Junior Jace Curtis scored three touchdowns as the Emery Spartans blasted through the Union Cougars 54-35 Friday evening in Castle Dale.

“Our kids played well, with the exception of the last two minutes, we did a good job on both sides of the ball,” said head coach Jon Faimalo. “We were efficient on offense and outside of giving up a big one early, we were solid on defense.”

Trailing 7-0 after a 52-yard run from Union quarterback Boone Latham, the Spartans scored 41 unanswered points between the first and third quarters. After tying the game with a two-yard from Jace Mangum, the Spartans took the lead for good on the ensuing drive, which was capped off with a two-yard run from Jace Curtis.

While the Emery offense found its rhythm, the special teams unit opened the a two-score lead with a blocked punt. After a heavy push up front Tristen Leroy scooped and returned the block 10-yards for a score. From that point the Spartans were in complete control.

“Ryker, you can see him start to settle in, and that’s the Ryker we saw during the summer,” said Faimalo. “He’s starting to see some things and get his reads down. The game starts to slow down when you go through your progressions and that’s what he’s doing now.”

Emery carried a 34-7 lead into half time and led 47-13 at the end of the third. The fourth quarter was a formality as the Spartans improved to 2-2 with a second straight victory.

Jace Mangum finished the contest with two touchdowns. Jensen scored one rushing touchdown, as did back up quarterback Tyler Stilson.

The Spartans will look to extend their winning streak with a road trip to Juab this Friday. The road tilt will also represent the final non-region contest of the season.

Friday’s game will air live on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM as pre game coverage begins at 6:25 p.m..

Listen to coach Faimalo’s complete post game interview below: