This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
BOX ELDER BEES
The Hurry-Up — Box Elder finished 5-8 overall in 2015, 1-4 in Region 5, and lost to Springville, 28-20, in the first round of the Class 4A postseason.
Aside from East and Highland, Region 5 is an unestablished crapshoot. The final two playoff spots are completely up for grabs for the remaining teams, and Box Elder believes it has the talent to secure another postseason berth again this year.
"We feel like we've got the kids that have worked hard enough and have a little bit of experience, but it comes down to every week," said Bees coach Robbie Gunter. "You can't have any down weeks, or you're in trouble."
The Bees were forced to endure growing pains at various junctures last year, but that youth has evolved with experience. However, the roster is still very young in general, so Gunter wants to see the underclassman prove their worth by the season opener on Aug. 19.
"I want to see these young guys," Gunter said. "They've done some great things in the weight room and conditioning, I want to see them become a unit with the older guys and be ready to compete."
This year, a point of emphasis, is the first quarter. In the Bees' eight losses last year, their opponent scored first in seven games, with the only exception being Logan.
"We didn't start hot in the first quarter," said quarterback Dylan Rodriguez. "We let them score a couple times and we had to play catch-up. I think we need to focus, this year, on scoring first and staying ahead the whole time."
QUARTERBACKS — Dylan Rodriguez led Box Elder in all-purpose yards in 2015, finishing with 1,309 yards collectively between rushing, receiving and kick and punt returns, while adding 13 touchdowns. He's taking over the huddle this season, and as the conductor of the Wing-T attack, his explosive ability is a huge luxury. "I feel pretty good about it," Rodriguez said. "I've played quarterback my whole life besides the past two years. I think not being a quarterback kind of helped me because I was running back and receiver, so I know the routes and the plays and what to do in those situations."
RUNNING BACKS — Kole Evans, Travis Dickson, Garrett Housley are the seniors competing for the job, but Gunter explained there are also "young guys who we're hoping will step up and take that role and compete. We hope our running back spot, as the year goes on, will solidify."
RECEIVERS — Traycer Wilson and Kyler Andersen, whom Gunter said "is a guy that's really worked hard this summer" are the main threats on the outskirts, but Colton Kapp and Jeremy Kaleikini, who is also competing for quarterback, will see time at wideout, too.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN — Carter Udy started at tackle last year and "was an excellent player for us," Gunter said. Zach Gunn returns at tight end, and will contribute in the throw-game, as well as provide stable run blocking. "We feel good about our offensive line," Gunter said. … "It always feel good to have your offensive line back — guys who know what they're doing. We're not big, so we have to be pretty precise and tough. To have guys know what's expected helps a lot."
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN — Riley Taylor started both ways last year and Gunter said he anchors the defensive line. Kirk Bissegger also returns at defensive end. "We feel good. For the first time we have a little bit of depth," Gunter said.
LINEBACKERS — Garrett Housley started last year, but Gunter explained, "other than that, we've got to replace them all. We're pushing some guys and trying to get some guys to step up."
DEFENSIVE BACKS — Cole Curtis, at corner, and Porter Hodgson, at safety, are back as full-time starters for the second consecutive season. Dylan Rodriguez and Jeremy Kaleikini will suit up both ways, as well.
KEY PLAYERS
Dylan Rodriguez, QB — Rodriguez did it all for the Bees last year, but in order for the Bees to return to the postseason, he'll need to elevate his game even more at quarterback.
Carter Udy, RT — The leader of the offensive line. Box Elder predicates its success on the ability to control the line of scrimmage and carve out yardage on the ground.
Porter Hodgson, S — Recorded 115 tackles last year — incredible production from a safety — while adding one sack and one interception.
KEY LOSSES
Darius McFarland, RB/TE/DE — Signed with BYU, McFarland is a hard talent to replace.
Jarom Mecham, QB/S — Threw for 1,312 yards and 15 touchdowns (14 interceptions), and was easily one of the best defenders on the team, but he sacrificed his time on that side of the ball to play quarterback.
Bryant Tingey, RB — Led the team in rushing, with 1,028 yards and seven touchdowns on 183 carries, and added 58 tackles on defense.
NAME TO KNOW — Porter Hodgson is a tackling robot at the back of the defense. He's surrounded by inexperience in the secondary this season, so his production could rise this year.
2016 SCHEDULE
Aug. 19 — at Logan, 7 p.m. (Lost, 38-37 in 2OT, in 2015)
Aug. 27 — at Skyline (Idaho), 1 p.m.
Sept. 2 — at Bear River, 7 p.m. (Won, 42-6)
Sept. 9 — HERRIMAN, 7 p.m. (Lost, 41-7)
Sept. 16 — at Highland, 7 p.m. (Lost, 38-28)
Sept. 23 — WOODS CROSS, 7 p.m. (Lost, 21-17)
Sept. 30 — at Ogden, 7 p.m. (Won, 59-0)
Oct. 7 — EAST, 7 p.m. (Lost, 36-15)
Oct. 14 — at Bonneville, 7 p.m. (Won, 41-14)
Oct. 19 — BOUNTIFUL, 7 p.m. (Lost, 42-28)
VERDICT — There is still a lot of unknowns about Box Elder at this point. Region 5 is an open race, and the Bees are more than capable of claiming one of the final two spots, however, at this point, it appears this team might be on the outside looking in at season's end.
PREDICTED FINISH IN REGION: Fifth.