The Emery Spartans regained control of the coveted Coal Bucket with a 26-21 victory over the Carbon Dinos Friday night in Castle Dale.

Entering Friday’s rivalry contest 0-6 on the season, the Spartans delivered a well rounded performance in all three aspects of the game. In the end, the defense halted a late Carbon rally to preserve the five-point win.

“The second quarter was probably our best quarter of the season,” said head coach Jon Faimalo following the victory. “That was a fun environment. We left a lot of plays out there, but the kids found a way to win and that’s all that counts.”

Playing in his first game since injuring his shoulder against American Leadership Academy on Aug. 30, senior Jaymes Bowman scored two touchdowns to lead the Spartans. Finishing with 61 yards and a score on the ground, Bowman added another touchdown as a wide receiver on a 15-yard touchdown pass.

Sophomore quarterback Tyler Stilson continued to show improvement as he split time with Bowman. Completing 8-of-14 passes Stilson ended with 63 yards and a touchdown through the air with no interceptions.

Scoring all 26 of their points in the second quarter, the Spartans found the end zone on three of their first five drives of the game. Adding one touchdown on defense and another on special teams, Emery did just enough in each aspect to record the win.

Carbon drew first blood by taking advantage of a short field off of an Emery turnover. Cooper Schade crossed the goal line on a 24-yard run as Carbon jumped out to an early 7-0 lead. The scored remained in the Dinos’ favor entering the second quarter.

Bowman crossed the goal line to start the second quarter on an 11-yard run. A failed extra point kept Carbon in front by one. Another Emery turnover set up another short field for Carbon and the Dinos took immediate advantage by scoring on a Jaylon Dennis seven yard run.

Carbon’s momentum faded fast as Emery senior Szion Gibson returned the ensuing kick-off 95-yards for a touchdown. A successful to-point conversion tied the game at 14, and set the stage for Emery to score twice more in the quarter.

“That was huge for us,” said Faimalo about Gibson’s kick return. “Special teams was important for us, including Szion. To have two returns in one season and from two separate guys says a lot about our team and what we can do there.”

Trailing 26-14 at the end of the first half, Carbon regained its footing with a solid defensive effort over the final two quarters. A third quarter drive ending with a five yard Jaylon Dennis score brought the Dinos within five.

Multiple fourth quarter drives ended on downs for Carbon, including a late fourth-and-nine miss with under three minutes remaining on their own side of the field.

“It was a great football. I thought our kids played really hard,” said Carbon head coach Josh Huntsman. “Give Emery credit, they played really hard too. Congratulations to them, because they did what they needed to do to get the win.”

Led by senior standout Jaylon Dennis, the Dinos finished with 193 yards of total offense, topping Emery’s 180.

A staple in the Carbon offense, Dennis finished with 70 yards and two touchdowns off of 11 carries. Cooper Schade provided the perfect second compliment out of the back field, rushing for 67 yards and a score on 12 carries.

Despite winning the turnover battle, penalties effected the Dinos throughout. Totaling 10 flags for 85 yards, the defense was charged with eight for 65 yards.

“Too many penalties on our part,” said Huntsman. “If we take away some of those it puts us in a better spot to win the game. When you get personal foul penalties it hurts you and we just couldn’t overcome those.”

This year’s contest marks the third straight meeting between the two teams that has been decided by one score. Emery claimed an 18-16 win in 2017, while Carbon earned a 16-9 win last season.

Friday’s win moves Emery to 1-6 on the season, while the loss dips Carbon to 1-5. With only three games remaining in the regular season, Emery will travel next Friday to play South Sevier. Carbon will begin the final homestand with a contest against the Grand Red Devils.