The Hive Sports

by James Tate

This is a part of an offseason series previewing teams in Davis and Weber County. To look at other team previews, click here.

Roy Royals

2023 Record (9-3) (6-1)

Head coach: Chris Solomona

The defending Region 5 champions return a loaded team with 18 returning starters. Head coach Chris Solomona has a 16-7 record in his first two seasons at Roy and knows the Royals will get every team’s best shot each game. Roy led Region 5 in points scored per game on offense (35) and points allowed per game on defense (16.5). The Royals finished the 2023 season with a tough second-round home playoff loss to the Alta Hawks 13-9, and the sting of not finishing that game on top has them motivated in 2024. Senior captain Cade Draper is ready to lead the Royals on a deep playoff run in 2024 and finish this season on top.

“That game is in the back of my head every training I do,” Draper said. “Our offensive line uses that game to motivate us every single day with the saying, “What will you do to get one more yard.”

Quarterbacks/running backs

Quarterback Dru Gardner

The team’s offense will be led by senior Dru Gardner, a seasoned quarterback known for his strategic decision-making and accurate passing. With 25 touchdown passes and only eight interceptions in his career, Gardner is a leader ready to take the Royals to another winning season. Gardner has a quick release to get the ball into his playmaker’s hands and quick feet, can avoid defenders, and uses his legs to keep plays alive.

“My strength is my experience at the varsity level with my teammates,” Gardner said. “Many of our players this year are 3-year starters, and we have built lots of chemistry on the varsity level over the years. I know how my teammates run their routes and where they want the ball.” 

Backing up Gardner behind center is senior Colby Frokjer, a gifted all-around athlete with experience as a quarterback for the Royals. Frokjer’s sophomore year saw him pass for 585 yards and seven touchdowns. Sophomore Rock Speredon is a tall, talented youngster with a strong arm and has a bright future with the Royals. Speredon could see action as the number two quarterback as Frokjer can play multiple positions.

The Royals lost their top two rushers from last season but return a dynamic one-two punch in senior Robert Young and junior Logan Cella. Young rushed for 373 yards and four touchdowns, and Cella had 325 yards and six touchdowns. Young is the speed and home-run threat, and Cella will grind out the tough yards, get first downs, and have the speed to run away from defenders. Look for senior Riley Boudreau to get his turn at running back this season.

Wide receivers/tight ends

Young was the Royals leading receiver last season and is primed for a more extensive role. Young will line up in multiple positions on the field and has over 1,000 career receiving yards. Contributions from senior Kili Eleneke and junior Isaiah Morris give the Royals a speedy and dangerous receiving corps. Eleneke tied with Young for the team lead with four receiving touchdowns last season. Morris hauled in 14 receptions and two touchdowns before going down with an injury. Frokjer will also see action at receiver and use his height and athleticism over smaller defensive backs.

“I love how every player has different skills and explosive abilities,” Gardner said. “We have Eleneke, who can burn any defense over the top with his speed, Morris, who I believe is the best route runner in the state, and Young, who can do it all at an elite level, just to name a few. Our players can make game-changing plays, and I know we are lucky to have all these playmakers.”

Watch for new names in the receiving corps this season with senior Rhett Slater and look for senior Hunter Webb to make an impact at the tight end position along with junior Ryker Cordero.

Offensive/defensive linemen

Draper will anchor a talented and physical front on the offensive line. He has been impressive in summer workouts and has established himself as one of the state’s top linemen. Draper can play any position on the line and will be a four-year starter once the season begins. Preparation and excitement are the main focus for Draper as he enters his senior year, and he knows the team will be looking to knock the Royals off.

“We are preparing this season as underdogs,” Draper said. “Many people think we got lucky in our region run, but that’s untrue. We are preparing harder than ever to show everyone who Region 5 runs through. I’m most excited for all of our players to dominate their senior seasons. We’ve been young the last couple of years, but now we get to see all of our top players dominate this season. Players such as Eleneke, Jaxton Scofield, Gardner, Cella, Young, and myself are all in for a big season.”

Senior Wesley Barker and junior Kasch Casero are other returners on the line, ready to keep the Royals’ offense rolling. The defensive front will see a young, talented group getting their shot to shine for the Royals, including juniors Ange Ahui and Carsten Engberg.

Justus Flores and Draper will be part of the Royals’ defensive front rotation throughout the season.

Linebackers/defensive backs

Kili Eleneke

The Royals’ linebacking group will be a strong unit, with the team’s top three tacklers returning from last season. Cella will be the veteran leader in the middle of the defense. Cella will team with Webb to form a tough, fast, and athletic combination. Cella led the team with 60 tackles last season, and Webb was next with 59. Senior Jaxton Scoffield is a player ready to emerge as a star for the Royals this season after recording 55 tackles last year. Scoffield is an athletic player who can rush the passer, defend the run, drop into coverage, and is a punishing tackler. Senior Ryan Foss will be a name often heard for the defense when he is on the field. Senior Beau Brown is a player to watch as the season gets underway.

Eleneke will be a top cornerback in the region this coming season. Eleneke is an elite cover corner who quickly recognizes routes and is confident being left in one-on-one coverage. Playing opposite Eleneke will be Morris. Morris has excellent ball skills and speed to close on receivers. At free safety will be Frokjer. With his elite size and athleticism to outjump receivers, Frokjer will be one of the best safeties in the region. Young will also see time in the secondary for the Royals. With four career interceptions, Young has the experience and burst to the ball that will make the Royals defense formidable.

The Royals linebackers and defensive backs all have elite ball skills, athleticism, and overall return players combined for 16 career interceptions.

Special teams

This season, Frokjer will be back to handle the kicking and punting duties for the Royals. One of the top-kicking prospects in the country, Frokjer has garnered college offers from Southern Utah University and Montana State University.

The Royals kick and punt return tandem of Eleneke, Young, and Morris will be a significant factor in field position and momentum-changing plays.

Key games

August 23, 2024, vs Fremont Silverwolves. Cross-town rival will be a non-region showdown.  

August 30, 2024, vs Weber Warriors. Royals will welcome back Warriors Head coach Mo Cannon, and the shield will be on the line.

September 6, 2024, vs. Clearfield. This is the Royals’ third straight home game and another welcome back with Falcons Head coach Cody Caputo and offensive coordinator Fred Fernandes’ return to Roy High School.

October 4, 2024, at Viewmont Vikings. This contest could be the game of the year. With explosive offenses and talented defenses, this one will be fun.