Dane Sitterud crossed the goal line in the third quarter for the go-ahead touchdown and eventual game-winner as the Emery Spartans topped the Union Cougars 20-18 in the home opener Friday night in Castle Dale.
Looking for its first win of the season, the Spartans forced four takeaways defensively and scored a season best three touchdowns to secure the two-point win. The victory improved Emery’s overall record to 1-2, while the loss dipped Union to 2-2.
“The bye week got the kid’s minds back on the basics, giving the kids an extra four or five days to get things ironed out,” said head coach Jon Faimalo. “When we align right our kids are in a good position to make plays. We didn’t give up many big plays tonight and the kids took care of the things they needed to.”
The Spartans wasted little time jumping out to an early advantage. Senior Treg Miller intercepted Union quarterback Jackson Rasmussen near midfield on the game’s opening possession. The very first offensive play from scrimmage resulted in a 45-yard touchdown as Miller connected with Creek Sharp on a jet sweep pass.
Emery carried a 6-0 lead into the second quarter but pushed the advantage to double-digits as quarterback Wade Stilson found Miller for a 33-yard touchdown. A successful two-point conversion extended the lead to 14-0.
Union answered back in the closing moments of the first half as Chase Dahlberg scored on fourth and goal from the one-yard line. Dahlberg reached the end zone again on the two-point conversion as the Cougars chopped the Emery lead down to six entering the break.
The Cougars took advantage of a short field to capture its first and only lead of the contest in the third quarter. The one-point advantage was short lived as the Spartans answered immediately, capping an impressive drive with Sitterud’s go-ahead score.
“I thought we settled down a little bit in the end,” said Faimalo. “I felt like we were a bend, but don’t break defense. I felt good about the four takeaways and the way the offense responded when they had to.”
Stilson delivered his best performance of the young season completing 24-37 passes for 264 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. Forced to use both his arms and legs, Stilson delivered in multiple key situations, including a fourth-and-21 conversion late in the third quarter to lead to Emery’s final touchdown.
Miller dazzled in every aspect Friday night, recording two interceptions defensively, while throwing and catching a touchdown on offense. Playing most of the snaps Miller proved to be a mismatch athletically for the Union secondary.
Creek Sharp ended as the top receiving weapon for the contest as he hauled in nine catches for 164 yards and a touchdown. The passing game was key in Emery’s win as the rushing attack was held to just 49 yards on 23 carries.
