The Emery Spartans opened the 2016 football season with a 20-7 loss to the Summit Academy Bears Friday evening in Bluffdale.

Senior Kolton Butler scored the team’s only touchdown off of an interception that he returned 95 yards for a score. Logan Cox led the offense with 102 yards on the ground off of 13 carries.

Summit Academy wasted no time jumping out to an advantage, scoring on their first play from scrimmage on a 80-yard touchdown pass from Isaac Hamilton to Trystan Perry. Hamilton found Perry once again on the ensuing drive to open a 14-0 Bears advantage.

Threatening to open up a three possession lead, Summit Academy’s offense suffered their first blemish as Koby Butler deflected a Hamilton pass in the red zone. Kolton Butler took full advantage by intercepting the pass and taking it the distance to give Emery their first score of the year.

Summit Academy would add one more touchdown before the end of the first half as Hamilton found a receiver for the third time to extend the lead to 13 going into the break.

Unable to find consistency on offense, the Spartans never led in the opener despite a solid outing defensively. After a stale first half the offense moved the ball well in the final two quarters, but never managed to finish off productive drives.

While Emery’s offense never managed a score, the defense prevented Summit Academy from adding to their lead as the two teams played to a 0-0 tie in the second half. The win for Summit Academy ties the all-time series (2-2) between the two schools. The home team has won in each of the four meetings.

Senior quarterback Zac Jorgensen finished 4-17 for 52 yards and appeared to have a 20-yard touchdown pass to Butler in the corner of the end zone. Two officials convened and ruled Butler out of bounds, eventually halting an Emery drive.

The Spartans will look to pick up their first win of the season as they travel to Payson this Friday. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm and live coverage will begin at 6:30 on KOAL AM 750, 103.9 FM and koalitv.com.

Loading...