High school football: Stingy defense, running game keeps Timpview perfect

PROVO — There's always an opportunity for undefeated Timpview to let down its guard as the playoffs get closer, but there was no letting down Wednesday night against Springville.

The Red Devils forced the Thunderbirds to punt in their first two possessions, but then Timpview went on to score touchdowns on its next six first half possessions to take an insurmountable 40-0 lead on its way to a 54-12 win.

"I was pleased with the way our team played," said Timpview coach Louis Wong. "They did a better job this week of taking care of the ball. I don't think we put the ball on the ground but once towards the very end."

Timpview (8-0, 5-0) had the ground game going strong in the first half with Levi Teo' rushing for 72 yards on eight carries and two touchdowns (three for the game) and Byson McKenzie rushing for 68 yards on four carries and three touchdowns.

"We've worked really hard on our running game," said Wong. "We've worked hard on our counters, looking at different fronts, making sure our linemen are confident in what their blocking so that they don't hesitate. Anytime you can take hesitation out of the factor, we're going to be much better."

Springville (5-4, 3-2) struggled offensively against the strong Timpview defense, gaining only two first downs in the entire first half. The Red Devils' best opportunity in the early going came after Colton Ramon returned a kickoff to the T-Bird's 28 yard line while trailing 14-0. But two incomplete passes and a run for no yardage forced them to settle for an unsuccessful 45-yard field goal attempt.

"I was proud of our linemen," said Wong. "We were up 14-0 and they had an opportunity where they could have scored. We got the ball back and if we go in and score it kills an offense. It'll take the wind out of their sails and our guys did that."

It wasn't all running game for the T-Birds. Casey Rumsey connected on an 88-yard touchdown pass near the end of the first half to push the lead to 40-0. Teo' stretched that lead to 47-0 in the third quarter before Springville got on the board with a 39-yard touchdown pass from Isaac Allred to Ramon.

"We're definitely trying to get on a good roll working towards the playoffs, having good momentum and trying to stay positive with our guys," said Wong.