

Westlake (4-6) at Timpview (9-2)

4A state tournament quarterfinal

Friday, 4 p.m.

Parry's Power Guide: Timpview by 11

All-time series: Timpview leads 3-0

Coach vs. coach: Timpview's Louis Wong leads Westlake's Jason Walker, 3-0

Last meeting: Aug. 26, 2011, Timpview 40, Westlake 9 (Week 2 at Timpview)

PROVO — It's hard to imagine that Timpview isn't the talk of the town this late in the season. Now how in Yosemite Sam is that even possible? It's November, hello!

This is the same program that has won five state championships since 2000, including four straight. In that time span, the Thunderbirds won a state record 36 games straight from 2006-09 and had an overall record of 129-18.

But after starting the season 1-2 this year, Timpview has been seemingly written off and overshadowed by the success of Logan and East. However, the 'Birds are back and have won eight straight games to earn a quarterfinal matchup with Westlake on Friday.

"We like flying under the radar," Timpview coach Louis Wong said. "We dominated for four years; last year we still had a great year but it's hard to keep it up. We keep doing what we've been doing, that's always the goal of our program. We're going to be OK and we're fine with flying under the radar."

The T-Birds (9-2) have a dynamic duo this year between Jake Lloyd and Ricky Shumway.

Lloyd has tossed for 2,128 yards and 24 touchdowns while completing nearly 58 percent of his pass attempts.

Shumway has stapled himself as one of the most explosive wideouts in the state, hauling in 62 passes for 18 touchdowns and 1,085 yards. The 6-foot-2 junior has eclipsed the century mark six times this season in receiving yards and has seven games with multiple touchdowns receptions.

"I think they've got a good thing going," said Wong of the tandem. "I also think that we have other capable receivers that are starting to develop and show themselves. So, I'm excited about that. They've done a good job of becoming the other guys that Jake has to look for, not just Ricky. When we start playing better teams, they'll double cover (Shumway), so (Lloyd) has to find somewhere else to throw the ball."

The Thunder (4-6) have started to gel late after starting the season 0-5 and are looking for revenge after the 40-9 beatdown from Timpview that has been resonating in their minds since Week 2.

"All I've told our guys is for us to not remember that score," said Wong. "It can be a distraction, it can be a sign that they think they've got it made. Every game you've got to prove yourself. I'm not too worried about that part (of the storyline) at all."

In order for Westlake to pull off the upset, the Thunder need to rely on their size and defensive prowess. The big three headlines their defense up front. Moana Ofahengaue, Conrad Saaga and Cody Young-Brown have teamed up for 17.5 sacks. Linebacker Derek Parker and defensive back Addison Bates have combined for 170 tackles.

"I think they're better; I think we're better," stated Wong. "It should be one heckuva of game."

Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Timpview High School.

Westlake statistical breakdown

Scoring offense: 20.1 ppg

Scoring defense: 24.3 ppg

Passing leader: Josh Sorensen (64-139, 47.5%, 778 yards, 6 TDs)