The Emery Spartans were unable to maintain early success, falling off pace in a 41-21 loss to the No. 1-ranked South Sevier Rams Friday night in Castle Dale.
Touchdowns on their first two drives of the game gave Emery a 14-7 lead at the end of the opening quarter. Costly turnovers and unfinished drives came back to haunt the Spartans in the second quarter, allowing South Sevier to capture a 21-14 lead at the break. The potent Rams offense continued to roll over the final two quarters, finding the end zone three more times.
Emery exploded out of the gate as quarterback Trygg Jensen connected with Krae Leroy on a 39-yard touchdown pass, capping off an impressive opening drive. South Sevier answered in just three plays, drawing even at seven.
The Spartans responded with another touchdown pass as Jensen found Leroy for a 34-yard strike with 2:37 to play in the first quarter. Despite a lengthy drive, the Rams were unable to match Emery’s score after turning the ball over on downs, allowing Emery to take possession and build a seven-point lead into the second quarter.
All the momentum built in the opening quarter vanished almost immediately as Jensen was intercepted on the first play of the second quarter. The turnover allowed the Rams to set up near the red zone, finishing a quick drive with a nine-yard touchdown run by quarterback Bridger Bradshaw.
The score remained locked at 14 until the final minutes of the second quarter. South Sevier, again capitalizing on an Emery turnover, took a seven-point advantage into the break with a two-yard touchdown run by Masen Healey.
South Sevier extended the lead to 14 with a quick one-minute drive, scoring on a 50-yard pass from Bradshaw to Rayce Freeman.
Emery refused to quit and quickly chopped the Rams’ lead down to one score. Jensen secured his third touchdown pass of the evening by converting on fourth down with a 19-yard pass to Garrett Conover, bringing the Spartans within seven, 28-21.
The Spartans were unable to get any closer as South Sevier added not one, but two touchdowns between the third and fourth quarter, putting the game out of reach and remaining undefeated on the season.
Jensen completed 18-of-32 passes for 286 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions in his first game at quarterback since Sept. 12. Jensen’s favorite target was senior Beau Stilson, who hauled in eight catches for 105 yards.
Friday’s loss drops Emery’s overall record to 2-5 on the season and region mark to 1-1. Despite the setback, the Spartans climbed one spot to No. 5 in the UHSAA RPI.
With only two games remaining on the regular season slate, Emery will now prepare for a short week before heading on the road for a tough road tilt against the defending state champions and No. 2-ranked San Juan Broncos on Thursday night.
Thursday’s road tilt will air on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM, as well as YouTube (CastleCountryRadioEmery). Live coverage will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the kickoff at 7:00 p.m.