For the second straight week the Carbon Dinos delivered a spirited effort, but came out on the losing side of the score, this time falling to the 4A Payson Lions 23-14 Friday night in the home opener.

Locked in a 0-0 tie at the end of the opening quarter, the Dinos fell into a 10-0 deficit entering the break. After outscoring Payson 7-6 in the third quarter, Carbon played to a 6-6 tie in the fourth, which led to the second loss in as many games this season.

Junior quarterback Noah Jones completed 4-7 passes for 58 yards before leaving the game with an injury suffered on the defensive side of the ball. Sophomore quarterback Jerett Atwood delivered a solid backup performance also completing 4-7 passes, while connecting with Ashton Larsen for two touchdowns.

Senior Nate Olson received the majority of the attention from the Payson defense, but still managed to rack up 51 rushing yards on 17 carries. Chance LeCheminant led the Carbon receivers with 43 yards off of two catches.

Payson quarterback Jaidon Tueller delivered an efficient game, connecting with wide receivers Jase Moe and Landyn Westover for a combined two touchdowns. Tueller also added a 30 yard field goal to push Payson’s lead to double-digits in the first half.

Carbon will look to earn its first victory of the season when they return to the field on Friday for a road contest against 1A Duchesne. In two games this season Duchesne has scored victories over American Leadership, and North Summit.

Following Friday’s road contest the Dinos will return home for a meeting with Ogden on September 8.