Trailing by three at the end of the first quarter, the Emery Spartans scored 39-unanswered points en route to a 46-10 win over the Carbon Dinos Friday night in Price.
Each team scored on their first offensive play from scrimmage in a wild start to the rivalry matchup. After settling down defensively, the Spartans put the clamps on the Dinos and improved to 3-2 on the season.
“The kids settled in a little bit against Carbon’s I-formation that they really pounded at us,” said head coach Jon Faimalo. “We were able to see some things and started tackling a whole lot better later in the game. I think defensively we were pretty solid.”
It took Carbon just 23 seconds to take the early lead as sophomore Paxton Falk found Maddux Willson on a five-yard slant. Willson immediately pitched the ball to Anthony Wilson, who ran the ball 59 yards for a touchdown off the hook-and-ladder.
With momentum in Carbon’s favor, the Spartans answered immediately with a trick play of their own. Wide receiver Mason Stilson took an end-around handoff, after drawing the Carbon secondary in, he tossed a 75-yard touchdown to Porter Hurdsman, tying the game 7-7 with 11:25 to play in the first quarter.
Carbon would capture the lead one more time as Luke Brady drilled a 24-yard field goal with 3:23 remaining in the opening period. The Dinos carried the lead into the second quarter, but Emery quickly took their first lead of the game.
Senior quarterback Wade Stilson found Mason Stilson on a 17-yard fade to the end zone, capping an efficient drive, to give the Spartans a 13-10 lead. The advantage would continue to grow throughout the quarter, eventually leading to a 26-10 score at the break.
Emery would strike again midway through the third quarter as Boden Christman scored on a four-yard run, capping another lengthy Emery drive.
The final four minutes of the third quarter were dominated by the Emery defense. Defensive tackle Josh Howard returned an interception at the line of scrimmage 32-yards for a touchdown. The Spartans would strike again defensively as Luke Justice returned an interception 80-yards for a score in the quarter’s closing seconds, giving Emery a 46-10 lead.
“To get two pick-sixes, that’s huge,” said Faimalo. “To get points off turnovers, that’s a big part of football. I thought we did a good job that way and I’m just happy for the kids.”
Wade Stilson completed 15-of-21 passes for 194 yards and two touchdowns. Deacon Mangum hauled in seven catches for 76 yards, setting a season high in both categories. Hurdsman led the way with three grabs for 106 yards and a score, while Mason Stilson caught three passes for 64 yards and two touchdowns.
The Spartans continued to expand on the rushing attack, running the football 24 times in the game. Senior Dane Sitterud put together an efficient effort as he ran for 91 yards on 14 attempts. Wade Stilson finished with 37 yards and one score on the ground.
Friday’s loss moves Carbon to 1-4 on the season and extends the team’s losing skid to three games.
Sophomore Paxton Falk completed 10-of-26 passes for 224 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions in his first varsity start. Showing great awareness in the pocket, Falk completed at least one pass to six different receivers.
Carbon failed to get the run game going early on and gathered just 56 yards on 24 rushing attempts throughout the game. Executing well between the 30-yard lines, the Dinos were unable to capitalize on multiple efficient drives and three Emery turnovers, which set up a short field.
Anthony Wilson caught two passes for 73 yards and the team’s lone score. Eleke Lang brought in three catches for 67 yards, while Maddux Wilson finished with five catches for 47 yards, including a 29-yard catch.
Friday’s rivalry matchup marked the final non-region game of the season for both teams. The Spartans will now shift their focus to a massive road game Friday against the San Juan Broncos in a re-match of