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SALT LAKE CITY — Timpview continued its 4A dominance Friday at Rice-Eccles Stadium, beating Woods Cross 41-13 to advance to the championship game for the third consecutive season.
The defending two-time 4A champs put together an impressive performance on both sides of the ball, scoring 28 unanswered points in the second quarter to take a 34-6 lead at halftime after a slow start to the game. Timpview went on to score one more touchdown in the second half to cruise to a comfortable win.
The Thunderbirds were lead by senior wide receiver Jordan Espinoza, who finished the game with four touchdowns and 240 receiving yards. Espinoza’s four touchdowns were from distances of 19 yards, 35 yards, 54 yards and 83 yards.
“I knew (Britain Covey) would get me the ball,” Espinoza said. “I knew if I ran my route I would be open and Brit would get me the ball. I was opened, so it was good.”
“He’s got a lot of speed, he’s got some decent size and he’s developed some pretty good hands,” Timpview head coach Cary Whittingham said. “As he decides to run the routes right and give it all he’s got, he’s got a ceiling that’s quite a bit higher than where it is right now.”
It's a tradition for Timpview. Timpview's always coming back here; we call it our second home because we're always in the championship.
–Jordan Espinoza
Espinoza’s 240 receiving yards broke a semifinals record of 221 yards set by Ron Anderson of Hillcrest in 1984.
“What can you say about Espy, he’s the fastest player in the state, best playmaker,” Covey said. “It’s unbelievable to have a guy like him on your team.”
Timpview’s offense had 492 yards of total offense, with senior quarterback Britain Covey accounting for much of the offense. Covey finished the game going 16-of-20 for 320 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. Covey added 117 rushing yards and one touchdown on 14 carries, with his longest coming as a 35-yard gain in the first quarter.
Although Covey was able to scramble out of the pocket and extend plays, Whittingham said he’s always concerned when his quarterback runs the ball.
“He can make those plays out of nothing, it just keeps happening,” Whittingham said. “We’re concerned about when he pulls that ball down and runs. He seems to have that kind of vision that he doesn’t take those big hits though.”
Timpview’s defense disrupted Woods Cross all afternoon, allowing little offensive production from the Wildcats. Woods Cross ended the night with 214 total yards on offense, with only 45 rushing yards.
Behind defensive lineman Gabe Reid, Timpview sacked Woods Cross quarterback Tanner Hammond five times, picked off two passes and forced one fumble. Reid ended with seven total tackles, 2.5 sacks and four tackles for loss of 21 yards.
“We make sure they’re working hard to execute the game plan all week and understand their responsibilities and take care,” Whittingham said of the defense. “They’re good players and I credit their ability.”
Timpview has eliminated Woods Cross from the playoff for the fourth consecutive season. The Thunderbirds have won six 4A championships in the last 10 years and has made Rice-Eccles stadium their “second home,” according to players.
“It’s a tradition for Timpview,” Espinoza said. “Timpview’s always coming back here; we call it our second home because we’re always in the championship.”
“There’s some tradition behind them, and they want to win,” Whittingham said. “They work really hard at it.”
Timpview will play Roy in the 4A championship game on Friday, Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m.
