Despite a spirited effort, the Emery Spartans were unable to work out of an early three-score deficit, falling to the Canyon View Falcons 27-12 Friday night in Castle Dale.

Canyon View captured a 14-0 lead by the end of the first quarter and grew the advantage to 21-0 midway through the second. Despite playing a near-even game the rest of the way, Emery could not close the gap as the team slipped to 1-4 on the season.

Senior Beau Stilson made his first career start at quarterback for the Spartans, completing 10-of-19 passes for 121 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Keeping the Falcons’ defense off balance at times, Stilson also accumulated 62 yards on the ground, running the ball 14 times.

Trailing 21-0 with 4:25 remaining in the first half, the Spartans found signs of life as Stilson connected with Garrett Conover on a 48-yard touchdown. Conover used a stiff arm on a wide receiver screen to create space, outrunning the Canyon View secondary down the sideline for a touchdown. After a blocked extra point, the score remained 21-6 entering halftime.

The two teams played to an even tie throughout the third quarter, setting the stage for the final stanza. An efficient Canyon View drive put the Falcons ahead for good as Kade Haymore capped an impressive drive with a one-yard touchdown run.

Though the game was out of reach, the Spartans refused to quit, adding one more score with 1:09 remaining. Conover found the endzone for a second time as he took an end-around handoff for a four-yard touchdown run.

Conover posted his most efficient game of the season, hauling in five catches for 83 yards and a score, while adding another 23 on the ground for another touchdown. Traxton Conover added 33 yards on eight carries.

Friday’s loss had an impact on the Spartans in the UHSAA RPI, falling from No. 5 to No. 6. With only four games remaining in the season, the team will open region play this Friday on the road against the Grand Red Devils.