PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 45 Timpview

45. Timpview (Provo, Utah)

Last season’s record: 13-0, Class 4A champion

Coach: Louis Wong

Key players: OT Xavier Su’a-Filo (6-5, 275, Sr.), DB Craig Bills (6-2, 205, Sr.), WR Travis Van Leeuwen (6-2, 180, Sr.), DE Bronson Kaufusi (6-6, 215, Jr.), DB Chris Badger (6-0, 190, Jr.), RB Levi Te’o (5-10, 175, Sr.)

Biggest strength: Experience, size

Question mark: QB and replacing injured Tui Crichton at OT

Outlook: The Thunderbirds are still considered the top team in Utah entering the 2008 season, despite a report earlier this month in the Salt Lake Tribune that all-state offensive tackle Crichton will miss his senior year with a shoulder injury. Crichton, a BYU recruit, combined with Su’a-Filo to form one of the most dominant blocking duos in the country last season. Eleven other starters return from a team that steamrolled opponents by a combined score of 545-92 last season, including a 50-7 drubbing of Pine View in the 4A final. The defense should remain strong with Kaufusi rushing the edge. He had 57 tackles and eight sacks as a sophomore. The secondary features a pair of playmakers with Badger and BYU commit Bills. The duo combined for over 90 tackles and six interceptions a year ago.

Toughest games: Aug. 22 at Pleasant Grove, Sept. 5 vs. Spanish Fork, Oct. 9 at Orem