Friday night’s non-region matchup between the Emery Spartans and Juan Diego Soarin’ Eagles has been canceled, resulting in a forfeit for the Spartans.

“I’d love to be playing this Friday, but with injuries and other things we have, I felt like it would be in the best interest of our team to get the week off and rest,” said head coach Jon Faimalo. “At the end of the day it’s a canceled game and a forfeit for us, so that’s kind of where we are at.”

The decision to forfeit the game comes following a slew of injuries for the Spartans. Already down two quarterbacks, Emery was hit with other injuries in key positions. The forfeit loss drops the Spartans to 0-4 on the season.

“Safety and health of the kids is most important to me as a coach,” said Faimalo, who was hesitant to call off the game. “You try to do everything you can to avoid injury. Unfortunately for us it seems like they have come more than enough.”

Originally scheduled to meet up with Manti, the Spartans had to search for an opponent after the Templars doubled booked the week. The only viable replacement game happened to be a road contest with Juan Diego.

With a bye week now on the schedule Emery will essentially have two weeks to prepare for Juab, who will visit Castle Dale on Sept. 13. Region 12 play will begin the following week with a road trip to Moab to face the Grand Red Devils.