After three consecutive 1-9 seasons, the Spartans appeared to turn the corner as they finished with a 5-5 regular season record that included a stretch of five wins in six weeks. With the momentum built in 2020 and a classification switch from 3A to 2A, Emery is poised for another solid football season.

“I felt like we took some big steps forward last season and it was great to get on the winning side of some of those games,” said head coach Jon Faimalo on KOAL’s Drive Time Sports. “There were some games we wish we could have had back, but at the end of the day it was a big success for us in moving the program forward.”

One of the key ingredients in last year’s improvement was the steady production the Spartans received on the offensive side of the ball. Averaging just 9.9 points per game in 2019, the Spartans improved the average to 28 points per game in 2021. The increased production was particularly noticeable in region play where the Spartans averaged just over 40 points in the five games.

Offense:

Quarterback Ryker Jensen managed a clean bill of health as he started every game for Emery in 2020 after missing nearly the entire season in 2019. Showcasing his ability both in and outside of the pocket, Jensen threw for over 1,600 yards and 13 touchdowns. Those numbers represent some of the best from an Emery quarterback in years.

Helping Jensen along the way in 2020 was a stable of outstanding skill position options. Returning in 2021 will be the team’s three leading rushers in Jace Curtis, Jace Mangum and Josh Olsen. The three also represented a large portion of the targets through the air.

“As a coach it’s always nice to know you have some kids coming back from last year that performed well,” Faimalo said when asked about the returners. “Even though we lost some great seniors last year, I’ve got some great seniors this year that will fill in. We have sophomores and juniors that understand this process and that’s key to building a successful program.”

The big transition for Emery will be on the offensive line where coach Faimalo will have to replace four departing seniors at the guard and tackle positions. The lone returner up front will be center Jax Jewkes.

Trayce Justesen is expected to take over at left tackle and will be joined by Derek Canterberry at guard. The right side of ball will feature Parker Abegglen at tackle and Maddex Christman at guard.

“I feel good about the juniors coming up. This a group that had a full JV season, which was nice for them to develop together and work as a squad, which do they do really well,” said Faimalo. “Hopefully with a few other kids stepping up we’ll find some depth.”

Defense:

In 2020 the Spartans allowed 30 or more points on six occasions. Giving up an average of just over 27 points per contest, the defense ranked 8th in points allowed.

This season Emery will transition from a 4-3 scheme to a 3-4. The change comes as region opponents South Summit, Summit Academy, American Leadership and Judge Memorial are expected to run out of the spread offense.

A key component to the defensive group will be returning linebacker Hayes Dalton, who led the team in tackles in 2020. The secondary will also return a bulk of last year’s contributors including Olsen and Curtis.

The three-man front will feature returning starters in Abegglen and Canterbury who combined for three sacks and 62 tackles in 2020.

Division Outlook:

The Spartans are now one of 12 teams in the newly designed 2A classification, which divides the squads into two divisions of six. Emery shares the 2A North with American Leadership, Judge Memorial, Providence Hall, South Summit and Summit Academy. The 2A South will consist of Beaver, Delta, Grand, Millard, San Juan and South Sevier.

The entire north division will be new to the 2A classification. American Leadership, South Summit and Summit Academy were all apart of the 3A classification in 2020, while both Providence Hall and Judge Memorial played as independents. 

“I think it’s going to be a competitive league. The 2A division for us is a good fit,” said Faimalo. “Traveling up north will be a little different for us. There is some unfamiliarity up north, but I think it’s a great fit competitive wise and another good opportunity to continue to grow this program.”

Season Opener:

Emery will open the season on Friday, Aug. 13 with a road contest against long time rival Carbon. The first home game will follow on Aug. 20 against North Sanpete.

All Emery High School football games will air live on KOAL 107.3 FM, 750 AM and online at castlecountryradio.com