Postseason: 49-7 loss vs. Alta (first round)

Head coach: Chris Solomona (5th as head coach; 12th overall)

SUPPORT STAFF

Offensive coordinator: Ryan Hannah

Defensive coordinator: Jake Gallegos

Special teams coordinator: Ammon Borup

DEPTH CHART PREVIEW

Returning starters:

• Tasker Bills, C/NG, 2027

• Luke Pebley, WR/DB, 2027

• Tyler Dickson, WR/DB, 2027

• Howie Howard,  RB/LB, 2027

• Gunner Pearson, QB/WR/OLB, 2027

• TJ Allen, MLB, 2027

• Julian Vazquez, DE, 2028

• Juju Teran, DB/WR, 2029

• Bryton Ketchum, FS/WR, 2027

• Lucius Hicks, SS/WR, 2028

Names/Newcomers to watch:

• Mason Pugmire, OG/DT, 2029

• Raidyn Clippinger, OLB, 2027

• KJ Forte, DE/TE, 2028

• Cash Mendez, FS/WR, 2029

• Payton Vetrano, OT/DT, 2028

• Joey Faifai, OT/DE, 2029

• Korbin Craner, TE/OLB, 2027

• Keldon Robinett, FS/WR, 2029

• Alex Lasader, QB, 2029

• Jaylon London, TE/LB, 2029

• Colton Scherick, DE/OT, 2027

OUTLOOK

The Royals are certainly deeper than the 2025 squad that was tasked with following up 2024’s 5A state runner-up campaign, but it’ll demand some creativity as Chris Solomona moves forward without last year’s leading receivers in Drayden Esplin and Ryker Cordero, as well as Utah State QB prospect Rock Speredon (1,391 yards, 9 TDs), now at Orem. Instead, senior linebacker Gunner Pearson is slated to fill the quarterback vacancy after posting 160 yards on 25 carries last year. Roy returns its top rusher in Howie Howard (422 yards, 3 TDs), and senior nose guard Tasker Bills will lead up front as Ryan Hannah’s offense looks to bounce back in 2026. Defensively, Roy welcomes back another senior linebacker, TJ Allen (44 tackles), to aid Pearson’s transition to QB, and an experienced defensive end in Julian Vazquez (36 tackles). The senior leadership is miles ahead, but Roy must unlock more from its offense if it’s going to compete with the best of Region 5.

SCHEDULE

Aug. 14 – at Taylorsville*

Aug. 21 – Rigby (Idaho)*

Aug. 28 – Weber*

Sept. 4 – West Field

Sept. 10 – at Box Elder

Sept. 18 – at Bonneville

Sept. 25 – Clearfield

Oct. 2 – at Northridge

Oct. 7 – Hurricane*

Oct. 14 – Fremont

*Denotes nonregion game.