A slow start plagued the Emery Spartans as the team slipped to 0-2 with a 42-17 loss to the Grand Red Devils Friday night in Moab.

The uptempo contest turned in favor of Grand early as the Red Devils scored the game’s first 28 points. Two of the four touchdowns came on plays of 40-yards or more. After scoring 35 in the first half, the Red Devils were held to seven over the final 24 minutes.

Emery Senior quarterback Kyson Stilson led the Emery offense by completing 17-of-30 passes for 164 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Stilson also ran for 32 yards on six attempts, including a 22-yard touchdown run.

Grand quarterback Dante Wells completed all five of his passing attempts for 161 yards and two touchdowns. Bryant Troutt finished 2-4 for 19 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

In a statistically pleasing game for spectators, the Spartans tallied 273 yards compared to 342 for Grand. The two squads ended with similar numbers, but big plays proved to be the difference.

Senior Rance Jensen carried the ball 23 times for 68 yards, with an increase in yards per carry in the second half. Jensen also finished with three catches for 40 yards out of the backfield.

Stilson completed at least one pass to six different receivers. Jaymes Bowman led the group with seven catches for 52 yards. Szion Gibson was also productive, hauling in three catches for 33 yards.

Now 0-2 on the season the Spartans will look to log their first victory of 2018 with a road trip to Payson to meet the Lions Friday night. After shutting out Ben Lomond in a 21-0 win in week one, Payson earned a 38-7 victory over Carbon at home this past weekend.

Live coverage of Friday’s game will begin on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM at 6:30 p.m.. Kick-off will follow shortly after at 7:00.