Our mindset is just to play the best that we can because we know that if we play the best that we can, we’re hard to beat. – Lone Peak wideout Jackson McChesney
KSL Game of the Week live stream: Lone Peak at Timpview
PROVO — Two traditional powerhouse prep teams put their undefeated records on the line when Lone Peak and Timpview square off on Friday night. Whether you plan on watching it in-person at Timpview High School or staying updated on your mobile phone or laptop, the Deseret News has got you covered.
Prepare for the high-powered action that the Thunderbirds and Knights are sure to bring by going to the new High School Sports page at DeseretNews.com for all of your latest stats, scores and rosters around the state. You can even review our statewide rankings in which Timpview and Lone Peak check in at No. 3 and No. 10, respectively.
And if you can’t make the drive to Provo, don’t fret. A live stream will be available on the website so you won’t have to miss this exciting top-10 matchup.
The Thunderbirds are riding a 27-game winning streak over the past few seasons, but the Knights are no stranger to the spotlight and are looking forward to an opportunity to end Timpview’s run.
“Our mindset is just to play the best that we can because we know that if we play the best that we can, we’re hard to beat,” Lone Peak wideout Jackson McChesney said. “(Timpview’s) a really good team, and we’ll have to play our best to beat them.”
Last week, Timpview blanked West in a 35-0 drubbing, while Lone Peak took care of its own business by shutting out a tough Bountiful squad, 31-0. The two defenses saw success against their respective opponents in the first week, but it’ll be a different story for both squads come Friday evening.
The Thunderbirds are led by quarterback and Utah commit Kahi Neves, who shifted gears to the Knights immediately following his team’s victory last weekend. Neves didn’t throw any touchdowns against West, yet still had a major impact in the game by leading his team on long drives down the field with the coaches opting for rushing touchdowns on every scoring occasion.
“Everybody wants to establish the run game,” Timpview head coach Cary Whittingham said. “It’s the first priority in most offenses, is to establish that run game, and open yourself up to a whole lot more.”
At Lone Peak, the Knights used a two-quarterback system to get past the Braves. Starting the game was senior Talmage Gunther, who threw for 124 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, while junior Dakota Hansen ensured a victory by completing 50 percent of his throws with no turnovers.
Some have knocked the dual-quarterback system in other programs, and McChesney tends to agree. Not because one is better than the other, but because the he believes that with the change in quarterbacks comes a potential shift in momentum.
McChesney hopes that in the coming weeks his team will have a set quarterback so that the Knights can properly prepare for region games. However, he said he doesn’t care who’s back there in the pocket once he’s on the field.
“I think it kind of affects the groove that we get in, because they are both really good athletes so we can play with either/or,” McChesney said. “I love them both, so I don’t really care who plays, but I do feel like we need to get one in … We need to get this over with now so we can be playing our best for Region.”
McChesney put together a solid outing for the Knights last week with 81 yards and a touchdown, but the wideout is well aware of the stout secondary that Timpview boasts and is looking forward to the challenge. The Thunderbird defensive backfield includes McChesney’s future BYU Cougar teammate, safety Keenan Pili.
With the stage set and the game drawing closer, time will show which team comes out on top on Friday. These are the kind of games high school players live for, and don’t be surprised if this highly anticipated contest brings some highlight plays.
“It’s awesome, it’s just awesome,” McChesney said. “You know when you make a big play, the crowd is going nuts. It’s just the greatest feeling.”
Twitter: @GriffDoug