SALT LAKE CITY — Timpview running back Targhee Lambson had himself a day during his team’s dominating 35-7 win over Lehi during the 5A semifinal round on Thursday.
Playing on a team that features several standout athletic playmakers, it’s somewhat easy to be overlooked, although no one was overlooking Timpview’s junior running back throughout Thursday’s win. Lambson electrified the Rice-Eccles Stadium field to the tune of 213 yards and four touchdowns on just 22 carries.
“He’s a special football player,” said Timpview coach Andy Stokes. “He made some plays on his own, but he got some good protection from the front today, so we’re all getting a little better all the time, and Targhee was the guy who showed out today, so we’re proud of him. He ran his tail off.”
Lambson first served notice with an 11-yard touchdown run to put Timpview up 7-0 late in the first quarter. He quickly followed it up with scoring runs of 21 and 42 yards to build a commanding 21-0 lead at the 8:21 mark of the second quarter, putting Lehi in extremely difficult circumstances.
“He’s a special football player. He made some plays on his own, but he got some good protection from the front today, so we’re all getting a little better all the time, and Targhee was the guy who showed out today, so we’re proud of him. He ran his tail off.” — Timpview coach Andy Stokes
Establishing any kind of lead early is important in big games, and left Stokes grinning big at the game’s conclusion.
“I was super proud of (how) we came out and that’s something we’ve been working on,” Stokes said. “We don’t want to be slow starters, and they came out today.”
Lehi cut the lead to 21-7 right before the half by virtue of a 2-yard scoring run by Carsen Manookin before Lambson again took center stage. This time it was a 61-yard gallop to the end zone midway through the third quarter, as Timpview reestablished its mark on the course of the game.
For Lambson, doing what he did on Thursday wasn’t a surprise, at all.
“It’s expected, man. I think I’m a big-time player,” Lambson said. “It’s a big stage, and I just want to get me some (college) scholarships, man.”
Lambson holds an offer from BYU and is hearing from programs like Utah, Oregon State, Cal and Utah State, and he is clearly intent on earning some more attention. Should he put forth performances even close to matching Thursday’s, then those offers should be coming fast and furious.
Like any good running back, Lambson was quick to credit his offensive line, giving out a loud howl to review their play before stating, “Those are some dogs. I appreciate them and it’s all them.”
Lehi coach Ed Larson knew his team needed to work effectively to help neutralize Timpview’s considerable size advantage up front, but too many turnovers and stalled drives didn’t serve the Pioneer defense any favors.
“I thought our guys matched them early on, but the same thing that happened the last time we played them happened again tonight,” Larson said. “If you don’t get the ball into the end zone and rejuvenate (the defense), then it’s just hard to go against a team (as big) as they are.”
- Watch replay: Timpview 35, Lehi 7
Lambson again shared carries with Sione Moa, who added 14 carries for 116 yards.
“In my opinion, we have the best running backs in the state,” said Timpview defensive back Raider Damuni. “Every game they make big-time plays for us, and Targhee came up big for us tonight. That’s a baller, right there.”
As for Damuni, he again made a standout play, picking off a pass and returning it 29 yards for a touchdown to finish off a resounding 35-7 win.
With the win, Timpview advances to the 5A championship game where it will take on Orem next Friday.