The Carbon Dinos opened the 2017 season with a 21-14 loss to the Manti Templars on the road Friday night.

Looking for revenge on last year’s 42-0 defeat at home against Manti in the season opener, the Dinos showed an immense improvement as they battled through four quarters. Trailing 21-6 entering the fourth, Carbon cut the deficit to one possession with a touchdown and two point conversion, but would get no closer in the setback.

Senior standout Nate Olson picked up right where his junior campaign ended, rushing for 101 yards and touchdown off of 24 carries. Olson scored the team’s only offensive touchdown in the fourth quarter on a nine-yard run, and moments later crossed the goal line for a two-point conversion.

Collin Lewis delivered a dominating game defensively registering 10 tackles, two sacks, and 40-yard interception returned for a touchdown. Ashton Larson chipped in on the defensive side of the ball with nine tackles.

While Carbon’s defense put together a solid outing, Manti’s Lance Fowles made a major impact on the ground. Scoring his first touchdown on a 35-yard run in the opening quarter, Fowles added six more to the Templars total with a nine-yard score to give his team a 14-6 advantage. Manti’s third score came from Jace Miller on a four-yard run.

The Dinos will have an opportunity to get back on track the team returns to the field Friday for the home opener against the 4A Payson Lions. After winning just one game in 2016, the Lions opened the season Friday with a 34-14 loss to Timpanogos.