Despite scoring 16 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, a late rally by the Emery Spartans fell just short as they suffered a 31-23 loss to the Richfield Wildcats Friday night on the road.
Entering the contest locked in a tie for first-place with Richfield, the Spartans needed a win to secure at least a share of the Region 12 crown. Trailing 31-7 at the end of the third quarter, Emery managed to shift the momentum, but ultimately ran out of time.
The near comeback was orchestrated by junior quarterback Ryker Jensen, who accounted for two of the team’s three touchdowns. Jensen also completed two passes on two separate two-point conversions to help close the deficit in the fourth quarter.
Down 7-0 early in the first quarter, Jensen scored the team’s first touchdown of the game on a fourth-and-one conversion. A designed quarterback keeper, Jensen escaped the scrum at the line of scrimmage and scampered into the end zone for a 36-yard score.
It wasn’t until the fourth quarter that Emery would score again. Breathing new life into a potential comeback, Jensen connected with Jeremy Brannon on a nine-yard touchdown pass in the corner of the end zone. Emery would tack on a two-point conversion to cut the lead to 31-15.
Another efficient drive would end with more points moments later. This time it was Jace Mangum crossed the goal line on a four-yard run. Emery again added a two-point conversion to chop the deficit to 31-23.
Needing a stop to give the offense one more chance to tie the game, the Emery defense allowed two third down conversions. The first, a highly disputed spot on third-and-one that appeared to be a stop behind the line of scrimmage. A favorable spot of the ball in Richfield’s favor game the Wildcats a fresh set of downs.
The Spartans had one last opportunity to stop a potent Richfield offense. On third-and-ten Wildcat’s quarterback Gavin Brown connected with Will Robinson on an 11-yard pass, moving the sticks and ultimately ending the game.
Brown led the Wildcats throughout the contest as he completed 9-of-17 passes for 90 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He added 51 yards and two scores on 11 carries throughout the game.
Richfield’s Kasey Giddings proved to be the difference maker on the ground as he posted a game-high 145 yards on 26 carries. Giddings also converted a highly important third and one, and crossed the goal line once in the win.
Now 5-4 overall and 3-1 in Region 12 play, the Spartans will have an opportunity to close out the regular season with a win and secure second place in Region 12 Friday night against San Juan. Both teams will enter the finale with 3-1 divisional records.
Live coverage of Friday’s finale will begin at 6:30 p.m. On KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM. Kick-off will follow at 7:00 p.m..