BRIGHAM CITY -- They finished tied for the Region 5 football title last year, but until someone acutally knocks off the Mountain Crest Mustangs from their perch alone, Box Elder coach Robbie Gunter will keep the focus of his Bees players on winning each game as it comes.
"We have some serious holes to fill with the kids that graduated last year," Gunter said. "But the kids are working hard and trying to get back into playing the way we want to play. We don't have a lot of experience, but our struggles won't be for a lack of effort."
The Bees played well throughout the 2010 regular season where they finished in a tie with Mountain Crest and Sky View before falling to the eventual state 4-A champions from Highland High.
Even with the departed seniors, there are a number of quality players returning that will help Box Elder stay near the top of the region standings.
Leading the way on offense will be returning starter Britton Gunter. Gunter was the signal-caller last year on a great team and having someone like that running your offense makes coach (and Dad) breathe a little easier.
"It's such a relief to have a quarterback back taking snaps from center because you don't have to worry about him making too many mistakes," coach Gunter said. "He makes good decisions with the football and that translates into success on many levels."
There are a number of running backs vying for the starting position, but Tyler Anderson seems to be taking the bull by the horns and wrestling the position away from the others. He brings some talent to the backfield position and looks to take over for Sean Smith.
Both players will have some experience along the offensive line to run behind, starting with Riley Reeves.
Reeves is a three-year starter that brings his massive frame and his wealth of knowledge about the system to a younger line. Helping out will be senior guard Jeremy Hunsaker and returning starter Spencer Lehr along the offensive front.
Talented receiver Shad Watson is a returning starter that will look to improve upon the receiving game and his stats from last year as a freshman.
"Shad is a big, athletic receiver that will keep things going and could help move the chains on certain plays," Gunter said. "He may not be the fastest receiver out there, but he does the things we ask him to do."
The defense will be in a slightly better position than the offense as they return six starters that will look to better than they were before. Reeves will contribute on the line as will Hunsaker and Lehr.
All three linebackers from last year are returning as well.
Breckin Gunter, Watson and Taylor Wilding will be forces to be reckoned with as they move and make plays defensively behind those quality lineman.
The defensive backfield will have Martin Alcanter, Anderson and Britton Gunter will have chances to keep things in check in the passing game.
"Our kids say it all the time -- our one may not be better than your one, but our 11 is better than yours," Gunter said. "We decided to set up our preseason schedule with teams that we knew were going to help prepare us for the upcoming region slate. It's got some very competitive teams like Weber, Syracuse and Bear River. We are looking forward to making sure that we stay healthy. If we can do that, we can be competitive this year."
About the Bees
Coach: Robbie Gunter (3rd season)
2010 in review: 4-1 in Region 5, 6-5 overall, lost in first round of state 4-A playoffs to Highland.
2011 slate: Region 5
Returning starters: 10 (4 offense, 6 defense)
Players to watch: Britton Gunter, senior, quarterback/defensive back; Riley Reeves, senior, offensive lineman/defensive lineman; Taylor Wilding, senior, linebacker/running back; Shad Watson, sophomore, receiver/linebacker; Breckin Gunter, sophomore, linebacker/running back; Spencer Lehr, senior, offensive lineman/defensive lineman; Tyler Anderson, senior, running back/safety.
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