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Provo • The message resonated throughout the Lone Peak program: Do not be intimidated.
The confidence never fluctuated, despite relinquishing an opening-play touchdown. Nothing could change the belief: The Knights knew they were better than Timpview.
Now the rest of the state believes the same thing. After dismantling the three-time Class 4A champions, 35-14, on Friday night, an assistant coach divided the circle of Lone Peak players kneeling on the Thunderbirds' turf.
"Look down," he proclaimed, knowing the Knights snapped Timpview's 27-game winning streak, the fifth longest in state history. "We just took it on their field!"
The Knights (2-0) opened the season with a 31-0 win against Bountiful, yet questioned remained. Not anymore.
Despite its apparent size disadvantage, Lone Peak physically outmanned Timpview to the tune of 373 yards of total offense, including 219 on the ground, while limiting the T-Birds to 18 yards rushing on 22 carries.
"I think it says that we're a good team," said Lone Peak quarterback Talmage Gunther. "We've got a long way to go. We didn't play a perfect game by any means. I think we can improve upon this game and keep getting better."
Timpview nearly delivered a knockout punch within the first two series. Timpview's Kahi Neves threaded a 78-yard fade to Fielding Wallace on the opening series for a 7-0 cushion with 9:27 remaining in the first quarter. The coverage went stride-for-stride — Neves just placed it on the money.
"They're confident kids," said Lone Peak coach Mike Mower on the attitude of his team. "They're humble, they're coachable — but they are confident. They believe in themselves."
Shortly thereafter, on the ensuing defensive possession, Timpview had an opportunity to destroy the Knights' morale when Will Watanabe secured an interception, but Lone Peak forced a critical three-and-out. Then a muffed punt positioned Seth Curry's 3-yard plunge to even things at 7.
After throwing the pick, Gunther was superb. He finished 15 of 22 for 145 yards with one touchdown, and rushed for 74 yards and one score on 12 attempts. Entering the game, Lone Peak employed a two-quarterback system, but it appears Gunther solidified his spot all while dealing with stomach issues.
"I actually threw up a lot at halftime," Gunther said. "… My mom bought me the wrong Subway, but I love my mom. She's awesome."
Lone Peak tasted its first lead after an 11-play, 77-yard drive culminated with Talmage Gunther finding Jackson McChesney from 10 yards out in the second quarter to take a 14-7 lead into intermission.
Timpview squandered four scoring chances before halftime: an overthrown receiver, a one-hopped pass on a slip screen, a dropped seam route on the sideline and a missed fourth-down conversion in field goal range. All four plays were sure-fire points.
Neves finished 14 of 28 for 212 yards with one touchdown and one interception, which occurred on the first series of the second half. After a fumble pinned Timpview on its own 1-yard line. Lone Peak's Britton Bettridge intercepted a pass and scooted into the end zone from 8 yards out, giving Lone Peak a 21-7 lead. Jackson McChesney extended the advantage to 28-14 with an 11-yard rumble on the ensuing possession after the Knights claimed prime field position following another botched punt.
"I thought when we came out in the second half that was key," Mower said. "Our kids were really ready to get after it in the second half, and it showed. I thought that was the ballgame."
Twitter: @trevorphibbs —
Lone Peak 35, Timpview 14
R Lone Peak snaps Timpview's 27-game winning streak.
• Talmage Gunther throws for 145 yards, rushes for 74 more and accounts for two touchdowns.
• The Knights hold Timpview to 18 yards rushing on 22 carries.