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4 A Utah Football Tournament Brackets

4A Semi-Finals Game News

Timpview falls hard Highland rolls to 30-6 win

11/11/2000

By DARNELL DICKSON

The Daily Herald

PROVO -- After his team's disappointing 30-6 loss to Highland, Timpview coach Chad Van Orden was asked if scoring before halftime might have made a difference.

"Yeah," Van Orden said, glancing up at the scoreboard, "it would have been 30-13."

That Highland won Friday's 4A state semifinal game wasn't as big a surprise as how convincing it was.

Highland's highly touted defense was as good as advertised, pummeling top-ranked Timpview with big hits and big plays on a day that the cold played more of a factor than the snow.

But Highland's offense, which has now scored 126 points in three state playoff games, has awakened at just the right time.

And that made Larry Wilson's team too tough to handle Friday afternoon. Timpview took the ball 70 yards on nine plays on its first possession, and Cade Cooper hit Dane Church on a 9-yard touchdown pass for a quick 6-0 lead.

But that would be the extent of Timpview's scoring for the afternoon.

"I think their pressure got to us," Van Orden said. "We had our chances but hey, give them credit. They're a big, physical football team and they execute."

Highland (11-1) completely dominated the game, outgaining Timpview 278 to 189 and forcing four turnovers.

"We played for tradition and for our boys back in 1997," said Highland's Victor Filipe, referring to Timpview's 41-40 upset of Highland three seasons ago. "We played hard and we played together."

Highland, a team that beat Murray 3-0 and lost to Cyprus 7-2 during the regular season, was clicking on all cylinders offensively. Highland ran for 152 yards, but broke Timpview's defense with the pass.

Quarterback Michael Holton was 7 of 8 for 126 yards and three touchdowns, including two to Josh Steele.

Steele also had two interceptions as Highland held Timpview to just 170 yards passing.

After Timpview's initial score, Highland came right back with a nine-play, 78-yard drive of its own. Holton threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Andrew Jenkins, and Highland took a 7-6 lead.

A 29-yard scoring strike to Steele on third down and short pushed Highland's lead to 13-6 with 6:51 to play in the first half.

Timpview (11-1) mounted a drive just before the half. Cooper completed a 28-yard pass to Brigham Duckett, then scrambled for 14 yards to the Highland 16-yard line with less than 30 seconds to go.

But three straight incompletions later, Andrew Smith missed a 33-yard field goal and Timpview still trailed by seven points.

Timpview turned the ball over on its first two possessions of the second half, and Highland capitalized by scoring 10 points for a 23-6 lead after three.

Highland, which gave up only six points per game during the regular season, wasn't about to give up three touchdowns in one quarter.

Highland will face Logan (11-2), a 7-6 winner over Mountain Crest, next Friday at Weber State for the Class 4A state title.

In the Class 5A semifinals, Skyline shut out Alta 35-0.

The 5A title game is also scheduled to be played at Weber State next Friday.

Highland 7 6 10 7 -- 30

Timpview 6 0 0 0 -- 6

T -- Dane Church 9 pass from Cade Cooper (kick failed)

H -- Andrew Jenkins 15 pass from Michael Holton (Brian James kick)

H -- Josh Steele 29 pass from Holton (kick failed)

H -- Garrett Cundick 5 run (James kick)

 

Rammed! Highland rips Timpview

By Jay Hinton
Deseret News prep editor

Highland 30, Timpview 6

      PROVO — Highland High entered Friday's 4A semifinal contest boasting the state's fourth-best defense which allowed just 8.5 points per game in leading the Rams to an 10-1 record.

Timpview's Josh Bushnell gets a finger on Highland quarterback Michael Holton's jersey as he tries to bring him down during the Rams' blowout win Friday. JASON OLSON, DESERET NEWS Pictures of the Game

      Timpview, on the other hand, entered the game unbeaten and owned one of the state's most potent offenses which scored 38.6 points per game and was winning games by an average of just under 26 points.
      Something had to give.
      Highland's defense was tested early as the T-Birds scored on their first possession, but that was all the Highland defense would allow for the next 44 minutes as the Rams advanced to the 4A finals with a 30-6 thumping of Timpview (11-1) at Cougar Stadium.
      "Our DBs have been working hard this whole week because of their passing offense," said Highland defender Josh Steele, who had two interceptions and a big pass deflection in the victory. "We stepped it up after that first touchdown."
      The T-Birds, with the help of three Highland penalties, went 80 yards — 50 net offense — on the first drive but were then held to 110 yards the remainder of the contest.
      "Our defense was outstanding," Highland coach Larry Wilson said. "I would have never dreamed we would have held them to six points."
      No need to dream, it's a reality.        "We knew they had a good team and a dominating offense," Ram defensive tackle Victor Filipe said. "We came together, stepped it up and came together and laid it on the line for each other."
      Highland (11-1) answered Cade Cooper's 9-yard touchdown pass to Dane Church when quarterback Michael Holton hit Andrew Jenkins with a 15-yard strike six minutes later. The Rams, unlike the T-Birds, hit the extra point to take the lead for good at 7-6.
      "I blame myself a little bit (for the loss)," Timpview coach Chad Van Orden said. "The first drive I had multiple formations and different looks they hadn't seen. I got away from that and stayed with the basic sets so we could see coverages a little bit. Now, looking back, maybe I should have stayed with my scatter-brained self and kept the formations changing."
      Along with Filipe, Dustin Schroeder, Pani Brown, Holoti Ngata and Travis Wilde were solid up front for the Rams.
      Timpview's Cade Cooper completed nine passes in the contest for less than 100 yards.
      "Their pressure got to him (Cooper) and got to us a little bit," Van Orden said. "You look at their four guys rushing — good job by them."
      Steele also hauled in a pair of touchdown passes from Holton. His first came on Highland's second score of the game on a 29-yard pass and the second came on a 46-yard pass from Holton.
      Steele's first interception of the game, on Timpview's first drive of the second half, set up another Highland score.
      "We've been scouting that route all week," Steele said. "We knew what he was going to do. I read it right off."
      Garrett Cundick, who rushed for 78 yards in the game, scored on a 6-yard run midway through the third quarter, increasing the lead to 20-6.
      Following a Ngata fumble recovery, Brian James booted a 34-yard field goal, making it 23-6 before Steele hauled in the final TD with just over nine minutes left in the game.
      The Rams amassed just under 300 yards total offense, with Holton throwing for 130 yards.
      Highland now faces Logan, which beat Mountain Crest 7-6 Friday, next week at Weber State University for the 4A state championship.

      Highland 30, Timpview 6

      H - 7 6 10 7 - 30
      T - 6 0 0 0 - 6
     
      T - Church 9 pass from Cooper (kick failed)
      H - Jenkins 15 pass from Holton (James kick)
      H - Steele 29 pass from Holton (kick failed)
      H - Cundick six run (James kick)
      H - James 32 FG
      H - Steele 46 pass from Holton (James kick)

 

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS: Rams, T-birds score first, then Highland hits high gear

Saturday, November 11, 2000

Highland's Andrew Jenkins celebrates his touchdown with QB Michael Holton (9) and Jackson Owen, left, against Timpview. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune) BY LYA WODRASKA THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE     PROVO -- The Highland defense must have heard the snickering coming from the Timpview players and fans after the Thunderbirds scored on their first possession of Friday's Class 4-A semifinal football game at Cougar Stadium.     The rout everyone in orange expected to see had just started, or so they thought.     That quick score was the only thing Timpview had to celebrate all day, as Highland clamped down on a highly regarded offense, winning 30-6.     The Rams play Logan next week for the Class 4-A state title, and they look ready to win their first championship since 1986.     Friday's game was supposed to be championship caliber, matching the state's best offense and defense. But Timpview, which averaged 38 points coming in,simply couldn't move the ball against the Rams, who allow just eight points a game. The outcome had nothing to do with the weather, and everything to do with the guys slamming Timpview's players into the ground.     Highland's big line usually gets the attention, but Josh Steele was the defensive standout against the Thunderbirds. He intercepted two passes and had another knockdown. He was just as good on offense, catching touchdown passes of 29 and 46 yards.     "We'd been studying their routes the whole week," Steele said. "We knew what they were going to do."     When Timpview did connect on a pass, the Rams made them pay with some treacherous hits. Andrew Jenkins laid one on Timpview's Bryant Atkinson to break up a pass on Highland's 2-yard line.     "I can't explain this feeling right now," said Highland senior Victor Filipe, who lingered on BYU's field. "It was a great effort. We want to keep that Highland tradition going."     Cooper is a cool quarterback, but he was rattled by Highland's defense in the second half.     "Their pressure got to him," Timpview coach Chad Van Orden said. "But [Highland] is a great, great team and they played extremely well. I blame myself for some of it. On that first drive, we used a lot of looks they hadn't seen, then we went back to the basics. Looking back, I probably should have stuck with my scattered brain."     Timpview had a chance to score late in the first half after Cooper connected with Brigham Duckett on a 28-yard pass to Highland's 36-yard line. The Thunderbirds worked the ball inside Highland's 20, but couldn't punch it in. A 34-yard field-goal attempt was wide left.     "We did get a little nervous after they scored first," Filipe said. "We knew they had a great offense. But we stepped up and laid it on the line."     Highland made it 20-6 shortly after Steele intercepted Cooper and returned the ball to Timpview's 18. Garett Cundick rumbled in from 6 yards.     Timpview fumbled on its next possession, giving Highland the ball on its 44-yard line after Holoti Hgata's recovery.     The Rams got a 32-yard field goal from Brian James after the turnover and ran several minutes off the clock, leaving Timpview with just 1:20 remaining in the third quarter.     A 46-yard pass from Michael Holton to Steele put the exclamation on the dominating victory.    Highland 30, Timpview 6            Timpview (11-1) 6 0 0 0-- 6    Highland (11-1) 6 7 10 7--30     T--Church 9 pass from Cooper (kick failed)     H--Jenkins14 pass from Holton (James kick)     H--Steele 29 pass from Holton (kick failed)     H--Cundick 6 run (James kick)     H--FG James 32     H--Steele 46 pass from Holton (James kick)

Grizzlies slip past Mustangs in a muddy, chilly turf battle

By Amy Donaldson
Deseret News sports writer

Logan 7, Mtn. Crest 6

      LOGAN — Tory Haines isn't used to carrying the football.
      So on a day when everyone was having trouble keeping their hands on the pigskin, the Logan defensive lineman only had one thing on his mind when he intercepted a pass in the fourth quarter.
      "I was just worrying about fumbling the ball," he laughed after the Grizzlies beat region rival Mountain Crest 7-6 in a 4A semifinal game Friday afternoon at Romney Stadium. "I didn't care how many yards I got, I just didn't want to drop the ball."
      His concerns aren't just those of a lineman who finds the ball in his hands. Friday's game was so muddy, so wet and cold there were 13 turnovers, seven of which were fumbles. What was touted as an offensive showdown turned out to be a defensive contest where just keeping the ball was reason to celebrate.
      "I'm exhausted," Haines said.
      His coach, Mike Favero, said the game boiled down to tenacity.
      "We just kept playing," he said. "I don't know the exact stats, but the only one that matters to me is the scoreboard."
      In addition to the 13 turnovers, there were dozens of near-misses and close calls, and both teams were so muddy it was nearly impossible to distinguish between them.
      Logan didn't even earn a first down until one play before it scored its first and only touchdown near the end of the second quarter.
      Grizzlies' quarterback Jared Lowe threw a 44-yard pass to Phil Stevens, who not only caught the ball but managed to stay in bounds. Lowe's redemption came just six plays after he'd thrown an interception to Mustangs' Carson Jessop as he tried to avoid a tackle. Lowe tried to run Jessop out of bounds, but the burly linebacker simply ran him over.
      It was just one of many hard hits Lowe took, making him unable to move as well as he normally does in the backfield because of the field conditions.
      "I've been hit a lot, so that was no big deal," he said. "It was slick . . . I think we had a hard time the whole game (with the wet field)."
      As for finding Stevens, he said that was a well-planned play-action pass and a little luck.
      "I think our receivers are the best in the state," he said. "I just did the play. . . . Sometimes I just throw it up, and they grab it."
      Stevens said he wasn't sure where he was when he came down with the ball, but he quickly found his footing and headed for the end zone.
      "It hung in the air quite a while," he said. "I made sure I stayed in bounds. . . . You could slip at any time."
      Favero said both teams had to adjust their game plans because of the weather. He said it was a little discouraging for the Grizzlies when they lost the ball on a turnover, but "they never lost their belief in themselves."
      Mountain Crest coach Dan Cox said his offense would move the ball well but stall out short of a touchdown.
      "I just felt like both defensive lines handled the game," he said. "I thought we'd be able to put some things together in the second half, but we just couldn't. . . . The field conditions kind of stymied us."
      Logan will play Highland for the 4A state championship next Friday at Weber State.

CLASS 4-A FOOTBALL SEMIFINALS: Logan Slips Past Mountain Crest

Saturday, November 11, 2000

BY PETER RICHINS THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE     LOGAN -- Logan and Mountain Crest needed to dig through snow and mud Friday to find the Cache Valley opponent they knew.     After the Region 4 rivals combined for more than 400 rushing yards on the last day of league play, the teams struggled to gain anything on the ground in Logan's 7-6 win in the Class 4-A semifinals.     Not only did the running backs slip through the mud in front of 4,200 fans at Romney Stadium, but the quarterbacks were unable to throw the soggy ball with accuracy and combined for seven interceptions.     "It was an ugly game," Logan coach Mike Favero said. "It was hard to run the ball, and it was hard to throw the ball, so we're just happy to come out on top."     Logan entered the state tournament as Region 4's first seed after defeating the Mustangs 22-13, knocking Mountain Crest down to fifth place in the league. "I would much rather play a team I've already beaten once," Favero said.     Logan struggled to earn a first down until late in the second quarter when quarterback Jared Lowe connected with Mike Bennett at the Mustang 44-yard line. Moments later, Lowe hit Phil Stevens streaking down the left sideline for a touchdown. Braden Merrill's extra point made the difference.     "Luckily, it fell in my hands, and it was end zone from there," Stevens said.     Stevens said a Logan student body rally Friday morning "sent chills through me the whole time."     Mountain Crest's score came on Carson Jessop's 33-yard interception return along the right sideline. The Mustangs missed the PAT.     Mountain Crest was trying to position itself for a late field goal, but a quarterback sack, a bad snap and a penalty moved the ball out of range. A fourth-down pass was intercepted with 15 seconds left.     "I really thought we could get some things going in the second half," Mountain Crest coach Dan Cox said, adding that the mucky field "kind of stymied things."     "In the end, it was believing and fighting," Favero said. "The breaks went both ways."        Logan 7, Mountain Crest 6        Mountain Crest (8-4) 0 6 0 0--6    Logan (11-2) 0 7 0 0--7     MC--Jessop 33 interception return (kick failed)     L--Stevens 44 pass from Lowe (Merrill kick)

 

Logan tops Mountain Crest in state 4-A semifinal

Saturday, November 11, 2000
Standard-Examiner staff

LOGAN -- Friday's state 4-A semifinal showdown between Cache Valley rivals Logan and Mountain Crest wasn't a thing of beauty, but it was a thriller anyway.

With 7,000 fans looking on, Region 4 champion Logan won 7-6 at Utah State's Romney Stadium to advance to next week's championship game with Highland.

All the scoring came in the second quarter as both teams combined for nine turnovers in the bitter cold.

Mountain Crest scored with 4:21 to go until halftime when Carson Jessop intercepted a Jared Lowe pass and returned in 33 yards for the touchdown.

However, Mustangs kicker Justin Schroeder pushed the PAT wide right. Ironically, it was Schroeder who won last week's quarterfinal with a last-second field goal.

Less than two minutes later, Lowe and Phil Stevens hooked up on a 44-yard touchdown pass. Braden Merrill's PAT provided the margin of difference in the game.

In the other semifinal, played at BYU's Cougar Stadium, Highland rolled over Timpview, 30-6. &127;

Cousin Vs. Cousin

Jason Owen of Timpview High School, left, has to stand on his toes to get close to matching the height of his cousin Jackson Owen, who plays for Highland High School. The cousins will square off against each other when their football teams meet in the state playoffs today. (Steve Griffin/The Salt Lake Tribune)

BY JAY DREW
THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE
   Jackson and Jason Owen are as different as same-age cousins can be. Jackson is 6-foot-4, has dark hair, cheers for the University of Utah and is quiet. Jason is 5-9, has blond hair, is a big BYU fan and is talkative.
    But separating the boys the most is the color of uniforms they will be wearing in today's Class 4-A football semifinal game (3 p.m.) at BYU's Cougar Stadium. Jackson Owen is a linebacker, punter and wide receiver for Highland; Jason Owen is a running back and receiver for Timpview.
    "It is going to be really weird, playing against each other," said Jackson Owen, a team leader in tackles and receptions. "I'm sure we will talk some on the field. At least, I hope so; that will mean I have tackled him."
    Jason Owen, who ran for 130 yards and three touchdowns in Timpview's win over Murray two weeks ago, said the boys joked at a wedding last summer about the possibility of facing each other, but only in the 4-A championship game. "We knew both teams were going to be good, and we had some fun with it," he said.
    Jackson's father, Stanford Owen, and Jason's grandfather,Gordon Owen, are brothers. Stanford Owen played basketball for the University of Utah, while Jason's father, Steve, was an all-state football player for Olympus and a standout at Ricks College. Gordon Owen will miss the game. He is on an LDS Church mission in South Africa.
    This is not the first time the families have clashed in football. In 1997, when Timpview stunned then-undefeated Highland 41-40 at Copper Hills in a semifinal game, Jason's older brother, Scott, was a junior linebacker for Timpview and Jackson's brother, Dave, was on Highland's team, although he missed the game with an injury.
    The roles are reversed this year, as Timpview (11-0) enters with the perfect record and top ranking and Highland (10-1) seeks the upset.
    "Everyone associated with Highland still remembers that game, and it is still painful," said Jackson Owen. "Some guys still can't even talk about it."
    Today's game matches the state's best offense against the state's best defense. With quarterback Cade Cooper at the helm and offensive weapons galore, Timpview scores 38 points a game. Backed by a massive defensive line, Highland gives up just under 10 points a contest.
    "There is no question that we are the underdog," said Highland coach Larry Wilson. "After watching them on film, I know they deserve to be ranked No. 1. They don't have a weakness."
    Of course, that's what everybody said about Highland three years ago. Timpview's passing attack was aided that day by dry conditions. Cold, snowy and wet conditions today likely favor Highland, which has bruising backs Michael Mailei and Garret Cundick and a solid option quarterback, Michael Holton.
    Owen and Jacob Garrard get most of Timpview's carries, but the T-birds do most of their damage through the air. Cooper has thrown for 2,215 yards and a state-high 26 touchdowns, while Dane Church has 58 catches for 1,115 yards and 13 TDs. Tight end Bryant Atkinson, one of the state's most-recruited players, has 11 TD catches and is also a big force on defense.
    Timpview will be hurt by the loss of offensive lineman Brian Soi, who had knee surgery this week, and could struggle to block Highland's massive line of Granger transfer Pani Brown, Holoti Hgata and Victor Filipe. Reno Fonua joins Owen and Mailei to give the Rams excellent linebacking.   

UtahPreps Picks 'Em

By: UtahPreps.com Staff Date: 11/9/2000 After going 14-2 in last weeks picks, and 40-8 overall for the playoffs, UtahPreps.com Senior Editor Ryan Hatch will once again attempt to handicap this weeks games with his predictions for the semifinal round of the 2000 state football playoffs.

Note: The point spreads indicated are merely for entertainment purposes.

Class 4-A

Highland (10-1) vs. Timpview (11-0) - Lets do the math. Timpview has the most potent offense in 4-A, while Highland has the top defense. These teams cancel each other out all over the field. It should be a great game. If Cooper can get the passing game going, the T-Birds should advance. TIMPVIEW by 7.

Logan (10-2) vs. Mountain Crest (8-3) - Mountain Crest has two upsets in a row (Cyprus and Lone Peak), so why not three. Logan has been consistent and solid all year. This Region 4 rematch should be exciting. LOGAN by 1.

Grid semis come calling

11/10/2000

By DARNELL DICKSON The Daily Herald

PROVO -- Just call Provo "Prep Football Playoff Central" this weekend.Five of the eight prep football semifinal games are being played right here in Happy Valley.BYU will host a pair of games Friday, including Lehi vs. Snow Canyon (3A) and Timpview vs. Highland (4A).Springville's football field is the site of the Class 2A semifinals Saturday with Juab facing South Summit and Grantsville taking on San Juan.Finally, Provo will play host to 3A's other semifinal game when Delta takes on undefeated Morgan on Saturday.

Here's a look at the matchups.

CLASS 4A

Timpview (11-0) vs. Highland (10-1)

at BYU, 3 p.m. Friday

This is a rematch of a classic 1997 state semifinal where Timpview upset No. 1 Highland 41-40.Highland's offense, led by MVP Morgan Scalley, averaged nearly 45 points per game that year.This season, it's Highland's defense that has been overpowering.

Highland allowed only 57 points during the regular season, an average of 6.3 points per game.Timpview faced a second-half deficit for only the second time this season against Box Elder last week, trailing 22-21 after some key mistakes.But Timpview rallied to score twice to put the game out of reach, and its defense bottled up Box Elder's running game."Our defensive stats had them with 32 carries for 68 yards," Van Orden said. "They got 70 yards on their touchdown run in the first half, so we held them to -2 yards on the other 31 carries. They had a lot of carries where they didn't get back to the line of scrimmage." Timpview's defensive strength lies in its linebackers, which include Bryant Atkinson, Josh Bushnell and Brady Phillips.Van Orden figures on a defensive battle against Highland."They're going to try and pressure us with their front four," Van Orden said. "They also like to bring a couple of linebackers and their safety. We just want to spread the field and we have to block their four with our five offensive linemen.

"We don't want to keep extra guys in because then we'd only have two or three receivers in the pattern."The snowy weather will undoubtedly affect Timpview's passing game. Highland likes to run the ball, and its offense had produced 98 points in two playoff games.

PREDICTION: The defenses are both good, but Timpview's offense isn't just about passing. Look for Jake Garrard, Jason Owen and Atu Lealiifano to help establish a little bit of a running game, and Timpview to be able to hit a big play or two to Dane Church or Atkinson.

Timpview 28, Highland 20.

Logan (10-2) vs.

Mountain Crest (8-3)

at Utah State, 1 p.m.

Friday

PREDICTION: Logan topped Mountain Crest 22-13 three weeks ago.

But Mountain Crest has knocked off the No. 3 (Cyprus) and No. 2 (Lone Peak) teams in the state on the road in consecutive weeks.

Adrian Stewart and Jake Kuresa are a formidable running tandem for Mountain Crest. A late field goal wins it for Mountain Crest.

Mountain Crest 20, Logan 17.

 

Prep football semi-final outlook Deseret News 11/09/00

TIMPVIEW (11-0) VS. HIGHLAND (10-1)

      WHEN: Friday, 3 p.m., Brigham Young University, Cougar Stadium

      ABOUT THE THUNDERBIRDS: Region 4's Box Elder gave the T-Birds all they could handle for three quarters last week. . . . The Bees were successful at limiting the T-Birds' running game. . . . Moved up to No. 9 in Foxsports' West Region.

      ABOUT THE RAMS: Is third in the state in defense and second in 4A by allowing 8.5 points per contest . . . Linebacker Reno Fonua was named the Region 5 Defensive Player of the Year.

      PLAYERS TO WATCH: Timpview: Cade Cooper, Jacob Garrard; Highland: Reno Fonua, Michael Holton.

LOGAN (10-2) VS. MOUNTAIN CREST (8-3)

      WHEN: Friday, 1 p.m., Utah State University, Romney Stadium

      ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES: The Grizzlies won the Region 4 championship outright with a win over Mountain Crest in their final game of the regular season. . . Will be playing their second straight contest at Utah State University's Romney Stadium.

      ABOUT THE MUSTANGS: Having beaten Cyrpus (10-1) and Lone Peak (9-2) in their first tow games, the Mustangs have to be considered a favorite. . . . It will be hard for the Grizzlies to beat the Mustangs two times in a row.

      PLAYERS TO WATCH: Logan: Mike Bennett, Ryan Bohm; Mountain Crest: Jake Kuresa, Adrian Stewart.

Picking the Prep Football Playoffs

Wednesday, November 8, 2000

FOOTBALL GAME THE SKINNY TRIBUNE PICK    Alta vs. Skyline If Alta really has the best defense in 5-A, here's chance to prove it. Skyline by 4    Northridge vs. Bingham Should be a low-scoring thriller decided by one big play Bingham by 3 Timpview vs. Highland Classic matchup of Highland's defense against Timp's awesome offense. Highland by 7    Logan vs. Mountain Crest This Cache Valley bloodbath should be something special Mtn. Crest by 5    Lehi vs. Snow Canyon Finally, some points will be scored in Cougar Stadium. Maybe 40 each. S.C. by 8    Delta vs. Morgan Relegated to a h.s. field, traditional football powers will run, run, run Delta by 4    South Summit vs. Juab Juab has improved a lot, but can the Wasps stop powerful Brody Lewis? S. Summit by 6    San Juan vs. Grantsville The difference should be San Juan's more explosive offense. San Juan by 10 Wednesday, November 8th, 2000

4A STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS Timpview prepares for high-powered Highland By NEIL K. WARNER Journal Publications Remember the games when Highland looked like a one-dimensional team? Yeah, those where the days in the middle of the season when the Rams didn’t look so spooky. I mean, come on. A 3-0 win over Bountiful? Who’s ever heard of a high school game where the final score was 3-0? Then there was a 7-3 loss to Cyprus. Another 48 minutes of football and another one-field-goal performance from Highland. But the time to play Highland has past. Since the playoffs arrived, the Rams are not to be messed with. To understand just how far Highland’s offense has come consider this: The once-hornless Rams offense actually outscored Timpview’s in the first two weeks of the playoffs. Highland (10-1) opened the playoffs with a 56-28 win over Provo and followed up that win with a 40-20 road win at Bonneville. An average of 48 points per game. It’s Timpviewesque. “We’ve gotten healthier and changed some personnel around and offensively we’re starting to jell,” said Highland coach Larry Wilson. “I wouldn’t say there’s really one individual player who you can point to other than maybe the leadership of our quarterback.” Highland relies on quarterback Michael Holton, who has 11 rushing touchdowns and three passing touchdowns. Wilson and Timpview coach Chad Van Orden took turns complimenting each other this week. Van Orden: “I don’t think we’ve played a team like them this year. They’ve got to be the lowest scoring defensive team. Not many teams score in double digits on them.” Wilson: “I think they’re absolutely awesome. I haven’t seen another team better than them this year and that includes Skyline.” Highland is responsible for Skyline’s only loss of the season and comes into the game with one of the state’s top defenses. In their playoff opener, the Rams held Provo to -34 yards rushing. A lot of that had to do with eight sacks, which gives Van Orden another reason to worry. But if any team can put points on the board against Highland, it figures to be Timpview. The T-Birds’ offense actually sputtered in last week’s win over Box Elder, but the T-Birds still scored 35 points. “Our offense finally had that game where they weren’t in sync,” Van Orden said. “We never really got it going.” When Van Orden says the offense never really got it going, you have to understand, he looks up the word offense in the St. Louis Rams dictionary. Quarterback Cade Cooper was 20-of-37 for 282 yards and 3 TDs but he also threw two interceptions. Wide receiver Dane Church had eight catches for 112 yards and 2 TDs, which was a drop off of 50 yards and a touchdown from last week. Gasp! What really caused Van Orden’s blonde hair to turn color was the performance of Timpview’s rushing attack that grinded to a stop with just 44 yards. “Usually when we run the ball effectively, we don’t have any trouble, but I don’t know if we can run it on these guys,” Van Orden said. Another added worry left over from the Box Elder game is charity, i.e. turnovers. After stringing together three consecutive turnover-free games together, Timpview fumbled once, threw two interceptions and had a punt blocked. “Obviously, we’re going to have to play better if we’re to have a chance,” Van Orden said. Despite giving up 22 points, the T-Birds’ defense only surrendered six first downs and 135 yards in total offense. Timpview will need the same type of defensive performance to cool off Highland and advance to the 4A championship game, where it will meet the winner of the Mountain Crest/Logan game on Friday, Nov. 17 at Weber State University. But to do so, the T-Birds will have to fill a huge hole left by the injury to lineman Brian Soi. Soi, a sophomore who played both ways, is out for the year with a knee injury. His absence will be difficult to compensate for. As evenly as the two teams appear, the difference in the game might just be in the weather. Timpview prefers a sunny day. Highland is hoping for a dark and gloomy one. The forecast is for cold with occasional snow likely. The game will kick off Friday at 3 p.m. at BYU’s Cougar Stadium.

Timpview earns classic rematch with Highland
11/07/2000
By DARNELL DICKSON

The Daily Herald

It may have been the greatest playoff game -- and the biggest upset -- in the history of Utah prep football.

The year was 1997, and Highland was the beast of Class 4A football. MVP Mogan Scalley and his teammates rolled up a 9-0 regular-season record and outscored its nine opponents 412-75.

Highland destroyed Fremont 63-12 and Box Elder 49-14 to advance to the state semifinals.

Its opponent?

Timpview, which had compiled a 6-2 regular season mark and shut out Murray (33-0) and West (34-0) on its way to the semifinals.

"There's no way we can beat Highland," one Timpview assistant admitted after the West game.

How wrong he was.

Adam Ashworth scored the game-tying touchdown with four minutes to play, Ethan Ross kicked the extra point for a 41-40 lead and McClain Nelson's interception ended Highland's last effort as time ran out.

Timpview went on to beat Olympus 19-16 for the state title.

"No one gave us much of chance against Highland in 1997," Timpview coach Chad Van Orden recalled. "We didn't turn the ball over and we had close to 500 yards of offense against them. The kids believed we could beat them."

This Friday, top-ranked Timpview (11-0), which outscored its Region 6 opponents 288-88, will face Highland (10-1) in the state 4A semifinals.

"Highland is a great team with really good size," Van Orden said. "They run to the ball very well on defense."

Highland dropped its only game of the year in Week 8, losing at Cyprus 7-2.

But Highland is also the only blemish on 5A favorite Skyline's 10-1 record. Highland won 17-14 in Week 3.

"Highland's offense really feeds of its defense," Van Orden said. "In fact, I've seen tapes where the defense has outscored the offense."

Highland will try to put all kinds of pressure on Timpview quarterback Cade Cooper in an attempt to disrupt the passing game. Timpview is banged up on the front line and could have trouble with Highland's outstanding defensive front.

Provo assistant coach Brian Preece, who got a first-hand look at Highland in Provo's 56-28 first-round loss, thinks Highland will give Timpview everything it can handle.

"They are definitely a threat to Timpview," Preece said. "Highland has one of the best defensive fronts I've seen at the high school level."

 

Rams Play In T-Birds' Backyard

Tuesday, November 7, 2000

BY JAY DREW THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE     Remembering a painful loss three years ago to Timpview in a 4-A semifinal game when his team was undefeated, Highland High football coach Larry Wilson joked Monday that the Rams would be willing to play the Thunderbirds "anywhere but at Copper Hills."     Brigham Young University's Cougar Stadium, just down the street from Timpview, presumably is not high on his list, either.     But that's where this year's 4-A semifinal game will be played, the Utah High School Activities Association announced Monday. The Rams (10-1) and Thunderbirds (11-0) will kick off at 3 p.m. Friday, after a 3-A teams Snow Canyon and Lehi play.     The other 4-A semifinal, the all-Cache Valley duel between Mountain Crest and Logan, will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Utah State's Romney Stadium. Morgan and Delta will play the other 3-A semifinal game at 1 p.m. Saturday at Provo High, having lost a coin flip for game at BYU with Snow Canyon and Lehi.     The 5-A semifinals will be played Friday at the University of Utah; kickoff times have been moved back to 1 and 4 p.m. due to parking concerns.     The UHSAA was slow in announcing the schedule because of a late decision by USU to allow only one game only at Romney Stadium this week. The UHSAA wanted to pair the Morgan-Delta game with the Mountain Crest-Logan game at Romney Stadium. That would have left Cougar Stadium for Timpview-Highland and Lehi-Snow Canyon.     But Utah State let Logan and Olympus play their quarterfinal game at Romney Stadium last week, and with a college game scheduled for Nov. 18, the Aggies said a second game Friday would cause too much damage to their field.     Assistant athletic director Kevin Dustin said when USU agreed to be a host site for the semifinals two months ago, the school believed it would be for one game. UHSAA officials had two games in mind.     "If we made a blunder, it was for being too understanding a week ago in letting Logan play here," Dustin said. He said that the decision -- made at the vice presidential level -- "could make us look bad" because Utah and BYU are allowing two games on their fields, but that USU was always a third option for the games, anyway.     The Mountain Crest-Logan game is expected to draw around 10,000 people, Dustin said.     When USU said no, the UHSAA was forced to decide which 3-A game would be held at BYU, and which would be played at Provo. "At that point, the only fair thing to do was have a coin flip," said Jerre Bovee of the UHSAA.