The Emery Spartans had last Friday off due to a bye week. Sometimes you wonder if that’s a good thing or a bad thing, they answered that question rather quickly when Wade Stilson hit Creek Sharp on a 49-yard strike at the 11:15 mark in the first quarter, which was just the beginning as Emery earned the 49-14 win over South Sevier on homecoming Friday night.
Stilson was definitely happy to have one of his favorite targets return as he connected with Sharp on five different occasions for scores, three in the first quarter alone. He also found Deacon Mangum on a 40-yard shot in the first quarter as well.
In the first half, the Spartans had the air attack working with Stilson throwing for nearly 300 yards and five touchdowns. Sharp had an equally impressive line with over 200 yards receiving and four touchdowns.
Defensively, the Spartans were up to the task as well giving up just 14 points on a 30-yard pass and then a 12-yard run with both scoring opportunities for the Rams coming in the first half. In the third quarter, South Sevier had their best shot except that Jaxon Johnson had other ideas returning an interception at the goal line 100 yards for a score.
Stilson finished the evening with 341 yards on 16-22 passing with six total touchdowns and two interceptions. Sharp ended up with seven receptions for 218 yards and five scores and collected a pair of interceptions on defense. Mangum added four grabs for 78 yards and one score. Dane Sitterud rushed seven times for 45 yards.
After the game talking with Coach Jon Faimalo, the conversation turned to Sharp who was a welcome sight on the field against South Sevier.
“He’s a difference-maker, again it was just nice to see his number doing what he does, you know between him and Wade they have a great rapport. So at the end of the day, we’re happy to see No. 3 on the field, again, now, you know hopefully continue on a trend to do what he does.”
With only two more games left in the season, the Spartans sit at 4-3 and hold on to the No.6 spot in the RPI.
They will travel to Moab to face Grand on Friday, who are coming off of 62-7 loss to San Juan. They carry with them a 1-7 record and sit at the No. 11 spot in the RPI.
The broadcast of the game will be available starting at 6:30 with the Landon’s Diesel Service Pre-game show, the kickoff will follow at 7, on 107.3 FM or 750 AM KOAL as well as at castlecountryradio.com and the Castle Country Radio app.