Unable to work out of a first half double-digit deficit the Emery Spartans suffered a 25-12 loss to the Millard Eagles in the season opener Friday night on the road.

Tied 6-6 at the end of the first quarter, the Spartans entered the break trailing 19-12. The two teams battled in a scoreless third quarter before the Eagles ended all hopes of a comeback with a touchdown in the final minute of the fourth.

Emery’s offense was effective moving the football between up and down the field, but failed to convert several opportunities inside the 10 yard line. Those struggles prevented a possible tie in the third quarter with multiple trips to red zone.

Junior Jace Curtis delivered an outstanding performance, scoring both touchdowns for Emery in the setback. The first came on a five yard run in the opening quarter. The second came on the final play of the first half as Ryker Jensen completed a pass to Jeremy Brannon. Brannon immediately pitched the ball to Curtis, who took the hook and ladder 61 yards for a score.

Millard senior Jed DeGraffenried finished with three touchdowns, including a 45 yard score on a shovel pass to extend the Eagles’ lead to 12 in the second quarter. Throughout the game DeGraffenried proved to be the most efficient Millard offensive weapon.

Emery is scheduled to return to the field Friday with a second road trip, this time to Mount Pleasant to face the North Sanpete Hawks. Sanpete put on an offensive clinic Friday night, outscoring Grantsville 47-31 for a decisive road victory.

Friday’s contest will air on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM. Live coverage is scheduled to begin at 6:30 P.M., followed by kick-off at 7:00. The game will also be streamed live at castlecountryradio.com.