The Emery Spartans late fourth quarter comeback attempt fell just short as Brock Winter’s potential game-winning kick sailed right as time expired in a 35-33 loss to the Judge Memorial Bulldogs Friday night in Castle Dale.
Rance Jensen broke the 200-yard barrier on the ground, and reached the end zone once to lead the Emery offense that posted its best offensive showing of the season. Kyson Stilson also completed 10-17 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown in the loss.
Trailing 35-19 at half time, the Spartans shutout Judge Memorial over the final two quarters to mount a thrilling comeback. After a forcing a turnover on its own 16-yard line with 1:17 remaining in the game, the Spartans managed to march down the field, but could not complete the comeback.
“If we didn’t have the horrible first half that we had its a different ball game,” said head coach Jon Faimalo during the post game show on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM. “It was nice to see my kids come out and bring some fire and energy in the second half. There is some positives, but if we played four quarters we get the win.”
The Spartans immediately slipped into an 8-0 hole as Judge Memorial’s Johan Hester recovered a fumble and returned it 20-yards for a touchdown on the opening play. After scoring two touchdowns and allowing another, the Spartans took the lead as Colton Wilson intercepted quarterback Parker Edgington and returned it 47-yards for a go-ahead touchdown.
After capturing a 19-14 lead in the second quarter, the Spartans were dazed by 21-unanswered Judge Memorial points. Entering the break down 35-19, the defense responded by shutting down the Bulldogs over the next two quarters.
Two second half touchdowns, mixed with a failed two-point conversion attempt, brought Emery back within two.
Judge Memorial responded with a time consuming drive that ended on the Emery 17-yard line as sophomore Braxton Young stripped Edgington with 1:17 left in regulation. The ensuing 60-seconds brought chaos to a highly entertaining game.
Stilson immediately connected with Jared Snow on a 23-yard pass to set up the Spartans on its own 40-yard line. Moments later Stilson connected with Easton Gordon on a fourth-and-seven across the center of the field to the Judge 30-yard line, keeping the game alive.
Instead of spiking the football Emery ran another play, and Stilson connected with Snow once again, setting up the potential game-winning field goal. Without a timeout the special teams unit rushed the field and Winter’s rushed kick sailed right as time expired.
“We had kids crying and that tells me the kids are vested,” said Faimalo. “We need them to come back on Monday ready to take it to the next level. We still haven’t put four quarters together, so I’m excited to see what happens when we do.”
Friday’s loss dips Emery to 0-5 on the season, but more importantly 0-1 in 3A North action. The win moves Judge Memorial to 3-2 overall, and 1-0 in region play.
The Spartans will next take the field Friday as they welcome in the Carbon Dinos for the annual Coal Bowl.