2024 Record: 8-3 overall, 5-0 5A Region 7

Playoffs: No. 4 seed, lost to No. 1 Roy 29-19 5A semifinals

Players to Watch: So. WR Dennis Tua’one, Sr. DB Trinity To’a, Sr. K Luke Thornock, Sr. OL Ian Aloisio, Sr. WR/DB Braxton Wilkerson, Sr. DL Sam Hepworth.

Outlook: Timpview is traditionally one of the top programs in the state but also has had its fair share of drama. This spring, head coach Donn Atuaia stepped down and the administration named former BYU safety Travis Uale the interim head coach.

Uale spent several years coaching in his native Hawaii at Kaiser High School and in youth programs in Utah County. Last season was his first at Timpview, helping out coaching the secondary.

“There were some unfortunate circumstances,” Uale said. “Coach Donny decided to step away and that was probably best for him and his family. I was approached to fill in as the interim coach because it was so late in the offseason. I’m very passionate about the game and using it as a vehicle to help our young men be good people, to prepare them for life. Right now, I’m focused on how best we can prepare for the season.”

There are so key roster changes, as well. Twins Jaron and Keenan Pula, who decommitted from UCLA this summer, have transferred to Lone Peak and athlete Aisa Galea’i took his talents to Orem.

“It was rocky for a little bit,” Uale admitted. “Any time there’s some uncertainty for adolescents there are always going to be phycological things that happen. The good thing is I was here last year so I’m not a new face. We have a good group of boys. We have slightly less numbers but not by much. I was just telling them how far we’ve come in just a month. We’re confident in this group, the scheme and the coaching staff.”

It’s not as if the cupboard will be bare for the Thunderbirds. Receiver Dennis Tua’one is a fast-rising young talent after a good freshman season. Senior Ian Aliosio is the only returning starter on the offensive line but he’s a good one. Seniors Sam Hepworth and Cooper Gleeson will step up to lead the defensive line and Braxton Wilkerson is a versatile athlete who will play on both sides of the ball.

What’s the best way to motivate today’s high school athlete? First, you’ve got to listen to them,” Uale said. “This generation wants to be heard. When I grew up, respect was a big thing. Now kids are always asking ‘why?’ when we ask them to do something. What it comes down to is we were wired differently. It’s important for the coaches to be willing to show you care by listening. If you do that, they will go to work and go to war for you.”

-Darnell Dickson