Emery High School will compete in 2A for at least the next two years as the Utah High School Activities Association finally acknowledged the school’s low, and steadily declining, student numbers.
The move should allow Emery’s athletic program as a whole to compete more consistently for region and state titles. The move should come as a bit of a relief to a tradition-rich football program that simply lacks the resources and participation to consistently compete with 3A powers like Juan Diego and Hurricane.
Emery football will compete in the 2A North Region, which, according to coaches, shapes up as the tougher of the two 2A football regions. Emery was picked to finish fourth in the 2A North by both The Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News.
Emery returns just three offensive and two defensive starters. Coaches believe an experienced offensive line will lead an aggressive running attack that should pile up yardage and regularly move the chains. The 88-point outburst in the annual Black and Gold game featured plenty of running.
Coaches said the linebacking crew should lead what they think can grow into a strong defensive unit.
Emery kicks off the season Friday at home against Richfield at 7 p.m.
Emery High Football Schedule
Aug. 19 В В В В RICHFIELD, 7 p.m.
Aug. 26 В В В В UINTAH, 7 p.m.
Sept. 2 В В В В В at Manti, 7 p.m.
Sept. 9 В В В В В at North Sevier, 7 p.m.
Sept. 16 В В В В AMERICAN LEADERSHIP, 7 p.m.
Sept. 23 В В В В at Millard, 7 p.m.
Sept. 30 В В В В GUNNISON, 7 p.m.
Oct. 7 В В В В В В В В at South Summit, 7 p.m.
Oct. 14В В В В В В В NORTH SUMMIT, 7 p.m.
Oct. 21 В В В В В В Playoffs, TBD