High school football: Timpanogos T-Wolves 2020 preview

Note: Timpanogos finished with a 1-10 overall record in 2019 and was fifth in Region 7 with a 1-4 record. It was RPI seed No. 23 in the 5A playoffs, and was eliminated by Timpview 56-15 in first round.

OREM — Simply put, last season was brutal for the Timpanogos football program. Trying to stay competitive in games was a weekly challenge in a loaded Region 7. Hoping to help the program rebuild itself this season, the Timpanogos administration has decided to make the switch to independence.

“It’ll be really good to have a chance to compete with these other teams that have also gone independent,” said newly appointed coach Austin Heaps. “Hopefully we’ll get a lot more (wins) and get the ball rolling in the right direction.”

Returning offensive linemen Nesi Sa’u and Brayden Jorgensen will look to lead an offense that showed some flashes last season but struggled with consistency. With a starting quarterback yet to be named, Sa’u and Jorgensen will be key in providing stability up front as the Timberwolves strive to break in the new starting quarterback this season.

On the defensive side of the ball the Timberwolves will likely have to go back to the drawing board with senior linebacker Connor Hardy being the lone player with starting experience. 

With little experience on the roster, getting the ball rolling like coach Heaps said will be a difficult task. However, a much lighter schedule this season will help give the young roster some experience before they potentially return to region play next season.

Timpanogos T-Wolves at a glance

Coach Heaps’ thoughts on how his players dealt with the COVID-19 adversity in the spring and summer:

“The boys are just ready to get back to some normalcy. They’ve been happy to comply with whatever little things they’ve needed to do. A lot of the kids have taken (the situation) in stride.”

2020 Schedule

Aug. 14 — at Hillcrest, 7 p.m.

Aug. 21 — MOUNTAIN VIEW, 7 p.m.

Aug. 28 — at Maple Mountain, 7 p.m.

Sept. 4 — PAYSON, 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 — SUMMIT ACADEMY, 7 p.m.

Sept. 18 — at Cottonwood, 7 p.m.

Sept. 25 — at Alta, 7 p.m.

Oct. 2 — JUDGE MEMORIAL, 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 — at Taylorsville, 7 p.m.

Timpanogos offensive snapshot

Offensive coordinator: Austin Heaps

2019 offense: 16.1 ppg (21st in 5A)

2019 offensive statistics

• 2 returning starters
• Spread offense

Returning offensive starters

• Nesi Sa’u (OL)
• Brayden Jorgensen (OL)

Offensive newcomers to watch

• Nephi Matagi (WR)
• Matt Torgersen (ATH)

Coach Heaps’ keys for offensive success in 2020:

“In the past we’ve had pretty inconsistent line play. So for this season the key is going to be the line play for us. Once our guys get things down both physically and mentally, that will be the key for us.”

Timpanogos defensive snapshot

Defensive coordinator: Joseph Haymore

2019 defense: 40.1 ppg (24th in 5A)

2019 defensive statistics

• 1 returning starters
• 3-3 defense

Returning defensive starters

• Connor Hardy (LB)

Defensive newcomers to watch

• Ethan Miles (LB)
• Javon Fonoimoana (DT)

Coach Heaps’ keys for defensive success in 2020:

“Definitely our box play (from the D-line and linebacking group) and stopping the run. We’re hoping, given the offenses the majority of high schools run, that those six can hold up against any run game that they face. If we do that we should be able to limit a lot of points.”

Deseret News outlook for 2020

Going independent will be very beneficial for Timpanogos as they go into a rebuild year. If there’s improvement in any form then this season will be considered a success. Don’t expect a dramatic turnaround but getting a few more wins than last season wouldn’t be a stretch. 

Felt’s Facts for Timpanogos

• All-time record: 119-155 (24 years)

• Region championships: 0

• Playoff appearances: 11

• All-time playoff record: 2-11

• State championships: 0

• State championship record: 0-0

• Most played rivalry: 23 meetings with Orem dating back to 1997. Orem leads 19-4.


Last 5 seasons

• 2019 — 1-10 (1-4 in Region 7 – 5A First round)
• 2018 — 6-4 (1-4 in Region 8 – Missed playoffs)
• 2017 — 6-4 (1-4 in Region 8 - Missed playoffs)
• 2016 — 3-7 (1-6 in Region 7 – Missed playoffs)
• 2015 — 1-9 (1-5 in Region 7 - Missed playoffs)

Timpanogos coaching history


• 2020 — Austin Heaps (0-0)
• 2015-2019 — Daniel Tervort (17-34)
• 2014 — Joe Dupaix (1-8)

• 2010-2013 — Ed Larson (26-27)

• 2009 — Brad King (3-6)

• 2006-2008 — Brad Molen (13-18)

• 2004-2005 — Frank Bramall (8-13)

• 2003 — Darren DeGracie (4-5)

• 2001-2002 — Frank Bramall (13-10)

• 1996-2000 — Marc McKenney (7-40)


Deseret News All-State Archives

Check out our archives of Deseret News all-state teams from 1929 to 2019 at Deseret.com.