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PROVO — The 2023 5A state champs are looking to go back-to-back with another title in its control. Last year's Region 7 winner was welcomed with arguably its toughest challenge this year in Maple Mountain (7-1).
The Golden Eagles had a goal: Win and it put the team in contention for its first-ever outright region title; lose, and there was no path to the title. Unfortunately for the Eagles, they will have to wait another year.
A dominant 35-0 shutout by Timpview put the Thunderbirds at 4-0 in region play and a chance at another region title against Orem (8-1) next week.
Carson Rasmussen totaled four touchdowns (two passing and two rushing) to propel the Thunderbirds over the Golden Eagles. He eventually dialed in after throwing an early interception to give the Eagles life.
"He has done an amazing job for us," head coach Donny Atuai said. "I think in the first half, I think he needed to get hit a little more to feel more comfortable. We ran a lot of draws for him to get him comfortable."
After Rasmussen threw his first interception, the Eagles marched down the field and were in contention to score, but the Thunderbirds picked off Rasmussen's former teammate at Pleasant Grove Mason Jensen to keep the score even.
On the ensuing drive, Rasmussen took a 15-yard run to the house to open up the scoring.
Late in the second quarter, after an interception in the red zone, Rasmussen needed just three plays to get the Thunderbirds in the end zone. A 31-yard pass, 44-yard run, and a 22-yard touchdown reception gave Timpview a 21-0 lead over the Eagles heading into the second half.
The Thunderbird defense forced three interceptions and kept the Golden Eagles scoreless despite Maple Mountain getting within 30 yards of the end zone on five different drives.
What could have been a much closer game, was for not due to the stalwart Timpview defense.
After a blocked punt that put Timpview on the Maple Mountain 3-yard line, the Thunderbirds capitalized and went on their way to a 35-0 victory.
Timpview will take on Orem for the Region 7 title at the home of the Tigers on Wednesday.
Maple Mountain's originally scheduled game against Mountain Crest is no longer being played due to schedule confusion, so the Golden Eagles' next game will come in either the first or second round of the state tournament depending on RPI seeding that takes place at the end of the regular season.
