The Emery Spartans couldn’t quite overcome a hefty halftime deficit against the Manti Templars Friday night, trailing by just nine in the fourth before losing 44-27 to even up their record at 2-2.
Trailing 22-0, Austin Allred got the Spartans on the board before the halftime buzzer on an 11-yard touchdown scamper. Allred finished the night with two TDs, the second coming in the fourth from 43 yards out.
Emery got within nine, 36-27 in the final quarter but could get no closer. Kobe Butler and Bryce Dugmore scored the other touchdowns in the game.
Emery (2-2 0-0 3A North) will host its cross-county rival Carbon (1-3, 0-0 3A North) in both teams’ region opener on Friday in Castle Dale. The game can be viewed live on ETV Channel 10 at 7 p.m.