1 Timpview football got its third straight 4A championship last weekend. Will the Thunderbirds be celebrating a fourth at this time in 2009?

• LLOYD: I've learned the last couple of years not to doubt what Timpview is able to do on the football field. The T'Birds lose some huge contributors but they have guys waiting in the wings to step up. I think they will win, although the semis and final this year gave notice that everyone else is getting closer. • BEATON: The Thunderbirds just reload every year with players who would start two or three years at some other schools, so there's no reason to think they won't be in contention again. However, Mountain Crest quarterback Alex Kuresa was very impressive against the T'Bird defense, and he's just a sophomore. His productive tight end will also be back, along with some other experienced hands. Cottonwood also has a boatload of returning players, so Timpview certainly can't afford to take another title for granted.

2 All three football title games came down to some big plays in the final minutes. Was it the best set of title games ever?

• BEATON: To have three such competitive games to cap off the season is every sports fan's dream, and probably wasn't too disappointing for the TV folks or UHSAA officials either. It certainly was a refreshing change from some of the blowouts of recent history.

• LLOYD: Sure, why not? It's the best I've attended and that's all I can say for certain. The Juan Diego-Hurricane and Alta-Bingham matchups added to the thrill of the only game involving a local team, the Timpview-Cottonwood thriller. Now if you take out the final quarter of the BYU-Utah game, you get basically 15 quarters of great football at Rice-Eccles Stadium in two days -- not bad.

3 High school boys basketball tips off this week with the Beat the Zuke Utah County Challenge at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Which contest do you think will be the best?

• LLOYD: Each of the games has its own intrigue but I've got to take the Provo-Lehi showdown (5:15 p.m.) as the best by just a hair. The Pioneers return a bunch of starters and they would love to make a statement early. The Bulldogs again are loaded, but at times have gotten blindsided early in the year before putting things together for region and state. That makes for great drama on Wednesday.

• BEATON: I do believe the Bulldogs and Pioneers will put on a show, but I'm also expecting one from the Mountain View and Pleasant Grove game that follows at 7 p.m. As the Great Zuke said, the Bruins have risen from the ashes and are looking to earn some respect this year. The Vikings still have one of the state's best players in CJ Wilcox, with LeSean Wilcox as a more-than-capable lieutenant. However, though the team is bigger, it's a bit slower than last year, which could give Mountain View an opening.

4 Many of the girls prep hoopsters will also begin their season this week. Which team do you believe will be the best in Utah Valley this year?

• BEATON: Gee, tough call -- not. American Fork returns 10 players from a team that was barely beaten in the state finals last year, even with very little post presence compared to Skyline. What's truly scary is that the Cavemen are both bigger and better than a year ago. Fans will also get to see more of the court-pounding, entertaining style that was such a crowd favorite last season.

• LLOYD: All right, I can't disagree with giving American Fork the top spot, but No. 1a on my list is Springville. The Red Devils will be deep and talented with many players returning from last year's 4A semifinal team. Plus Ashley Kroneberger really showed at state she could also make everyone around her better, a bad sign for the rest of the Valley. Her team meets the Cavemen on Dec. 12.

5 Utah Valley has some outstanding boys and girls basketball teams year-in and year-out, but which school do you think has the best basketball fans?

• LLOYD: I've seen thousands of outstanding supporters in all 12 gyms I've visited, but I've got to give the nod to Mountain View by the slightest of margins. The Bruin Crazies do a spectacular job of showing up for home and away contests, of being loud and creative while still generally being respectful, and of supporting both teams. Think I'm wrong? Prove it on our season-long poll at preprally.heraldextra.com! Check it out on the lower-right corner of the Web page.

• BEATON: The Bruin Crazies certainly do a nice job, though I've heard a few isolated remarks from their ranks that would make a sailor blush. Still, I'd have to say that Pleasant Grove fans could give them a run for their money. They show up in force for the boys, and though a smaller number come to the girls games, they are still plenty loud. There's no question that both teams feed off their energy, at home or on the road. I'd have to award a close second to supporters of the American Fork girls team, who should be even more enthusiastic this year. Of course, there's plenty of time for crowds at other schools to make a dent in our opinions. Bring it on!