Turnovers plagued the Emery Spartans in the team’s first setback of the season Friday night on the road against the Enterprise Wolves.
Faced with a deficit throughout the entire game, the Spartans managed to stay within striking distance but could not overcome the pesky Wolves in a 34-20 loss. The setback drops Emery to 2-1 on the season, while Enterprise remains unbeaten at 3-0.
The Spartans dominated the game statistically, moving the football up and down the field throughout. The issue came in finishing off drives as Emery failed to convert on four separate trips inside the Enterprise 30-yard line. Ending the game with five turnovers, the Spartans also failed to convert on fourth down twice.
Senior quarterback Wade Stilson completed 26-of-42 passes for 343 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions.
Enterprise stifled the Emery run game, forcing the Spartans to become one dimensional offensively. Dane Sitterud was held to just 39 yards on 14 carries, scoring one touchdown. Jaxon Johnson carried the ball three times for 10 yards and Stilson ended with 11 rushing yards.
Running nearly exclusively out of the traditional Wing-T style offense, the Wolves managed to capitalize on big plays throughout the evening. Wingback Kyron Bracken finished with 196 yards on 15 carries with a touchdown. Brayden Gardner delivered the perfect compliment as he finished with 67 yards and 13 carries.
Trailing 6-0 early in the opening quarter, the Spartans cut the deficit in half as Boston Huntington kicked a 27-yard field goal. The score remained the same until the Wolves opened a 14-3 advantage in the second quarter. Emery managed to get back into the game after forcing a safety. Moments after receiving the ball from a free-kick, Stilson found Luke Justice in the back of the endzone to cap a short drive, cutting the Enterprise advantage to 14-12.
Enterprise added one more score before the end of the first half, capturing a 20-12 lead at the break. Emery marched down the field in its first drive of the second, but a 90-yard interception touchdown return by Jaden Drake extended the Enterprise lead to 28-12.
Emery senior Matt Olsen delivered a stellar performance offensively finishing with 16 catches for 205 yards. Creek Sharp hauled in seven catches for 84 yards, while Luke Justice had two catches for 23 yards and a touchdown.
The Spartans will have an opportunity to get back on the winning side of the scoreboard when they return home Friday to meet the Manti Templars. Also sitting at 2-1 in the young season, Manti defeated Union in the season opener and Grantsville this past Friday.
Live coverage of Friday’s home contest will air live on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM. The Landon’s Diesel Service Pre-Game Show will begin at 6:30, followed by kick-off at 7:00.