Kyson Stilson connected with Jaymes Bowman on a 15-yard touchdown pass with 18 seconds remaining in regulation to lift the Emery Spartans past the Judge Memorial Bulldogs, 28-21 Friday night in Salt Lake City.
Both teams entered the 3A North opener winless after four non-division games. The two squads exchanged blows as Emery never trailed, but never held a lead greater than seven.
Averaging just over eight points per contest during the non-region portion of the season, the Spartans offense found success with a balanced attack. Bowman also pushed the production with a stellar special teams play in the third quarter.
The Spartans broke a scoreless tie in the opening quarter as Kyson Stilson capped off an efficient drive with a one-yard run. The touchdown gave Emery a 7-0 lead entering the second quarter.
Judge Memorial would fire back midway through the second quarter as quarterback Thomas Young crossed the goal line on a two-yard keeper. The score would remain tied entering the midway point.
Half way through the third quarter Bowman scored the first of his two touchdowns on the evening by returning a punt 50-yards for a score. The special teams score gave the Spartans another slim advantage, this time 14-7.
The Bulldogs wasted little time responding as Young connected with Mack Tarver on a 28-yard touchdown toss. The touchdown marked longest score from scrimmage, not associated with a specials teams sequence. Emery added one more touchdown late in the quarter to take a 21-14 advantage into the fourth quarter.
While the Spartans maintained control for most of the final period, the Bulldogs took advantage of multiple turnovers to tie the game on a one-yard quarterback keeper. The Judge Memorial score with 1:38 remaining set the stage for the Stilson-to-Bowman game-winning touchdown.
Now 1-4 overall on the season, the Spartans have positioned themselves to secure a home playoff game with one more win over the next four weeks. Emery joins Morgan and Union as 3A North schools to earn wins Friday night.
Emery will next travel to Carbon for the second of three consecutive road games on Friday, Sept. 21. The Spartans have won the last 15 meetings with the Dinos.
Live coverage of Friday night’s contest will begin on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM at 6:00 p.m.. Kick-off will follow at 7:00. The live audio stream will also be available on line at castlecountryradio.com.