The Emery Spartans opened the high school football season with a 21-14 loss to the Richfield Wildcats in a back-and-forth affair Friday night in Richfield.

Despite holding a 14-7 lead with under a minute to play in the first half, the Spartans were unable to score in the final two quarters. After playing turnover free football through the first two quarters, Emery committed two in the second half, which halted two promising drives.

Emery junior quarterback Kyson Stilson excelled in his first start under center at the varsity level, completing 18 of 28 passes for 164 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Senior Easton Gordon led the Spartans in receiving yards with 72 off of six catches. Junior Rance Jensen finished with 66 yards on the ground off of 17 carries.

With a chance to force overtime Emery started its final drive from the Richfield 35-yard line with 2:34 remaining in regulation. After moving the sticks once, the Spartans were faced with a fourth-and-ten from the Richfield 48. Stilson rolled out of the pocket fired a pass downfield, which was just out of reach of a diving Gordon. The incomplete pass forced a turnover on downs, and ultimately ended the contest.

Richfield junior quarterback Emmitt Hafen completed 6-10 passes for 149 yards and touchdown in the win. On the ground Hafen was equally efficient, finishing with 95 yards on 19 carries, while reaching the end zone once.

Tason Lacorti helped push the Richfield offense throughout the day, accumulating 101 receiving yards, and adding 42 more on the ground. Lacorti also reached the end zone twice in the win.

Emery will now return home for a match up with 3A powerhouse Summit Academy on Friday. The contest will the first of five of the next six in front of the hometown crowd.