The Carbon Dinos defeated the Emery Spartans 16-9, ending Emery’s 15 game-winning streak in the rivalry that dates back to 2001.
“I shed a tear. I actually cried down on the field when there was about a minute left,” said head coach Josh Huntsman. “That’s a heck of a win for Carbon football. This is a great win, not just for the team, but also our
community.”
Never trailing throughout the game, the Dinos took advantage of key plays that included a fumble recovery for a touchdown and a blocked punt that led to a score in the second quarter.
Carbon senior Collin Lewis rushed for 94 yards on 22 carries and scored Carbon’s only offensive touchdown of the game with a goal line carry. As a team Carbon accumulated 222 yards, compared to 264 for Emery.
“We fought hard all game and tonight we had the better team,” said Lewis. “The offensive line has put in so much work over the past three years and they were huge for me tonight.”
Carbon quarterback Noah Jones completed 7 of 16 passes for 104 yards, including a 45-yard connection with Jaylon Dennis in the opening quarter. Jones, who replaced Dennis at quarterback following the first series, made multiple big plays from the pocket.
Despite trailing throughout the entire contest, the Emery Spartans had multiple effective drives that fell short. While outgaining Carbon by 42-yards overall, Emery was also more efficient on third down going 4-14, compared to Carbon’s 2-10.
Spartan’s quarterback Kyson Stilson finished 13 of 24 through the air, ending with 156 yards and a touchdown. Stilson’s top target was junior Jaymes Bowman who caught six passes for 92 yards and the team’s only touchdown.
After being held in check through the first two quarters, senior running back Rance Jensen accumulated 66 yards off of 20 carries on the ground. Jensen also worked as an extension of the passing game by finishing with 22 receiving yards on three catches.
Carbon scored first as Conner Fausett drilled a 27-yard field goal in the first quarter. Carbon’s lead grew to 9-0 as Lewis picked up a fumbled pitch defensively and returned it 45-yards for a touchdown.
Emery scored for the first time and chopped Carbon’s lead down to one possession as Brock Winter split the uprights from 41-yards out. The game remained 9-3 until Carbon pulled a huge special teams play late in the second quarter.
With under five minutes to play in the first half the Dinos blocked Winter’s punt. The play ended with Carbon taking over inside the Emery 15-yard line and ended moments later as Lewis found the end zone.
Working in the two-minute offense, Stilson orchestrated a marvelous drive in the closing minutes of the second quarter. The drive concluded as Stilson connected with Bowman to bring Emery within seven.
The second half featured key plays defensively and multiple turnovers. The scoreless final two quarters served as the determining factor, giving Carbon its first win over Emery in 18 years.
Friday’s win also marks the first region victory for Carbon since the team defeated Granite in 2000. The Dinos and Spartans now share identical 1-5 records and 1-1 marks in 3A North play.
Carbon will look to keep the momentum of Friday’s win moving forward with a trip to Grantsville. Live coverage of the contest will begin on KRPX 95.3 The Peak beginning at 6:30, followed by kick-off at 7:00.
Emery will have an opportunity to rebound with a lengthy trip to Morgan to face the Trojans Friday evening. Live coverage will air on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM beginning, also at 6:30.
Relive the call from Friday night’s contest by listening to the complete broadcast from KOAL 107.3 FM, 750 AM and KRPX 95.3 The Peak below:
1st Quarter:
2nd Quarter/Half time:
3rd Quarter:
4th Quarter/Post Game: