The Orem Tigers secured sole possession of first place in Region 7 after defeating the Timpview Thunderbirds 17-14 on September 25, 2026, in Provo. The No. 3 ranked team in the UHSAA’s 5A RPI relied on a decisive third-quarter field goal and defensive stops to overcome the 10th-ranked Thunderbirds.
The game featured scoring plays from both sides in the first half. Timpview opened the scoring when Matt Manuma connected with Lolua Moungaloa for a 4-yard touchdown pass. Orem responded in the second quarter when quarterback Tanner Lewis threw a 31-yard touchdown to Brooks Ross. Late in the half, Timpview's Dennis Tuaone scored on a 69-yard touchdown run. Orem answered again before the half with a 26-yard touchdown pass from Lewis to Ross.
Orem's defense proved vital in the second half by forcing three turnovers. Following a Matt Manuma fumble in the third quarter, Adrian Sanchez kicked a 32-yard field goal to give the Tigers the lead. In the fourth quarter, Kaio Akana and Britton Johnson each recorded interceptions, with Johnson's interception on a fourth-down attempt to secure the win. Timpview's final possession ended when Manuma was called for intentional grounding at the Orem 35-yard line.
Orem coach Andy Stokes, who previously served as head coach at Timpview from 2018 to 2021, noted that his team responded well to defensive adjustments made during halftime. Following the win, Orem holds a 3-0 record in region play and 4-2 overall, while Timpview moved to 2-1 in region play and 3-4 overall. Timpview coach Travis Uale noted that his team struggled with penalties and injuries, including the loss of leader Pataleone Tuitupou.
Stokes, who led Timpview to back-to-back state title appearances in 2019 and 2020, stated the win was about the players and their success rather than personal nostalgia.
