4A high school football preview: Spanish Fork at Timpview

Spanish Fork (8-2) vs. Timpview (8-2)

4A state tournament quarterfinal

Friday, 3 p.m.

Parry's Power Guide: Timpview by 23

All-time series: Timpview leads 26-4

Coach vs. Coach: Timpview's Louis Wong leads Spanish Fork's Matt Christensen, 3-0

Last meeting: Aug. 29, 2008 – Timpview 57, Spanish Fork 12

There is the expression in football that speed kills, but according to Timpview coach Louis Wong, it may be just the opposite that has been a key to the Thunderbirds' success.

"We think hesitation hurts a football team," said Wong. "We want to prepare our guys so well that they don't need to wait to know what is coming at them. They can just react because they have been prepared for it. They can play by their instincts.

"On defense, we want to mix things up enough with our coverages and fronts that it makes the other team hesitate for just that split second, create some doubt, and that can give us the advantage to make a play."

While Notre Dame recruit safety Chris Badger has had plenty of well-deserved praise, one group for the T-birds that has been playing on instinct is the linebackers. Reuben Christianson, Boden Christianson, Josh Burr and Ofa Latu have turned into tremendous playmakers. Latu, has been extra impressive once again, especially considering how he has had to adjust his game.

"He has had to play all over the field," said Wong. "When Bronson (Kaufusi) went down, we played him at defensive end for a while, and he did a great job for us there. Now, he is back standing up, which is his more natural position, but he is versatile enough that we can move him anywhere on the field. We move sometimes just according to matchups.

"Ofa is fearless, and he just doesn't take a wrong step," added Wong. "Our guys rally around him. He is definitely a leader for our defense. The bottom line is that he makes plays."

Latu leads the team in tackles with 57. Badger is not far behind with 51 for a team that allows less than two touchdowns a game. Wong knows his team has its work cut out for it if it is going to continue with that stat facing Spanish Fork Friday in the 4A quarterfinals.

"They are tough to defend because they can both run and pass," he said of the Dons. "They are not one dimensional. You can't key in on stopping just one thing. They have a great offensive game, so we will need to be at our best."

Spanish Fork comes in sporting the No. 1 offense in 4A — the Dons average 41.9 points per game with Timpview right behind at 41.20. Balance has been a key for the team. PJ Inoke leads the rushing attack with nearly 900 yards and 11 touchdowns, but a team can't key in on just him as Tim Moala and Dallas Smith get plenty of carries as well.