The Timpview Thunderbirds are set to play their second home game of the season this Friday, Sept 5th, against the Payson Lions. After getting handed their first home loss of the season by Lone Peak, the team is looking for a bounce back. Hopes are high for this game, and the team is determined to pick up their first win of the season.

The Thunderbirds have struggled to get the ball rolling, staying winless at 0-3 against 3 of the top 10 teams in Utah. However this game they are getting a little breathing room from the gauntlet of Top-10 teams, as the Payson Lions are ranked 69th across the state of Utah, and have a similar record to the Thunderbirds at 1-2. The Lions lost their first two games to MountainView and Juab, but then they got the ball rolling, beating Kerns 45-7. The team has momentum, and has experience playing in multiple close games this season. The Lions are led by senior quarterback Trevyn Wall, with passing threats in Carson Wall (So), and David Fullmer (Sr). With a strong passing game, and a effective running back in Hogan Bates, the Payson defense could be hard to stop.

Timpview’s defense looks to play a cleaner game overall. Starting strong in the first quarter of many games, such as against West and Lone Peak, the defense looks to play a more complete game and be more consistent. When interviewing Senior Safety Braxton Wilkerson on how the defense will prepare for this week, he said, “We’ve played a lot of good competition, and seen a lot of good players. Our experience with these teams has us prepared and ready to play a good game.”

On the offensive end, Quarterback Cole Engemann and Dennis Tua’one lead, looking to continue putting up good numbers, and find a way to break through the Payson defense.

The game will be at home this Friday at 7 pm. Come and show your support to the T-Birds!