Estimated read time: 12-13 minutes
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Final
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 34
In a game that went back and forth for the majority of 3 quarters, the Timpview Thunderbirds outlasted the Cottonwood Colts for the 4A State Championship. Impressive stats were piled up for both teams, as they combined for 855 yards of total offense. Isi Sofele lead the way for the Colts, running 20 times for 194 yards and 3 TDs. Quarterback Steve Romero was 14-34 for 184 yards and a TD. His counterpart, Casey Rumsey, was 17-27 for 271 yards and a TD. His leading receiver was Travis Van Leeuewen, who had 7 catches for 106 yards. Levi Teo led the ground game for Timpview with 85 yards on 24 carries. Teo' also had 3 catches for 110 yards and a TD. Overall, both teams had a great game, but Timpview was able to make more plays in the 4th Quarter.
End of Fourth Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 34
The Timpview Thunderbirds are your 4A State Champions for the 3rd straight year. They have also won 4 out of the last 5 4A titles.
:53 Fourth Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 34
Travis Van Leeuwen makes a 8 yard reception and now the T-Birds can run the clock out. Great throw by Casey Rumsey.
1:50 Fourth Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 34
All Timpview needs is one first down. Casey Rumsey takes a keeper left for a gain of 5. The Colts call their final timeout. 5 more yards and the Thunderbirds will be state champions.
1:56 Fourth Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 34
Timpview hands the ball to Levi Teo' for no gain, and the Colts quickly call a time out.
2:01 Fourth Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 34
Romero's pass falls incomplete and Timpview will take over on their own 43 yard line.
2:06 Fourth Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 34
Cottonwood elects to run the ball, giving it to Isi Sofele. The play is stopped for no gain. 4th down.
2:42 Fourth Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 34
Cottonwood is using the sideline perfectly as Romero is able to find open receivers near the sideline to stop the clock. The Colts face a 3rd and 3 on the T-Bird 42 yard line. Timeout Cottonwood. Look for the Colts to again try a sideline route on the next play.
2:51 Fourth Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 34
The Colts now face a 3rd and 7 from the 41 yard line. The Colts line up with 5 wide receivers. Romero completes the out route to Taylor Root for a big first down.
3:08 Fourth Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 34
Cottonwood catches a break as Timpview is called for pass interference on the pass. 15 yards and a first down for the Colts. They now have it on their own 38 yard line with 3 minutes to go.
3:15 Fourth Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 34
A huge 3rd down conversion for the Colts as Romero's pass is complete to Jason Lundquist for a gain of 7. Cottonwood tries a QB draw and the play is snuffed out for a loss of 3. The Colts now face a 3rd and 13 after an incomplete pass.
4:18 Fourth Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 34
The Thunderbirds now face a huge 3rd and 20. Rumsey tries to hit Travis Jorgensen in the end zone, but Jorgensen is unable to make the catch. 41 yard field goal attempt becomes a 46 yard attempt after a delay of game, so instead of going for the long attempt, the Thunderbirds elect to punt. Collin McGuire's punt goes out of bounds at the 14 yard line. Cottonwood faces a 86 yard field to tie the game or take the lead.
4:52 Fourth Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 34
Block in the back penalty is called on Timpview, moving the ball back to the 24 yard line.
4:57 Fourth Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 34
A screen pass to Levi Teo picks up a first down for Timpview. They can run more time off the clock and try to get more points putting the game out of reach. The Colts' are called for a costly pass interference penalty, giving Timpview a first down inside the Colts' 13 yard line.
6:30 Fourth Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 34
On third and 4 Steve Romero's pass is intercepted and returned for a TD, but the T-Birds are called for holding on the return. Timpview will have the ball on the Colt's 44 yard line after the penalty.
7:55 Fourth Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 34
Facing a third and 8 from the 12 yard line, the Colts' defense makes the stop as Rumsey only picks up 4 on the QB keeper. Timpview's kicker pushes the attempt wide right, and Cottonwood is still in the game.
8:56 Fourth Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 34
Timpview will take over on the Colts' 49 yard line. Great field position to put more points on the board. Casey Rumsey throws a great 35 yard pass to Travis Van Leeuwen, possibly the best WR in the state. The T-Birds will have it first and 10 on the Colts' 14 yard line.
10:11 Fourth Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 34
The Colts will start the drive on their own 20 yard line. Timpview's Craig Bills nearly comes up with an interception as Romero's pass was well overthrown. Romero throws another incomplete pass on 3rd down and they are forced to punt.
10:56 Fourth Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 34
This is really an amazing game to watch. The Colts' defense holds Levi Teo to no gain, but on third down Casey Rumsey throws a beautiful pass over the middle for a first down. On the next play, Levi Teo takes it in from 3 yards out for the score. The T-Birds do miss the extra point (wide left). That could end up being a very costly miss.
End of Third Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 28
The T-birds are moving down the field, aided by a 15 yard penalty on Cottonwood. Casey Rumsey throws a perfect pass to Travis Van Leeuwen, and after a 2 yard run , the Thunderbirds will have it 2nd and 8 on the Colts 14 yard line to start the 4th quarter.
1:22 Third Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 28
After the kickoff Cottonwood will take over on their own 20. RB Isi Sofele is pulling his weight in this game, he is running really hard. Timpview's defense comes up with a huge play, sacking QB Steve Romero, forcing a third and long. Again Romero is hit on 3rd down, but he was able to get the ball away. After the punt, Timpview will take over on the Colts 47 yard line.
4:13 Third Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 28
Timpview capitalizes on the short field as Casey Rumsey runs a QB keeper in from 18 yards out for the touchdown. Any momentum Cottonwood had is now on the side of the Thunderbirds.
4:50 Third Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 21
Cottonwood is forced into a third and 21 and Steve Romero's pass is barely overthrown. Timpview blocks Cottonwood's punt and will take over on the Colts 17 yard line.
5:51 Third Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 21
Cottonwood is called for an illegal chop block, moving the ball back 15 yards. It will be first and 25 from their own 12 yard line.
5:57 Third Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 21
Timpview was able to move into Cottonwood territory, but a costly motion penalty on a 4th and 1 moves the ball back 5 yards. Cottonwood's defense holds and they will take over on their own 32 yard line.
9:19 Third Quarter
Cottonwood 28, Timpview 21
Facing a third and 3 on their own 19, Cottonwood QB Steve Romero recognizes the Timpview defense, calls an audible, and Cottonwood converts the first down on a draw play off the right side. 3 plays later, Romero throws an out route for another first down. On the next play, Isi Sofele takes it off the right side 69 yard for the TD. Cottonwood converts a 7 play, 94 yard drive for the touchdown to take the lead early here in the second half.
11:52 Third Quarter
Cottonwood 21, Timpview 21
Timpview will kick off to start the third quarter. Let's see if Cottonwood's offense still has the momentum to take the lead early here in the 2nd half. Cottonwood is called for a block in the back on the kickoff return, setting them up with a first and 10 on their own 6 yard line.
Halftime
Cottonwood 21, Timpview 21
This is the matchup everyone wanted and we are getting our money's worth. Two great teams going back and forth. Talented players playing as hard as they can. What a game so far. The 3A Championship game had an incredible finish. i can't wait to see how this one ends. I have a feeling it is going to come down to the last play.
Halftime
Cottonwood 21, Timpview 21
Some interesting first half stats: Timpview running back Levi Te'o has 146 all-purpose yards (50 rushing, 96 receiving)and 3 touchdows. Cottonwood running back Isi Sofele has 9 carries, 104 yards and 3 touchdowns. Cottonwood receiver Alo Moli has 3 catches for 84 yards including a 57 yard touchdown. Timpview has dominated time of possession almost 2:1 (15:04 to 8:56) yet the game is tied. The teams have combined for 546 yards of total offense (TV-269, CW-277).
End of Second Quarter
Cottonwood 21, Timpview 21
Timpview decides to let the clock run out and we have reached halftime deadlocked at 21. What a first half. Timpview had a 14-0 lead but Cottonwood outscored Timpview 21-7 in the 2nd quarter. Can't wait for the 2nd half. Wow!!
:43 Second Quarter
Cottonwood 21, Timpview 21
Cottonwood reached the 25 yard line but could not convert on 3rd and long. Cottonwood goes for it on 4th and 7. Steve Romero goes for the end zone and had a guy open but Scott Henderson reached out and tipped the ball away saving the touchdown. Timpview takes over on downs at their 24 yard line.
1:22 Second Quarter
Cottonwood 21, Timpview 21
Timpview Quarterback Casey Rumsey fumbles the snap at the 17 yard line on 3rd and 6. The punt is returned by the Colts to the Timpview 41 yard line.
2:09 Second Quarter
Cottonwood 21, Timpview 21
1st play after the bad punt and Cottonwood makes them play. Steve Romero throws a beautiful pass to Alo Moli who takes it 57 yards for a touchdown. Just like that we are tied at 21. Wow!
2;09 Second Quarter
Cottonwood 14, Timpview 21
A dropped pass ends the Timpview drive at their own 48. A bad snap on the punt made it difficult for the punter who shanked it 9 yards and out of bounds.
3:45 Second Quarter
Cottonwood 14, Timpview 21
Levi Te'o adds to his stats with a 15 yard gain that has Timpview at their own 44 yard line and driving.
5:15 Second Quarter
Cottonwood 14, Timpview 21
We have one heck of a head-to-head running back battle going on in the 4A Championship game. Timpview's Levi Te'o already has 3 touchdowns. Now Isi Sofele is already over 100 yards and has his second score, a 6 yard run. The scoreboard is going to blow up with all the points being scored.
5:29 Second Quarter
Cottonwood 7, Timpview 21
Big Sack by a pair of Timpview defenders. Cottonwood had a 3rd and 21 when Steve Romero threw a deep ball to Spencer Larsen who made an outstanding catch at the 6 yard line.
7:06 Second Quarter
Cottonwood 7, Timpview 21
Another Big run by Isi Sofele. He makes a nice move to break free for a 37 yard run. Cottonwood has the ball at the Timpview 24.
8:10 Second Quarter
Cottonwood 7, Timpview 20
Timpview didn't waste any time answering Sofele's run. Levi Te'o has another touchdown. This time he takes a screen pass 63 yards to the house. Some great blocking made it possible. The extra point was blocked but a personal foul penalty on Cottonwood gave the T-Birds another chance and they get the point on the 2nd try.
8:40 Second Quarter
Cottonwood 7, Timpview 14
Isi Sofele has offers from the following schools: SMU Washington State Hawaii Kansas State UNLV Utah Washington
9:10 Second Quarter
Cottonwood 7, Timpview 14
Incredible run by Colts running back Isi Sofele. He went right up the middle and broke several tackles for the 20 yard touchdown. It caps an 8 play 84 yard drive for Cottonwood. The way Timpview's offense is playing right now this felt like a situation where Cottonwood really needed a touchdown to keep pace.
9:17 Second Quarter
Cottonwood 0, Timpview 14
Bad break for Cottonwood. A pass completion to the 4 yard line was negated by a personal foul penalty back at the line of scrimmage. It pushed the ball back near midfield but after two runs by Quarterback Steve Romero the Colts get it back nad have a first down at the 20.
10:20 Second Quarter
Cottonwood 0, Timpview 14
Timpview brought the heat on Cottonwood Quarterback Steve Romero. He avoids the rush scrambles for a big gain. Then he throws a nice pass to Alo Moli to get past midfield. Isi Sofele just got a big gain on a run and Cottonwood is driving at the Timpview 32.
:00 First Quarter
Cottonwood 0, Timpview 14
A great first quarter for Timpview. Two long drives ending in touchdowns and they have a two touchdown advantage. Cottonwood will have the ball on their own 24 when the 2nd quarter begins.
:31 First Quarter
Cottonwood 0, Timpview 14
with just 2 yards needed to get into the end zone the Cottonwood defense comes up with some goal line stops to force a 4th and 2. That's when Levi Te'o stops messing around and walks in for a score.
3:13 First Quarter
Cottonwood 0, Timpview 7
After a scoreboard issue, A big run by Levi Te'o has Timpview at the 10 yard line.
3:13 First Quarter
Cottonwood 0, Timpview 7
Cottonwood was able to drive to the 40 yard line but the pass was overthrown on 3rd and 3. They punt the ball and Timpview takes over at their own 27. A score here for Timpview would be big. If they can get up 14-0 it would force Cottonwood to play catch up by passing the ball. It would take Isi Sofele out of the game. Sofele has rushed for 1,713 yards this year and 4,641 career yards, sixth-most all-time.
7:00 First Quarter
Cottonwood 0, Timpview 7
Timpview Quarterback Casey Rumsey came one yard short of scoring a touchdown. On the next play Levi Te'o goes in from one yard out. T-birds score on a 12 play 80 yard drive on their first possession.
9:35 First Quarter
Cottonwood 0, Timpview 0
Timpview has a first down at the 28 yard line. There is a big revenge factor in this game. For the last two seasons, Cottonwood has ended their season with a loss to Timpview in the 4A Quaterfinals. This time they get the T-Birds on a neutral field with a chance to get revenge and the school's first football state title on the same day.
11:00 First Quarter
Cottonwood 0, Timpview 0
1 minute into the game Timpview is driving down the field. They have moved into Cottonwood territory and have the ball 1st and ten at the 44 yard line.
12:00 First Quarter
Cottonwood 0, Timpview 0
Here we go with the 4A State Championship game. Timpview will receive the opening kickoff. This is the matchup we have been waiting for all season. Two undefeated teams loaded with talent. They both have explosive offenses and hard hitting defenses. On our webpoll 52 percent of fans believe Timpview will win this game while 48 percent believe Cottonwood will take home the title.
