The 2009 football season holds much promise for the young Emery Spartans but on opening night it was all Grand High School as the Emery Spartans could not put any points on the board while Grand scored 14 points of their own.
Emery is starting eight juniors this season with only one of those seeing significant playing time last season. Usually it takes a game or two for younger players to get their varsity feet under them. It appears that may be the case here.
Emery received the opening kickoff and a good kickoff return left Emery with a first and 10 at midfield. Emery marched downfield but an interception near the goal line prevented the Spartans from scoring early in the game and taking the first lead of the day.
After Emery’s defense held Grand to a net of four yards and forced a punt on Grand’s first series, Emery started their second series at their own 39-yard line, still fairly good field position. Taylor Cox ran for 14 yards on the first play to put Emery into Grand territory but the Spartans were unable to get another first down and punted the ball.
The defense again held, this time limiting Grand to six yards, and Emery got the ball back at their 44-yard line. Emery only picked up three yards on a completed pass to Dusty Jensen in this series and punted the ball once again. Grand took over at their own 15-yard line. Aided by a 15-yard Emery penalty, Grand scored on this series on a 44-yard run by a Grand back. This was the only score of the first half.
Emery’s defense played well in the first half as they limited Grand to 118 yards in five series. Take away the touchdown drive and they allowed 32 yards in the other four drives. Emery’s offense was stymied though as they were able to only pick up 43 yards in that half.
Grand scored a second time in the second half on a 14-yard run by the same running back. Emery meanwhile was unable to do much offensively as the passing game was non-existent and the running game was about the same. Cory Hansen picked up 14 yards up the middle on the first series of the second half but that was the only play of any distance as the Spartans were unable to get anything going.
Emery now has a week off as the only other team in Utah without a game this week did not want to travel to Emery for a game and Emery already had five road games and needed a home game.
Emery will be back in action on Sept. 4 when they host Desert Hills in Castle Dale at 7 p.m.
Devils and Spartans duke it out
"Nathan Mecham for Emery trips up Trevor Robertson the Grand quarterback."