SALT LAKE CITY — West High opened its 2025 football season with a historic 50-23 win over Timpview on Friday night, the program's first victory over the Thunderbirds in 132 years.
Senior running back Louie "Cadillac" Hamilton powered the Panthers with 314 rushing yards and three touchdowns, breaking the school's single-game rushing record.
"Yeah, that was a big night," West head coach Olosaa Solovi said. "Props to our defense and our O-line, and then Louie did his thing. These guys have been working hard. We didn't know what to expect, but we are really excited for these guys."
Both defenses set the tone early, with Timpview forcing three interceptions and West's front line recording multiple sacks. Neither team scored in the first quarter, but momentum shifted when West's Aisa Lopati broke free for a 42-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter.
A safety and a quarterback run by Kamden Lopati quickly gave the Panthers a 15-3 lead. Hamilton added a 12-yard score late in the half, helping West build a 23-10 advantage at the break.
The Panthers kept rolling in the second half. Derendrick Dixon opened with a 51-yard touchdown, and Lopati added another keeper before Hamilton sealed the win with two more rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
West's defense also came up big, with Jaxon Toala grabbing a fourth-down interception, and Zacchaeus Maalona recording a key goal-line sack.
For Timpview, quarterback Dennis Tuaone and sophomore running back Taani Tuha provided sparks, but the Thunderbirds struggled to match West's balance and speed. New head coach Travis Uale said his team's defense wore down after extended time on the field.
"Our defense has been on the field a lot," Uale said. "We want to establish that ground game and keep building."
The win gives West early momentum heading into the season, with Solovi pointing to both sides of the ball as reasons for optimism.
"This is what we've been working toward," Solovi said. "Tonight was a step, but we know the season is just beginning."
