The Carbon Dinos kicked off the 2017 season at Manti Friday night, nearly tripping up the Templars on the road, losing the game 21-14.
The Dinos got on the board first, scoring on a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown by Collin Lewis for the 6-0 lead.
Manti responded with a touchdown of its own to take the lead they would never relinquish.
After a 7-6 first half, the Templars scored two TDs in the third before Nate Olson scored from 20 yards out in the fourth to cut the lead to seven, 21-14. Olson also added a two-point conversion after the touchdown scamper.
Olson finished the game right where he left off last season, with 101 yards on 24 carries. He had 195 all-purpose yards, adding 48 kick-returning yards and another 44 on punt returns.
Lewis anchored the defense with 10 total tackles. Ashton Larsen was right behind with nine tackles.
Carbon (0-1, 0-0 3A North) will host 4A Payson in the Dinos’ home opener. First kick is slated for 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ETV Channel 6.