Grinding out wins: Timpview football again highlights defensive identity in slugfest win at Springville
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- Timpview senior Isaiah Vaea makes a tackle during the Region 7 game at Springville on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
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- Timpview sophomore quarterback Helaman Casuga throws a pass during the Region 7 game at Springville on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
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- Timpview senior running back Tru To’a gets tackled during the Region 7 game at Springville on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
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- Springville senior defensive lineman Kinikinilau Fonohema makes a tackle during the Region 7 game against Timpview at Springville on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
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- Timpview senior wide receiver Tei Nacua gets tackled by junior Reid Deede during the Region 7 game at Springville on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
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- Springville senior wide receiver Luke Nadauld tries to avoid a tackle during the Region 7 game against Timpview at Springville on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
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- Timpview sophomore wide receiver Braxton Wilkerson celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the Region 7 game at Springville on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
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- Timpview sophomore quarterback Helaman Casuga throws a pass during the Region 7 game at Springville on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
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- Springville senior running back Tevita Valeti runs the ball during the Region 7 game against Timpview at Springville on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
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- Timpview senior running back Tru To’a runs the ball during the Region 7 game at Springville on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
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- Springville senior wide receiver Luke Nadauld tries to avoid a tackle during the Region 7 game against Timpview at Springville on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
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- Timpview senior running back Tru To’a runs the ball during the Region 7 game at Springville on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
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- Springville senior running back Tevita Valeti runs the ball during the Region 7 game against Timpview at Springville on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
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- Timpview senior wide receiver Tei Nacua fights through a tackle during the Region 7 game at Springville on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
When Timpview senior linebacker Paka Haunga was asked after Friday’s Region 7 game at Springville whether the physical slugfest style was something he liked, he got a big grin.
“Oh, yeah,” Haunga said. “Run fits are my type of game.”
The Red Devils love to be physical and run the football, but Haunga and the rest of the Thunderbird defense proved up to the challenge as they kept Springville from scoring on their way to a 17-0 shutout victory.
“We knew they are a running team, so our defense just focused on the run all week,” Haunga said. “Everyone had to do their assignment, do their job. It was a team effort.”
Timpview head coach Donny Atuaia lauded his defense for getting the job done.
“The guys were pretty gritty, especially our defense,” Atuaia said. “They showed up. I thought our team was well prepared before the game.”
The reality is that the Thunderbirds have some explosive players on offense but the identity of this team has been its stout defense.
“They are playing well,” Atuaia said. “Our ultimate goal is just to be supportive no matter what. It’s a team effort. If one unit does something not so well, the other two teams will pick it up. That’s football and that’s what we are as a team. Our identity is to support each other no matter what.”
Timpview appeared to be on its way to having a solid offensive game as the Thunderbirds drove down for a 30-yard field goal by sophomore kicker Luke Thornock, stopped Springville, then got a five-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Helaman Casuga to sophomore wide receiver Braxton Wilkerson to go up 10-0 in the first quarter.
“We got some points and were able to move the ball,” Atuaia said. “So collectively it was good for us.”
But the Red Devil defense then rose to the challenge, stymying the Timpview attack until the visitors put the game away with a three-yard scoring run by senior Quezon Villa in the fourth quarter.
“We left a lot of points on the table again,” Atuaia said. “We need to sustain drives and keep our offense on the field. I think when we get that we’ll be that much more dangerous. Offensively we’re a little hit-and-miss but I think we’ve got a lot of room for improvement in all areas.”
Springville did get some yards and had chances, but an interception and two second-half fourth down stops kept the Red Devils from threatening.
For his part, Haunga said he’s proud of how the Timpview defense has stood tall throughout the year.
“These guys definitely work hard,” Haunga said. “Everybody is in the room at 7 a.m. It’s just about teamwork, about guys doing their jobs and not being selfish, putting their heads down and working.”
He added that he knows how good the Thunderbird offense can be and looks forward to when it is consistently clicking.
“The offense responds off of us and we respond off of them,” Haunga said. “When we make good plays, they come out and get scores. We just need all that energy.”
Timpview has played a tough schedule this year, particularly since it doesn’t have a home field while renovations are being made. But Atuaia said that has been to get his team prepared to be strong in league play.
“Everything was leading up to this game and then we go on next week,” Atuaia said. “We have a tough region and we like it. The scheduling for our preseason was leading up to region. It was great that we had some really good teams to see what we needed to do.”
Timpview (3-2) next faces Orem at Provo High on Sept. 14, while Springville (3-2) will look to bounce back when it goes to Cedar Valley on Sept. 15.
Both games are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
TIMPVIEW 10 0 0 7 — 17
SPRINGVILLE 0 0 0 0 — 0
T-Luke Thornock 30 field goal
T-Braxton Wilkerson 5 pass from Helaman Casuga (Thornock kick)
T-Quezon Villa 3 run (Thornock kick)
