The Emery Spartans are still in search of its first win of the football season following a 28-0 loss at the hands of the Manti Templars Friday afternoon in Castle Dale.

Locked in a defensive battle throughout most of the game, the Spartans trailed 7-0 at half time. Manti managed to blow the game open with two touchdowns in the third and one more in the fourth.

Emery senior quarterback Kyson Stilson completed 12 of 23 passes for 133 yards and two interceptions. Jaymes Bowman worked as Stilson primary target, recording four receptions for 44 yards.

On the ground Emery was led by senior back Rance Jensen who carried the ball 17 times for 73 yards, averaging 4.2 yards per carry. Szion Gibson rushed four times for 16 yards.

The Spartans defense forced punts on six of the first seven Manti drives. The lone exception came on the second drive on a 75-yard run from Jaden Sterner. The Templars found rhythm late and score three touchdowns on their final four drives.

Manti signal caller Kyle King completed 6-of-20 passes for 113 yards and one touchdown. The Templars averaged 6.4 yards per carry on the ground, rushing for 284 yards on 44 attempts.

Friday’s loss moves Emery to 0-4 on the season ahead of next week’s region opener on the road against the Judge Memorial Bulldogs. Like the Spartans, the Bulldogs have struggled to score points in all four games and also sit 0-4.

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