4A football semifinals: East to face Timpview in rematch of 2011 semifinals
Battle of two programs that were forced on a tougher road to semis
Matich said Timpview will be a significant task for his senior-loaded team.
The Leopards are led by junior Ula Tolutau, who has 10 rushing touchdowns, junior quarterback Isaac Valles, who has 10 rushing touchdowns and 14 passing touchdowns, and junior Preston Curtis, who has nine rushing touchdowns.
Senior receiver and defensive back Zack Swenson, senior Jewka Patetefa and senior John Fakahafua give the Leopards leadership and athleticism that will be tough to stop.
They're experienced enough to understand the challenges they face in the T-birds.
"Timpview is a very different team from Logan," said Matich. "They really emphasize running the ball; they have two good running backs and (quarterback Jake) Lloyd can run the ball well. And they have a plethora of great receivers he can throw to."
He said that despite the coaching change, the T-birds haven't lost a step because their offensive coordinator remains the same.
"Chad Van Orden is the one constant that's always been there," he said. "And that's why they still look like Timpview even with the coaching change."
If East is vulnerable in the secondary, Timpview has the players to expose them. Lloyd has amassed 3,300 yards passing and 46 touchdowns. He's thrown just six interceptions and was nearly flawless at Logan. Dax Raymond is clearly his favorite target with 1,260 yards receiving and 20 touchdowns, but six other players have multiple receiving touchdowns this season.
Greg Aspinall carries the ball most of the time with 842 yards and 11 touchdowns, but the T-birds have plenty of options.
Whittingham said the T-birds don't care about rankings, records, seedings or hype.
"It's going to be key to be able to run the ball," said Whittingham. "I don't know if (the Logan game) is a true indicator of whether or not East can be passed on. But we do need to be able to run the ball, and we're definitely counting on our passing game."
Lloyd was the starting quarterback in last year's semifinal loss, and his experience helps.
"He just continues to grow," said Whittingham. "The ids know they're probably the underdog, but they've always been confident knowing they could win every game they've played in. They're humble kids, hard working kids and they know what we're up against. They know if they don't do things right, they can lose."
twitter: adonsports
TIMPVIEW STATS
Scoring offense: 40.8 ppg
Scoring defense: 14.1 ppg
Passing leader: Jake Lloyd (191-297, 64.3%, 3,300 yards, 46 TDs, 6 INTs)
Rushing leaders: Gregson Aspinall (127 carries, 842 yards, 11 TDs), Braydon Galland (43, 229, 1)
Receiving leader: Dax Raymond (65 rec., 1,260 yards, 20 TDs), Rhett Van Leeuwen (32, 643, 8)
Tackles leader: Emmett Tela (87 tackles)
Sacks leader: Pita Taumoepenu (20 sacks)
Int. leader: Tyler Solorzano, Isaiah Holloway (3 INTs)
EAST STATS
Scoring offense: 39.9 ppg
Scoring defense: 10.5 ppg
Passing leader: Isaac Valles (51-103, 49.5%, 1,143 yards, 14 TDs, 2 INTs)
Rushing leaders: Ula Tulutau (173 carries, 1,285 yards, 10 TDs), Isaac Valles (125, 671, 10)
Receiving leader: John Fakahafua (22 rec., 426 yards, 3 TDs), Zach Swenson (11, 273, 4)
Tackles leader: Sesi Salt (44 tackles)
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as a tv fan i was a little irritated by the fact that east didnt have to forfeit all their games they had an ineligible player and we did. so i was with everyone else on that one. but after all the condescending and judgmental comments everyones been More..
This is going to be a great game. I am glad things worked out so that these two teams could play.
East by 3 scores