Timpview Girls Flag Football is victorious again after a thrilling 28-21 comeback win Thursday night (Oct 30) at American Fork. This win boosts the T-Birds into a Historic first ever Girls Flag Football Finals on November 5 at Skyridge High School. The second half comeback was driven by senior quarterback Anuhea Lauano, completing several key passes. They were also able to establish a critical run game. On the defensive side, interceptions by senior Cumorah Tupola and senior Amaya Tolman helped the T-Birds seal the deal.
The offense’s first half struggles were made up for by an exuberant second half performance. While the running game was effective, what really set the T-Birds apart was their passing game. Quarterback Anuhea Lauano was able to complete a 40 yard touchdown pass to her younger sister, Nalei Lauano. The sisters’ connection was the first big play of the night, as well as the T-Birds first time finding the endzone. When I asked Lauano about the touchdown pass to her sister, she said, “It was really cool. The sideline was screaming at me to throw it to her, and when I saw her wide open I knew I had to.” Lauano was also able to connect with sophomore Kya Gregory. Gregory also shone in this game, scoring a pair of touchdowns in the second half to cement the T-Birds comeback.
The defense displayed great grit in this comeback. The defense was able to fight hard to hold the Miners to only 21 points. When Senior Cumorah Tupola was questioned about how they stayed positive in this game, she said, “On defense we knew we just had to keep it up. There was a switch that flipped where we would all bring the energy and encourage each other, and that’s what made the difference.” Flipped a switch they did indeed. The T-Birds defense allowed all 21 of Park City’s points in the first half. After they flipped that switch and brought the energy, they were able to shut out the Miners in the second half. Amaya Tolman was able to make a huge play, securing an interception deep in the 4th quarter to send the T-Birds to the championship.
With yet another statement win, the T-Birds showed immense tenacity on both sides of the ball that will help the T-Birds when they battle it out against Skyridge Wednesday night. With the morale at an all time high, Skyridge looks like just another team for the T-Birds.
You heard that right. GO T-BIRDS GO!!!
