The Emery Spartans are off to their best start in over two decades, boasting a 3-0 record for the first time since 2002 after securing a convincing 37-14 win over the Enterprise Wolves Friday night in Castle Dale.
It took less than 90 seconds for the Spartans to capture the lead. On the opening drive quarterback Treven Gilbert connected with Porter Hurdsman on a 49-yard touchdown pass. Emery never relinquished the advantage.
“It’s a bit surprising how long it’s been since we’ve started 3-0,” said head coach Jon Faimalo following the win. “It’s a great accomplishment for these kids and for the program and the coaches. We’re happy to be 3-0, but we’ll keep grinding it out.”
Gilbert elevated his game yet again in a near flawless, five-touchdown performance. Completing 23-of-30 passes for 322 yards, Gilbert connected with four different receivers for touchdowns, while adding another score on the ground. It was a masterful display in just his third career varsity start.
“They loaded the box up and went with an odd front, which opened a lot of stuff up for us,” said Faimalo. “Treven made some great decisions and great passes, and so I was happy to see him be really efficient and take care of the ball.”
Hurdsman ended as Gilbert’s top weapon through the air, finishing with seven catches for 115 yards and one score. Five of Hurdsman’s seven catches went for more than 11 yards as Emery attacked the Wolves from all angles.
Deacon Mangum hauled in six passes for 66 yards and a touchdown, while Hayden Abrams finished with 89 yards and a score. Jadin Atwood also secured his first receiving touchdown to round out the balanced air attack.
The Emery offense also found efficiency on the ground as Jaxon Johnson and Ty Yost combined for 75 yards on 17 carries, sharing the workload out of the backfield.
Enterprise struggled to move the ball effectively throughout the game, establishing just three drives past the Emery 40-yard line. The most electric moment from the Wolves came on their first play from scrimmage as senior Devin Strong scored on a 69-yard run, chopping the Emery advantage to one with 10:14 left in the first quarter.
Emery responded to the Wolves’ quick touchdown with a lightning strike score of their own. Gilbert found Abrams down the left sideline for an 81-yard touchdown. The Spartans carried the 14-6 lead into the second quarter.
Gilbert capped off a short Emery drive with a one-yard quarterback keeper, extending the lead to 21-6 with 9:42 remaining in the half. The final two quarters were a formality as the Spartans continued to overpower the Wolves.
With two non-region games remaining on the regular slate, the Spartans will prepare to travel to Manti next Friday. A win would give Emery its best start since 1995 when the team won eight consecutive games to start the season.
Live coverage of Friday’s road game will air live on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM beginning at 6:30 pm. The live video feed will also be available with the radio play by play on the @castlecountryradioemery YouTube page.