The San Juan varsity football team from Blanding, UT, will face off against Emery from Castle Dale, UT, in a neutral-site playoff game today at 4:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Utah High School Football
Who: Emery vs San Juan
When: Today, November 16, 2024
Time: 4:00. p.m. ET
“2024 UHSAA – Football State Championships – 2A Football Championship”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Emery vs. San Juan: A Clash of Titans in Utah High School Football

As the playoffs intensify, the matchup between Emery High School (Castle Dale, UT) and San Juan High School (Blanding, UT) promises to be a game for the ages. Both teams have shown exceptional form this season, but their paths to this pivotal moment reveal notable differences in their strengths, performances, and key players.

Season Records and Rankings

• Emery Spartans (9-2, 3-1 Region):
  Ranked 72nd in the state and 3rd in their class, Emery has been a consistent force, achieving an 81.8% win rate. Their 422 points scored this season (38.4 per game) demonstrate a balanced offensive approach. However, their defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed, allowing 294 points.
• San Juan Broncos (10-2, 4-0 Region):
  San Juan has enjoyed a stellar season, earning the 47th spot statewide and dominating as the top team in their class. With a perfect 4-0 record in region play, their win percentage stands at 83.3%. The Broncos have scored a staggering 609 points this season, averaging 50.8 per game, while their defense has allowed only 178 points.

Head-to-Head

The Spartans and Broncos faced off earlier this season on September 20th. San Juan delivered a commanding 61-20 victory, highlighting their offensive firepower. Despite an even first quarter (14-14), San Juan took control with a 34-point second quarter and maintained dominance throughout the game.

Offensive and Defensive Matchups

• Scoring Averages:
  • Emery: Starts strong in the first two quarters but struggles in the second half, averaging just 3.8 points in the fourth quarter.
  • San Juan: Consistently outpaces opponents, with a particularly explosive first half (38.9 points combined in Q1 and Q2).
• Team Stats:
  San Juan leads in nearly every offensive category, including 478.1 total yards per game (compared to Emery’s 377.0). Their rushing and passing games are balanced, with Jagger Nieves and Jaiten Knight leading the charge.

Key Players

• Emery:
  • Treven Gilbert (#9): A dynamic quarterback, averaging 234.8 passing yards per game.
  • Porter Hurdsman (#23): Leading receiver with 84.7 yards per game.
  • Boden Christman (#25): Top rusher at 74.5 yards per game.
• San Juan:
  • Jaiten Knight (#7): A dual-threat QB, leading with 273.8 passing yards and 314.2 total yards per game.
  • Jagger Nieves (#2): A scoring machine, averaging 15.7 points per game.
  • Jake Ivins (#3): Reliable receiver with 82.1 yards per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have excelled against shared opponents, with San Juan outperforming Emery in point differentials. For instance:

• Against South Sevier, San Juan triumphed 71-7, while Emery narrowly edged them out 48-41.
• Against Delta, San Juan secured a dominant 63-10 win compared to Emery’s 55-21 victory.

What to Expect

San Juan enters the game as the favorite, given their superior stats, a prior head-to-head win, and a more potent offense. However, Emery’s resilience and the leadership of Treven Gilbert cannot be underestimated. For Emery to pull off an upset, they will need to tighten their defense and capitalize on every scoring opportunity.

As these teams face off in a neutral playoff game, all eyes will be on the field to see if San Juan continues their dominance or if Emery can rise to the occasion and avenge their earlier loss.

Kickoff: Today at 4 p.m. – A must-watch showdown!