Summer workouts continue to move forward for the Emery Spartans in preparation for the upcoming football season, set to kick-off on August 18 in Richfield.

Playing in live action without pads, the Spartans traveled to Manti on June 17 for a 7-on-7 camp featuring a number of schools from around the state. The camp, which is an annual trip for the football team, provided the coaches a first glance to see their kids stack up against other talent.

“We didn’t do any worse than we did last year,” said second year head coach Jon Faimalo. “We didn’t have the best record, but a lot of kids who didn’t get to play in it last year got to this year. At the end of the day we have an idea of the kids who want to play and compete.”

Playing six games of the offense heavy camp, the Spartans finished with a record of 2-4. While lineman are non-existent in the competition, quarterbacks, receivers and running backs have an opportunity to showcase their ability in the open field.

“I think our skill positions player for player are probably on par with most of the teams,” said Faimalo. “The team I was really impressed with was Summit Academy, a team that went from 2A to 3A. They aren’t in our division, but we will see them in pre-season.”

This year’s team will have a much different look than the previous two. Losing a high number of seniors with extensive varsity experience, this year’s team will have a number of underclassmen. The 7-on-7 provided the coaching staff an opportunity to look at the competitiveness of the younger kids.

With several new faces in the trenches, Emery will also turn to junior quarterback Kyson Stilson to lead under center. Though the season is still two months away, Faimalo feels comfortable naming Stilson the starter.

“I wish I could say that I have three or four kids competing for the position at varsity, but he is a kid I’m confident in,” Faimalo said about his first year quarterback. “He’s certainly a gamer. If you watch him play basketball, or any other sport you know he is a competitive kid.”

While the skill position seems to be sizing up nicely for the Spartans, questions still remain about the line on both sides of the ball. Known for being a run oriented team out of the wing-t, Faimalo plans to open the playbook up a bit more this season with different formations.

Part of the idea is to highlight the speed of this year’s team, while also off-setting some of the size differential the team may face. While questions remain up front, Faimalo has been impressed by the work ethic of several players.

“Drake Hoffman is a kid that has stepped up through spring workouts and so far this summer. I think he is a kid that will have a really good year if he can stay healthy. Jesse Barnett, A.C. Reeve, Landon Fairbanks, a few big kids that are starting to put some work in and are making their mark.”

The Spartans will now continue the usual off-season workouts before the Fourth of July Moratorium. Following the break Emery will prepare for another camp that will take place in Millard beginning on July 17.

*Featured photo is stock from a 2016 mid-season practice session.