The Emery Spartans opened their brand new football field in style Friday afternoon, defeating the Judge Memorial Bulldogs 56-7 in a 2A North divisional game in Castle Dale.
Emery’s defense set the tone early by forcing three Judge Memorial turnovers on the first three drives of the game. Taking advantage of the short fields on each occasion, the Spartans gathered a 21-0 lead before the 7:00 minute mark in the first quarter.
“We were able to create turnovers early and that really made a difference in the game,” said head coach Jon Faimalo after the win. “As a coaching staff and head coach, this is a beautiful facility, and you feel a little bit of pressure. But the kids played up to it and played hard. They served home field and that’s what you have to do.”
Senior quarterback Ryker Jensen tossed three touchdown passes as he finished an efficient 18-of-21 for 194 yards. Sophomore backup quarterback Wade Stilson also had an opportunity to play under center and made the most of his reps as he completed three of six attempts for 62 yards and a score.
Junior Treg Miller had his most dynamic game of the season offensively by posting 109 receiving yards and one touchdown on six receptions. The ball was spread around through the air as four different receivers crossed the goal line for the Spartans.
The ground game worked as a perfect compliment for Emery as the team combined for 211 yards on 21 attempts and three scores. Sophomore Dane Sitterud averaged eight yards per touch, finishing with 64 yards and one touchdown. Sean Rogers carried the ball six times for 40 yards. Both Maddex Christman and Boston Huntington also reached the end zone on one attempt each, Huntington’s going for a 64-yard score.
Friday’s stadium opener was billed as a matinee game with kick-off at 4:10 p.m.. The festivities included a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the first contest on the artificial turf.
“We came out here at one o’clock so they could get their first feel of the new field and I worried about them getting a little worn out or too excited,” said Faimalo. “But for the most part the kids came out and took care business and I couldn’t ask for anything more than that.”
Now 3-4 overall and 1-1 in region play, the Spartans are currently ranked No. 5 in the UHSAA RPI. Judge Memorial remains in search of its first win, now 0-6 on the season.
Emery will return to the comfort of the new field on Friday for a highly important divisional game against Providence Hall. Currently ranked No. 6 in the RPI, the Patriots have started the league portion of its schedule 2-0 with wins over American Leadership Academy and Judge Memorial.
Kick-off for Friday’s game will return to its regular time of 7:00 p.m.. Live coverage of the 2A North showdown will air live on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM beginning at 6:30.
