The Emery Spartans kicked off the season on Friday, Aug. 14, with a neutral-site showdown against the reigning 1A champion Kanab Cowboys. Taking place at Snow College’s Terry Foote Stadium, the two teams were locked in a close battle in the first half, but the Cowboys pulled ahead in the second half, scoring 20 unanswered points to secure a 48-13 victory.

Kanab started the game off hot, scoring a pair of touchdowns on their first two drives, both coming off of passes from junior quarterback Grady Anderson. However, the Spartans were able to cut into the deficit when senior Ajay Thomas delivered a dime in the end zone to Krae Leroy, putting Emery on the board.

Unfortunately for Emery, Kanab would answer back quickly, tacking one more score onto their total in the first, with Anderson lofting a bomb to Brennan Orton for a 69-yard touchdown. A successful two-point conversion later and the Cowboys claimed a 21-7 lead at the end of the first.

Emery brought the score closer to open up the second, capping off an extended drive down the field when Thomas scored his second touchdown of the day, this time arriving on the ground off a two-yard scamper to the promised land. Emery was unable to convert on the point after, but got one step closer to the Cowboys, 21-13.

This would be the last time the Spartans would score in the contest, with Kanab rattling off four unanswered touchdowns to claim a 48-13 win over the Spartans.

Thomas led the team in both rushing and passing on the evening, throwing for 129 yards and a touchdown while adding another 76 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

The loss starts the Spartans at 0-1 on the young season. Up next for Emery is the return of a rivalry, as they welcome the Carbon Dinos to Castle Dale on Friday, Aug. 21. That game will be broadcast live on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM, as well as on YouTube at Castle Country Radio- Emery, starting at 6:30 p.m. with the Landon’s Diesel Service Pregame show.

Watch the full game here: