For the second time in three years the Emery Spartans have advanced to the semifinals in the 2A state championship tournament.
The No. 2 Spartans dominated every aspect of the quarterfinals matchup with No. 7 American Leadership Academy. Putting on a show for the hometown crowd, Emery delivered one of its highest scoring outputs in program history, defeating ALA 70-21 in Castle Dale.
“I think our kids played well. I’m very happy about how things went on both sides of the ball, including special teams,” said head coach Jon Faimalo following the win. “When you draw it up, this is how you want to be.”
Emery set the tempo immediately, scoring a defensive touchdown on the first play from scrimmage. Hayden Abrams delivered a hit to ALA quarterback Nicolas Marble as he dropped back to pass. The hit jarred the ball loose and lineman Calvin Hadfield recovered for a scoop and score touchdown on a 40-yard return.
After forcing a turnover on downs the Spartans again found the end zone, this time on the offensive side of the ball. Treven Gilbert connected with Porter Hurdsman on a 41-yard pass, extending the lead to 14-0 with 7:36 left in the opening quarter. The quick strikes were a sign of things to come as the Spartans put up 35 points before the end of the opening period.
Gilbert continued to dazzle in his senior campaign, accounting for four touchdowns as he tossed three, while running for another. Backup quarterback Trygg Jensen also got in on the action, connecting with Quayde Oveson on a six-yard touchdown pass.
Hurdsman finished with over 200 all purpose yards, while scoring three touchdowns. Jaxon Johnson scored two touchdowns on runs of 45-yards and 1 yard. Hayden Abrams found the end zone once on a 27-yard touchdown catch. Ty Yost also scored a touchdown, blasting through the ALA defense for a 68-yard run.
The Emery defense forced three takeaways in a dominating performance. ALA managed to score two first quarter touchdowns, but still trailed 35-14 heading into the second quarter. A second quarter shutout allowed the Spartans to extend the lead to 56-14 at the break, putting the mercy rule in play at the beginning of the third quarter.
“I felt like our defense played well. They have two key players and we tried to take them away. We’ve been on a tear offensively. It’s been phenomenal. I can’t remember the last time we punted and that’s a testament to just how efficient we’ve been executing.”
Friday’s win moves Emery to 8-2 on the season and puts the Spartans back into the final four of the 2A state tournament.
Up next for Emery is a rematch of last year’s quarterfinal thriller with No. 6 Summit Academy, who upset No. 3 South Sevier 42-28 Friday night. Last year’s playoff matchup ended in heartbreak for the Spartans, falling 45-44 in overtime. This year’s playoff matchup will take place on a neutral field as the venue shifts to Zion’s Bank Stadium in Herriman.
The highly anticipated playoff matchup will take place on Saturday, Nov. 9. Live coverage will air on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM beginning at 6:30 pm, followed by kickoff at 7:00.