Game Details - Football

Bear River and Timpanogos are set for a playoff rematch with eerily familiar circumstances as the two programs meet Thursday in a 4A first-round contest. The 18th-seeded Bears (3-7, 1-6 Region 11) travel to face the 15th-seeded Timberwolves (4-5, 2-3 Region 8) in a matchup that mirrors last year's first-round pairing. In that 2024 contest, Bear River pulled off a 23-17 upset on Timpanogos' home field, with quarterback Jaxson Theurer throwing two touchdown passes to power the Bears to victory. Both teams enter this year's rematch looking to salvage challenging seasons. Bear River has struggled against a difficult Region 11 schedule, dropping six consecutive games after starting 3-1. Its lone region win came against winless Deseret Peak (44-7), while the Bears have been outscored 313-50 in their six region losses. Timpanogos enters the playoffs having lost two straight, including a 30-2 defeat to Park City in its regular-season finale. The Timberwolves started the season strong with three wins in their first four games before facing the tougher portion of their schedule. Bear River's offense features quarterback Jaxson Theurer, who has thrown for 1,032 yards and nine touchdowns this season. His favorite target is Eli Braegger (41 receptions, 595 yards, seven TDs), while Glaiden Behrens has added 24 catches for 485 yards and three scores. The Bears' ground game is led by Rigdon Vonk, who has rushed for 492 yards and nine touchdowns on 100 carries. Korver Riley has contributed 85 yards and two touchdowns on 16 attempts. Timpanogos counters with a balanced offensive attack directed by quarterback Andrew Hillstead, who has passed for 1,833 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. His primary receivers are Kyle LaPray (30 catches, 590 yards, four TDs) and Zack McCann (47 receptions, 449 yards, four TDs). The Timberwolves feature a strong rushing attack with Donovan Holloway (438 yards, six TDs) and Logan Holloway (437 yards, three TDs) providing a potent one-two punch. Donovan Holloway averages nearly seven yards per carry to lead the ground game. Defensively, Bear River is anchored by linebacker Brecken Garn (74 tackles, six sacks) and Dallen Rice (56 tackles). Timpanogos' defense features standout Jesse King (63 tackles, 10 sacks) and Marlee Iosefo (60 tackles, three sacks, two INTs). The winner advances to face second-seeded Crimson Cliffs (8-1) in the second round on Oct. 31.