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After a four-year winless streak in the state tournament, the Box Elder Bees finally upended a higher-seeded team when they toppled Region 6's top seeded Olympus in a thrilling first-round matchup last season.

But coach Robbie Gunter has no time to bask in the accomplishment. He must find replacement parts to his offense.

Gone are weapons Dylan Rodriguez (QB), Kole Evans (RB) and Zach Gunn (TE). Some unproven talent will need to rise up to fill those holes for the Bees to have a shot of getting back into the playoffs in the newly organized Region 5.

"For us it's really about getting this next group of kids ready to compete and play at a high level," Gunter said. "We've got some kids that we think are ready to step in. We're hoping they can fill those spots effectively, but it's going to be a big group of guys instead of just a few in those positions."

Behind center • After receiving a lot of playing time at receiver and safety last season, senior Jeremy Kaleikini is going to move into the offensive backfield at quarterback. Similar to Rodriguez last season, Kaleikini is a gifted athlete who should be able to create for himself with his legs as well, if not better, than with his arm. The Bees will need an athletic play caller to consistently move the ball because the running back positions are up in the air.

Ball hawks • The Bees have a lot of vetting to do before naming starters at wide receiver. With Zach Gunn, Traycer Wilson and Kyler Anderson all gone, the only retuning player with more than one reception last season is Kaleikini, who has moved to quarterback. Gunter will lean on his safeties to slow down the opposition's passing game with his linebackers and defensive line primarily focused on stopping the run. While starters have yet to be named, he said there are some athletic players vying for the positions who could be hauling in some interceptions.

In the trenches • The defensive line is highlighted by the 300-plus-pound duo of juniors Ethyn Butler and Tyson Madson, but the end positions and rotational players still are being hashed out. Senior Ryan Gunn also should receive a lot of reps on the defensive front, but he'll have his hands full on the offensive front five because he's the only returning starter from last season at center.

Hit men • After finishing as the team's second leading tackler last season (one shy of the team lead), Gunter proclaimed senior Brock Hardy as the leader of the defense. With 111 tackles and three sacks at linebacker last season, Hardy will be the key to continuing Box Elder's defensive philosophy of stopping the running game. "Over the last few years, we've been a run-stopping defense because everybody in our region ran the ball," Gunter said. "That's what we had to gear up for. Brock is not only a great tackler, but he gets after people inside."

Key returners • Brock Hardy, Sr. (RB/LB); Jeremy Kaleikini, Sr. (QB/ATH)

Key losses • Dylan Rodriguez, QB (1,403 yards, 18 TD passing; 478 yards, 6 TD rushing); Kole Evans, RB (825 yards, 5 TD); Zach Gunn TE (393 yards, 5 TD), Porter Hodgson, FS (85 tackles); Jackson Roubidoux, DL (52 tackles, 4 sacks)

The next wave • Bernard Pena, Jr. (RB/LB); Hyrum Blanchard, Jr. (RB/LB)

Box Elder Bees

Coach • Robbie Gunter, ninth year

Last season: 6-6, 2-3 in Region 5

2016 Playoff •: Def. Olympus 28-21 (2OT); lost to Maple Mountain 32-8

State championship appearances • 1950, 1951, 1957, 1960, 1995, 2001

2017 schedule

Aug. 18 • at Layton, 7 p.m.

Aug. 25 • Bear River, 7 p.m.

Sep. 1 • at Mountain Crest, 7 p.m.

Sep. 8 • Pocatello, Idaho, 7 p.m.

Sep. 15 • Bountiful, 7 p.m.

Sep. 22 • at Viewmont, 7 p.m.

Sep. 29 • Clearfield, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 • Roy, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 • at Woods Cross, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18 • Bonneville, 7 p.m.