The Emery Spartans opened the 2023 football season with a bang, dismantling the North Sanpete Hawks 45-7 in front of the home crowd Friday night in Castle Dale.
The Spartans did everything to justify the high expectations for the 2023 season, scoring early and often. Carrying a 45-0 lead into the break, the final two quarters were a formality as Emery earned the lopsided win over the 3A Hawks
“I felt like our kids played well and that’s exactly what you want to see,” said head coach Jon Faimalo. “I felt like we executed both offensively and defensively. I just felt good about what we did and I’m not sure I could ask for much more.”
After forcing a quick three-and-out from the North Sanpete offense, it took the Spartans just three plays and 46 seconds to go 65 yards and take the lead for good. Senior quarterback Wade Stilson capped the impressive drive with a 10-yard touchdown run, leading to an early 7-0 advantage.
Emery would have two more first quarter possessions, both ending in touchdowns. The second drive lasted 10 plays, once again ending with a Stilson touchdown run, this time on a sneak from one yard out. The third possession was another three-play drive, this time ending with a Stilson to Matt Olsen touchdown from 12 yards out.
Holding a 21-0 lead entering the second quarter, the Spartans continued to dominate with defensive stops and quick scores offensively. Senior Dane Sitterud scored the first touchdown of the quarter on a 25-yard run, extending the lead to four scores. Less than two minutes later Mason Stilson caught his first touchdown of the season on a 24-yard strike, advancing the lead to 35-0.
While scoring at will, the Spartans had a drive stall out with 4:33 remaining in the half. Still, the drive produced points as senior Boston Huntington buried a 40-yard field goal. The Emery defense then forced a turnover near midfield with only 16 seconds remaining and quickly added seven more as Stilson found Creek Sharp for a 54-yard touchdown pass.
While the offense shined in the season opener, the Emery defense delivered a shutout. North Sanpete’s only score came early in the fourth quarter after recovering a fumble in the end zone against Emery’s second unit. The defensive unit allowed just 79 yards in the first half, allowing the offense to find its early rhythm.
“I think the big unknown for us was what they were going to run offensively,” said Faimalo. “They had a little bit of early success on their first drive, then our guys settled in and at that point we did what we needed to.”
Stilson dazzled in his first game of his senior season, completing 14-of-22 passes for 253 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He also managed to gather 13 yards on the ground, while adding two more scores.
Creek Sharp posted 129 yards and a touchdown on five catches. Matt Olsen also gathered five catches as he finished with 88 yards and a score. Mason Stilson caught three passes for 35 yards and a touchdown.
Despite being limited to just eight carries for the game, Sitterud rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown. With a long rush of 25 yards, Sitterud averaged 9.8 yards per carry.
“With our offense you’re going to have to pick your poison. If you want to double on Creek or some of the other guys it’s going to leave a light box for Dane,” Faimalo said when asked about the high-level performance of the offense. “Our kids have been in this offense long enough and they know to take what the defense gives them.”
Friday’s win halts an Emery five-game losing skid against North Sanpete and marks the first win over the Hawks since 2010. The all-time series between the two schools is now even at 26-26.
The Spartans will now embark on a two-game road trip that begins Friday with a trip to Roosevelt to meet the Union Cougars. Union will look to recover from its season opening loss after falling to Manti 36-29 Friday night.
Live coverage of Friday’s road tilt will begin at 6:30 PM on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM. The live audio feed will also be available at castlecountryradio.com.