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PROVO — While its team was backed up to their own 4-yard line on third-and-36, Timpview quarterback Cole Engemann absorbed a hit.
He managed to get the ball off just in time for his running back to take it 29 yards to set up fourth-and-11. Then, Engemann stepped into the pocket and fired a laser to convert the seemingly impossible feat and seal the game for his team in the first round of the 5A state playoffs with a 40-15 victory.
While the Thunderbirds held a big lead, it was Engemann's confidence — and 328 passing yard and three-touchdown day — to set up big plays.
"He doesn't talk much, but he leads by example," Timpview coach Travis Uale said. "His skills and experience are starting to pay off and other people start to buy into that."
With the win, Timpview will face county rival, No. 4 Orem, on Halloween.
Timpview's special teams was key in the win, forcing two missed field goals and two missed PATs — two of the four coming via blocked attempts.
"We spend a lot of time on special teams. They're delivering and executing on what they should do," Uale said.
Wasatch had a chance to take an early lead, but a 45-yard field goal was blocked by Timpview to keep the score at zero apiece.
Engemann connected with wideout Dennis Tuaone for a 40-yard catch to set up a scoring opportunity for the Thunderbirds. Engemann and Tuaone aligned again on a 7-yard touchdown play to give Timpview a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter.
Wasatch quarterback Joseph Bradley opened the ensuing offensive possession with a 30-yard read option to quickly get the Wasps in contention for a quick response.
Ben Brand took a 40-yard handoff to the end zone to get the Wasps on the board; however, Wasatch missed the PAT.
Taani Tuha scored on a 4-yard rushing touchdown, while Tonga Tauteoli picked off the Wasps on the ensuing defensive sequence and took it home to put the T-Birds ahead 21-6.
As if it couldn't get worse for the Wasps, Timpview surprised the visitors with an onside kick and recovered it on the 35-yard line.
Four plays later, Nixon Warner hauled in Engemann's second touchdown pass of the game, and Timpview had achieved complete control with a 27-6 lead.
To open the second half, the Wasps picked off Engemann and had fourth-and-1 at the 1-yard line before Duncan Strong sacked Bradley to keep the Wasps out of the end zone.
Engemann threw his third touchdown pass of the day to Braxton Wilkerson from 35-yards out to seal the game for the T-Birds.
