In a tight contest, the Emery Spartans kicked off the 2017 campaign with a loss in Richfield, 21-14.
After falling behind after one quarter of play 7-0, the Spartans scored two TDs in the second to take the lead before watching the Wildcats score late in the half to tie the score going into halftime.
Kyson Stilson, in his first varsity start at quarterback, went 17-25 for 141 yards with a touchdown in Coach Jon Faimalo’s new spread offense. Easton Gordon caught six balls for 72 yards. Colton Willson caught the lone TD from Stilson, notching 42 yards on six catches. Rance Jensen scored the other touchdown for the Spartans, ending with 83 yards on 18 carries.
Gordon also did it on the defensive side of the ball, totaling eight tackles.
Emery (0-1, 0-0 3A North) will look to rebound this Friday with a home matchup against Summit Academy. The Bears won their home opener 43-14 over the Union Cougars. Summit Academy beat Emery 20-7 last year.