Tei Nacua walked off to the sideline, away from the offensive huddle, and stole two seconds for himself before the biggest drive of his high school career.
Down by one with under two minutes to go in the state semifinal game, Nacua looked to the sky and took a deep breath. He thought back to last year’s state title game that Timpview lost to Lehi. He thought back to the preview years — where Timpview suffered late November losses and just missed a state title.
This time, he thought, he couldn’t let it happen again.
And on what could have been his final high school drive, Nacua caught three balls for first downs. On a fourth down-and-seven, he extended a would-be, drive-killing play. Ultimately it was the senior wide receiver who set up the game-winning field goal to keep Timpview’s hopes alive in a 22-20 win.
It will play for a state title next week, a chance to cap off Nacua’s career.
“I was visualizing, telling myself, just believe,” Nacua said. “Just catch this. Whatever coach needs me to do, go out there and do it... These clutch moments are the things we practice. The two-minute drill. I mean I was just waiting for my opportunities for them to call my number.”
Nacua has been one of the better players in the state this year. He has over 800 yards receiving and nine touchdowns. He nearly had the game-winning touchdown, spinning out of a tackle in the red zone, but he was caught. Timpview had to settle for the game-winning field goal instead.
“I was like, ‘Oh yeah I see freedom, all this grass,’” he said with a laugh. “And my legs were a little dead. So I definitely got to work out a little more so I can have stronger legs.”
Nacua has racked up college offers to BYU, Utah, San Diego State and Hawaii.
But head coach Donny Atuaia said Nacua’s focus has always been with the Thunderbirds.
“He has been a part of this program since freshman year,” Atuaia said. “For a guy of that caliber, it is kind of rare these days. But Tei stuck with us. He loves the coaches. He loves us, the team, the culture that Timpview has. And for him to step up was just amazing to watch. Because that is who we want to have the ball.”
Now, there is only one part of the legacy left: Win a state title.