The Emery Spartans were unable to keep pace with the defending 3A State Champions in a 38-6 loss to the Juab Wasps Friday night in Castle Dale.

The contest was delayed nearly 30 minutes after a lightning strike in the area forced both teams off of the field during warmups. The timing, mixed with wet and slippery conditions did not slow the visiting Wasps who fired on all cylinders throughout the night.

“That’s just a really good football team. They are efficient, they run their stuff really well and they do not miss tackles,” said head coach Jon Faimalo following the loss. “They don’t give up big plays. They make you earn it and somehow we need to get to that point.”

It took just over one minute for the Wasps to score the game’s first touchdown. Quarterback Alex Jackson connected with Payton Park on a 78-yard score. After forcing an Emery punt on the ensuing possession, the Wasps went to work again as they capped an efficient drive with a 16 yard pass from Jackson to Chase Ingram.

While Juab started hot the Spartans proved that they could move the ball effectively. A fumble inside the Juab 30 yard line brought an end to a promising drive. The Wasps responded almost immediately by adding another touchdown in the opening seconds of the second quarter to capture a 21-0 lead.

The hefty advantage grew to 35-0 as Juab scored on its first five possessions of the game. After dominating the first half, the second half clock ran non-stop due to the mercy rule.

Emery managed to get on the scoreboard late in the third quarter as sophomore Dane Sitterud crossed the goal line on a two yard run. The touchdown would be the only score of the game for the Spartans.

“Dane was sick this week, so Tyler (Stilson) stepped up and ran the two,” said Faimalo. “Hopefully we can get Dane in for a full week and we go back to battle next week.”

While the Spartans were forced to maneuver multiple players to new positions, senior quarterback Ryker Jensen returned to the lineup after missing two games. Completing 14-of-30 passes, Jensen finished with 106 through the air.

Creek Sharp hauled in seven catches for 49 yards to lead the Emery offense. Treg Miller caught two passes for 25 yards, while Tyler Stilson gathered 21 yards on eight carries.

Friday’s loss moves Emery to 2-3 overall on the season, while the Wasps improve to 4-1 with the victory. The game also represents the final non-region tilt of the season for both teams.

Emery will immediately shift its attention to next Friday’s game against the South Summit Wildcats in Kamas. The Wildcats eased through the non-region schedule with a 5-0 record, winning four of the five games by two or more scores.

Live coverage of Friday’s 2A North opener will air on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM beginning at 6:30 p.m.. Kick-off will follow at 7:00.

Listen to coach Faimalo’s post game interview from KOAL below: