The Emery Spartans opened the rivalry contest against the Carbon Dinos with a six-play, 80-yard drive for a touchdown and never looked back in a 56-0 victory Friday night in Price.
Winners of three of their last four games, the Spartans held a dominating 21-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. The advantage increased to 42-0 by the end of the first half, making the final two quarters a formality as Emery improved to 2-0 in Region 12 play.
“We wanted to establish ourselves early,” said head coach Jon Faimalo. “Our team played phenomenal on both sides of the ball and special teams I thought did a good job.”
Starting the opening drive on the Carbon 20-yard line, the Spartans marched down the field with little resistance. The sixth play of the drive ended with a touchdown as Jace Curtis scored on a 29-yard run.
While Carbon attempted to regain some lost momentum, the ensuing Dino drive ended with points for Emery as junior Hayes Dalton intercepted a pass from quarterback Hayden Tallerico. Dalton returned the interception 36-yards for a score, increasing Emery’s advantage to 14.
Offensively the Spartans continued to dazzle, crossing the 50-point barrier for the second time this season. In the end it was quarterback Ryker Jensen who led the charge as he finished with five touchdowns, four of which came through the air.
“There were some really nice throws down field and probably should have had a few more scores,” said Faimalo. “You can see Ryker’s confidence starting to build and he’s getting more and more comfortable in the pocket.”
Jensen completed 12-of-21 passes for 158 yards and four touchdowns, adding 14 yards on two carries for another score on the ground. Jensen connected with Jeremy Brannon twice for scores, while also finding Jace Curtis and Jax Madsen for one touchdown a piece.
On the ground four different Emery players averaged five or more yards per carry. Curtis finished with 79 yards off of eight carries for a score, while Josh Olsen ended with 31 yards and a score on eight touches.
Now 4-3 overall and 2-0 in Region 12 play, the Spartans remain in a three-way-tie with Richfield and San Juan for first place in the division.
“At the end of the day we are above .500 and if we win one more game we’re guaranteed that,” Faimalo said following Friday’s win. “Our goal is hopefully more than that. Our kids are really focused on trying to end the season with a winning record.”
With only two home games remaining on the regular season slate, the Spartans will return to Castle Dale next Friday as they welcome in the South Sevier Rams. Following a loss to Richfield Friday night, the Rams are still in search of their first win of the season.
Friday’s outing was a difficult one for Carbon, who struggled to create any momentum on the offensive side of the ball. Playing without starting quarterback Keaton Rich, Carbon used a two quarterback system with junior Hayden Tallerico and sophomore Wyatt Falk.
Committing four turnovers on the night, the Dinos accumulated just 11 yards throughout the contest, 10 of which came in the second half. Plagued by turnovers early, Carbon was forced to play from behind almost immediately and throughout the game.
Friday’s loss dips Carbon to 1-6 overall and 0-2 in region play. The team will look to rebound next week with a trip to Moab to meet the Grand Red Devils, who also share a 0-2 division record.