| Andrew Jackson (5) runs toward the goal line with an Emery player in fast pursuit during Friday’s game in Castle Dale. |
Despite losing the first region game of the season, Carbon began to see some improvement as they went down to defeat 15-38 against Emery.
Emery drew first blood with three quick scores. To the Dino players it began to feel like it might be a repeat of the last few games.
But down 20-0, Carbon finally got on the board.
Joey Keller hit Brandon Wilson with a 50 yard pass to put six on the board for the Dinos just before the half. That started the team up.
For Carbon head football Coach JP Salisbury this was a key sign that the Dinos were making some changes. In previous games, the team could not find the motivation to fight back when they have been in a big hole early.
With a little momentum going their way the Dinos were able to score on a safety and then sent Andrew Jackson across to score again. Brandon Sanderson then hit the first extra point of the season for the Dinos and they were back in the game.
Scoring 15 unanswered points, they pulled within five of the Spartans.
Before the end of the third quarter however, Emery answered back with six and moved the score to 26-16. That score took the wind out of the Dinos and they were not able to sustain the intensity that had put them back in the game.
In the final quarter of the game, Emery pulled away for good with two TD’s on passes.
Carbon made a few good drives down the field, but a fumble and a dropped ball took them out of those marches down field. The Dinos were just not able to punch the ball in again.
Despite the loss, Salisbury was satisfied with the play he saw for the middle two quarters of play.
“Our kids fought back under pressure for the first time this season. They played two really good quarters.” he observed, “We just need to play four quarters of good play next time.”
The return of Brandon Wilson is an asset to the team. Salisbury feels they need to get him back involved in the offense as quickly as possible.
Emery played a good game. They had a few tricks up their sleeve and caught the Dinos off guard as they ran a good offense.
Carbon is still dealing with inexperience in their secondary as it is mainly manned by some of the younger players on the team.
Salisbury felt like the final score was not as reflective of how the game went as some of the scores in past contests the Dinos were involved with. He is still optimistic that the team is turning itself around.
“It takes time to make the mental changes that allow the team to stay focused and intense throughout the entire game. I still believe we will get there,” he concluded.