By james art 
The Emery Spartans football team hosted the number seven ranked American Leadership Academy (ALA) Eagles on Friday night for a quarterfinal playoff game. It was the first meeting between the two teams this season. ALA entered the game at 5-5, coming off a dominating win over Providence Hall.
On the first play of the game, Spartan defensive end Ellis Oveson hit the opposing quarterback, causing a fumble as Calvin Hadfield picked it up for a defensive touchdown. Emery took an early 7-0 lead.
On their first offensive possession, Trevon Gilbert found Porter Herdsman for a 40-yard touchdown pass, adding to the Spartan lead. As the Eagles gained possession, Hurdsman stepped in front of the ball for a big defensive interception that resulted in a turnover, giving Emery the ball right back.
Gilbert then found Hayden Abrams with an incredible one-handed grab for a 27-yard touchdown pass. The Spartans extended their lead to 21-0 in the first five minutes of the game. ALA then called a prayer as the receiver was there for the interception, hauling it in for a 65-yard touchdown pass, giving the Eagles some life.
On Emery’s next possession, Jackson Johnson found a gap up the middle, breaking free for a 45-yard touchdown. A strong performance by the Spartan defense held the Eagles to a four-and-out.
The Spartans would again have a huge touchdown run, this time on a 65-yard punt return by Herdsman. With a minute left in the quarter, the Eagle’s had a nice drive that ended in a 28-yard touchdown, making it 35-14 after the first quarter.
Emery continued his dominant offensive performance in the second quarter when Gilbert ended the drive by running the ball in for a touchdown. Later in the quarter, Johnson again found the end zone for a rushing touchdown. The first half would end with Ty Yost using his speed to find a lane on the outside, making a 65-yard run to the house for six more.
The third quarter began with Emery in complete control of the game, leading 56-14 as the clock ran continuously due to the mercy rule. Gilbert would finish the game with another touchdown pass to Hersman for a 71-yard touchdown.
Trygg Jensen then entered the game at quarterback, where he also had a touchdown, finding Ellis Oveson for a 6-yard touchdown pass. The Eagles would score another field goal, bringing the game’s final score to 70-21, for a dominant performance by the Spartans.
Jadin Atwood was incredible again with a perfect 10-10 PAT attempts. He would make history by breaking the record for successful PATs in school history. Gilbert completed 78 percent of his passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns, and also had a rushing touchdown. Johnson carried the ball six times for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Yost averaged 27.5 yards per catch with a touchdown.
Hursdman had a massive game with a rushing touchdown, two receiving touchdowns, 206 all-purpose yards, five tackles and two interceptions. Caleb O’Neal led the team with six tackles. Gavin Bernard had five tackles and one sack. Josh Howard and Oveson would also each record a sack in the game.
Emery will now prepare for the Summit Academy Bears in the semifinals. The Bears are coming off a big win over the South Sevier Rams, 42-28. The Bears recorded some big plays against the Rams, scoring most of the touchdowns on big plays. The Spartan defense will look to play consistently with limited mistakes to ensure they punch their ticket to the state championship game.
The semifinal game will take place on Saturday, November 9 at 7 p.m. The two teams will play at Zions Bank Stadium, home of Real Salt Lake Soccer Club, at 14787 S Academy Parkway, Herriman, UT.