The Emery Spartans are two wins away from playing for the 2A state championship after back-to-back upset victories in the opening two rounds of the state tournament Saturday in Monroe.

Entering the tournament the No. 4 seed from the East region, the Spartans managed to knock off the No. 1 seed South Sevier on their home field in a 5-4 thriller.

Trailing 3-1 entering the fifth inning the Spartans delivered a huge inning taking advantage of several South Sevier miscues to score one run. Trailing 3-2 with the bases loaded moments later, sophomore Easton Gordon connected on a double scoring three runs in the process to put the Spartans up for good.

Tel Gardner received the win on the mound pitching a complete game effort, keeping South Sevier off balance for most of the game. Despite giving up 10 hits, Gardner finished with eight strikeouts in the win.

Emery’s momentum built in their opening round victory carried over to the second round as they soundly defeated Kanab 9-6 to advance to the quarterfinals.

Bryce Dugmore recorded the win on the hill pitching five solid innings, while helping his own cause offensively with a single and double. Kyler Stilson earned a save for the Spartans, finishing off the final two innings. Stilson also recorded two RBI in the final inning to put Emery up on top for good.

The Spartans have now won five out of their last six games, including a one-run victory over San Juan in the play-in game last week. Up next for Emery will be North Sevier, the No. 1 seed from the East region. North Sevier won the first two meetings this season 3-1 and 13-2.

The quarterfinals of the state tournament will begin Thursday afternoon at 1:30 pm. If Emery wins they will move on to the semifinals on Friday, a loss will put the team in an elimination contest, also on Friday.