It took just one play for the Emery Spartans to capture an advantage and  they never looked back as the team rolled to its fifth win of the season with a 55-14 victory over the Grand Red Devils Friday night in Moab.

Junior Hayden Abrams returned the opening kick-off 78-yards for a touchdown, giving Emery a 7-0 lead 16 seconds into regulation. While the score remained the same throughout the first quarter, the Spartans pulled away with a dominant second stanza.

Wade Stilson connected with Creek Sharp for a 30-yard touchdown pass on the team’s first second quarter possession. Less than two minutes of game time later, Dane Sitterud ran 12 yards untouched to extend the Spartans lead to 20-0. Following a Grand turnover, Stilson again found Sharp, this time from 25 yards out to make it 27-0 with 8:27 to play in the half. The Spartans would add two more scores, gathering a 41-0 lead at the break.

The second half was a formality for the Spartans as the mercy rule forced the clock to run continuously. The win pushes Emery to 5-3 overall and 2-1 in league play. The loss dips Grand to 1-8 overall as the team is still in search of its first region win.

Stilson was highly efficient in Friday’s win, completing 14-of-17 passes for 201 yards and three touchdowns. He also recorded his first receiving touchdown, catching a 20-yard pass from Luke Justice late in the second half on a trick play.

Sharp followed up his dazzling performance against South Sevier with another 100-yard receiving game. Hauling in seven catches for 105 yards, Sharp found the endzone twice. Since returning from injury, Sharp has scored seven touchdowns in his last two games.

Sitterud helped add a second punch to the Emery offense as he carried the ball five times for 42 yards, including a 12-yard score. Stilson finished with one rush for 14 yards as the Spartans took less than 35 snaps in the quick win.

With just one game remaining in the regular season, the Spartans will return home for an important tilt with the Delta Rabbits. Emery is currently ranked No. 5 in the RPI, while Delta is slightly behind at No. 7. The game could mean a first-round bye in the 2A State Tournament for the victor.

Live coverage of Friday’s final home game will air live on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM beginning at 6:30 PM. Kick-off will follow shortly after at 7:00. The live audio feed will also be available at castlecountryradio.com.