Although not the result they were looking for going into the game, the Emery High football team was optimistic after losing the season opener at Summit Academy last Friday night. Playing the first half in a steady downpour of rain, the young Emery Spartan team turned the ball over on the opening drive inside Emery territory and Summit Academy then marched in for a score on their way to a 40-7 victory.
With rain falling and wind blowing, it was not a typical August night, it took Emery awhile to straighten things out a little. Emery fumbled on their next two possessions as well and then had a punt blocked the next time they had the ball and just like that they were down 21-0 at the end of the first quarter. The first quarter was delayed midway through by a lightning strike warning and the field had to be evacuated for 30 minutes.
Emery started eight sophomores on defense and after starting with their backs to the wall four straight times, the defense played pretty good the rest of the ball game as they held the Bear offense to only one more score.
Emery’s defense was led by middle linebackers Matt Mecham and Mo Derrick, a transfer into the school this year from Tooele. Derrick had eight tackles and a sack and Matt had seven tackles in the game. Evan Swenson, playing an outside linebacker, had five tackles, a sack and intercepted a Bear pass in the game. Stevie Ledger came off the bench to play another linebacker position and had six tackles with two being for a loss. Ashton Dieli and Cameron Petersen each had six tackles in the losing effort.
On offense, Emery had a tough time getting things going in the rain. Quarterback Tai Justice completed a pass to Kolton Butler for Emery’s only score in the second quarter. TJ Lacock added the extra point on a kick. Tyler Olsen led the offense with 75 yards gained on the ground on eight carries.
Emery has a bye this week and will play next on Sept. 5 at home against Delta and will also be at home the next week with a game against Richfield.
Emery football drops game in rain at Summit Academy
"The Emery offense drives on their only score in the game."