Brock Winter delivered a 24-yard go-ahead kick from the left hash mark with 16 seconds remaining in regulation to lift the Emery Spartans past the Carbon Dinos 19-16 in a thrilling 3A North contest Friday night in Castle Dale.
A wild fourth quarter produced 18 total points and an outcome that was well in doubt until the final three-seconds of regulation. In the end it was Emery that came out on top to earn its first win of the season.
“This game had a little bit of everything, and I’m just glad we came out on top,” said Emery head coach Jon Faimalo. “That’s Friday night high school football at its best. That’s as good as it gets.”
The Spartans never trailed in the game, taking the lead on its opening drive with a 31-yard field goal from Winter. The first touchdown followed a couple of drives later as Kyson Stilson connected with Colton Wilson on a 19-yard touchdown pass.
Trailing 9-0 in the second quarter, the Dinos cut the deficit to one-point as Nate Olsen broke loose for a 31-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-one. Carbon followed the touchdown with a two-point conversion.
Emery’s 9-8 half time lead stuck throughout the third quarter, but grew in the fourth. Stilson connected with Wilson for another score, this time from 54-yards out with only 1:43 remaining in the contest. Winter’s extra point increased the lead to 16-8.
After an Emery mishap on the ensuing kick-off, Carbon started the next drive near midfield. It took just two plays for the Dinos to score as quarterback Noah Jones found Chance LeCheminant over the top of the Emery defense for a 55-yard touchdown pass. The Dinos tied the game on the two point conversion attempt as Jones connected with Ashton Larsen through the air.
With less than one minute remaining in regulation, Stilson orchestrated a memorable two minute drive to set up Winter for the game winning kick.
Using multiple options through the air, and with the aid of a Carbon penalty, Stilson found Easton Gordon for a 33-yard pass down the left sideline. Gordon managed to catch the ball with the use of his face mask, securing possession in between two defenders.
“Easton made a heck of a catch, and I still don’t know how he caught that ball,” said Faimalo. “The kids made plays and that’s really what it boils down to.”
Stilson delivered his best performance of the season by completing 12 of 19 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns. Wilson finished with 151 yards receiving on six catches for two scores, while Gordon hauled in four catches for 54 yards. Rance Jensen led the way on the ground with 60 yards on 18 carries.
Despite the loss Carbon’s offense produced 263 total yards, including 128 from Jones through the air. Senior standout running back Nate Olsen ended with 89-yards and a score off of 19 carries. Chance LeCheminant tallied 55 yards receiving.
In a game that was closely contested in nearly every major statistical category the difference proved to be the kicking game. Winter finished 2-2 on field goals, making good from 24 and 31 yards out, while also converting his lone extra point attempt.
Emery’s victory means the traveling Coal Bucket will remain in Castle Dale for at least another year. Friday’s win marks the 15th consecutive for the Spartans in the rivalry.
Emery is now 1-5 overall, but more importantly 1-1 in region 3A North action. Now tied with Grantsville, Union and Judge Memorial for second place in the division, the Spartans have put themselves in position to host a first round playoff matchup.
Friday’s loss dips Carbon to 0-6 overall and 0-2 in division play. Carbon will have an opportunity to log its first victory of the season when they return home Friday to meet the Grantsville Cowboys.