The Emery Spartans failed on a fourth quarter two-point conversion attempt, leading to a 21-20 loss to the South Sevier Rams Friday night in Monroe.

Trailing 21-14 late in the forth quarter, the Spartans chopped the South Sevier lead down to one as Seth Justice connected with Jax Madsen on a nine yard touchdown. A mere three yards away from earning its second straight victory, head coach Jon Faimalo elected to go for two and the win.

A four-wide formation opened the field and Justice found senior Jaymes Bowman near the goal line. Despite making contact with the pylon, officials ruled Bowman was down before breaking the plane. The unsuccessful two-point attempt ended Emery’s chance of picking up its first road victory of the season.

Locked in a back-and-forth battle throughout, the Spartans held a slim 14-7 in the second quarter. South Sevier tied the game before the break and scored the eventual game winning touchdown in the third quarter.

Senior quarterback Seth Justice played in his first game since suffering a concussion on Aug. 30 against American Leadership. Sharp in his return, Justice completed 11-of-17 passes for 132 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

Justice managed to spread the ball around to several different receivers. Tight end Josh Olsen hauled in three catches for 40 yards. Bowman also caught three passes for 20 yards and one touchdown. Madsen finished with two grabs for 15 yards and a score.

Led by sophomore Jace Curtis, the Spartans produced a well balanced offensive attack that ended with 273 yards of total offense. Curtis finished with 97 yards on 20 carries, while Szion Gibson ended with 44 yards on 11 touches and a touchdown.

South Sevier backup quarterback Noah Ramsey shined throughout as he completed seven-of-10 passes for 169 yards and three touchdowns. Controlling the offense throughout the evening Ramsey’s offense did not commit a single turnover.

While all three South Sevier touchdowns came through the air, running back Jaxin Torgerson finished with 58 yards on 14 carriers throughout the game. Connor Peterson worked as the complimentary back ending with 28 yards on three touches.

Friday’s loss dips Emery to 1-7 overall and 1-2 in Region 12 play. The win for South Sevier is the team’s first this season, giving them an identical record both overall and in divisional play.

Despite Friday’s loss the Spartans remain No. 15 in the latest UHSAA RPI rankings. South Sevier climbed two spots with the win, jumping both Carbon and Judge Memorial to move into No. 16.

The Spartans will return to Castle Dale on Friday for the final home contest of the 2019 season against the Richfield Wildcats. Emery will complete the regular season the following week on the road against San Juan.