The Hive Sports

by James Tate

Box Elder entered the season with a clear mindset: nothing would come easy. Every yard, every win, would have to be earned through grit, physicality, and relentless effort. That philosophy, shared by Head Coach Carson Mund at the start of the season, was on full display Friday night as the Bees powered past the Layton Lancers 24–6.

“This group is gritty,” Coach Mund said. “They’ve worked hard, they care about each other, and they’re ready to represent Box Elder with pride. “Our theme this year is ‘earn everything,’ and these boys are embracing that every day.”

After giving up an early touchdown on special teams, the Bees never flinched. They leaned into their identity—playing physical on both sides of the ball and sticking to a disciplined game plan. The defense was dominant, refusing to allow an offensive touchdown and shutting down Layton’s big-play potential.

Senior linebacker Logan Cefalo led the defensive charge, flying around the field with impact. He recorded multiple tackles for loss, stuffed the Lancers on key fourth-down attempts, and sealed the win with a late-game interception.

Offensively, the Bees controlled the tempo behind junior running back Judd Howells, who racked up over 100 yards and a touchdown. The offensive line—anchored by seniors Chance Richards and Colton Snell, juniors Caleb Cefalo and Grady Judd, and sophomore Cash Burbank—imposed their will, opening lanes and wearing down the Lancers’ front.

It was a complete team effort, built on toughness, unity, and the determination to earn every inch. With the win, Box Elder moves to 2-0 and continues to prove that hard work isn’t just a motto—it’s their identity.

Judd Howells

Bees weather early storm, sting back before halftime

Layton came out swinging, striking first with a 67-yard punt return touchdown by senior Carter Hughes that gave the Lancers an early 6–0 lead. The missed extra point kept the margin narrow, but Hughes wasn’t done making noise. Moments later, he snagged an interception on defense, setting Layton up with prime field position near midfield midway through the quarter.

The momentum seemed to be shifting in the Lancers’ favor, but Box Elder’s defense dug in. A missed field goal by Layton stalled their surge and marked a turning point in the game’s energy. The Bees regrouped, tightened up on both sides of the ball, and ended the quarter trailing 6–0, but far from out of it.

Box Elder broke through late in the second quarter, capping off a determined drive with a two-yard touchdown plunge by Howells at the 1:07 mark. Tytan Hupp’s extra point split the uprights, giving the Bees a 7–6 lead and a surge of momentum.

Layton answered quickly, as quarterback Lincoln Wilcox connected with Hughes on a deep pass that pushed the Lancers deep into Bees territory. With the clock winding down, Layton threatened to retake the lead—poised for either a go-ahead touchdown or a field goal.

But the Bees’ defense had other plans.

As Wilcox looked to the end zone, senior defensive back Rhet Richards stepped in front of the pass and snatched the interception, halting the Lancers’ drive and preserving Box Elder’s lead. It was a clutch defensive stand that underscored the Bees’ grit and set the tone for the second half.

Bees’ defense

Second half: Bees slam door on Lancers with grit and defense

The second half opened with a bang for Box Elder. Layton received the kickoff, but their drive ended in déjà vu—another interception, this time returned for a touchdown by defensive end Jaxon Jeppesen. The pick-six gave the Bees a 14–6 lead and flipped the momentum squarely in their favor.

From there, the defense took over.

Led by standout performances from Logan Cefalo, Jace Gomez, William Bruner, Talan Sumko, Cole Bushnell, and Korbin Jeppesen, the Bees’ defense continued its season-long dominance. Through two games, this unit has yet to allow an offensive touchdown, and Friday night was no exception. They repeatedly shut down Layton’s drives, applying pressure and swarming to the ball with purpose.

Early in the fourth quarter, Howells broke free for a 49-yard run, pushing the Bees deep into Lancer territory. That explosive play set up a 22-yard field goal by Hupp, extending the lead to 17–6 with just over ten minutes remaining.

Box Elder sealed the win with a final scoring drive, capped by a one-yard touchdown run from quarterback Kadyn Reyes to make it 24–6. The Lancers’ last gasp ended the same way their first drive of the half did—with an interception, this time by Logan Cefalo, who put an exclamation point on a dominant defensive performance.

It was a statement second half for the Bees: physical, disciplined, and relentless. They earned every inch and left no doubt.

Carter Hughes

Outstanding performances

Box Elder’s win was the result of a total team effort, with contributions in all phases of the game. From the trenches to the secondary, the Bees executed their game plan with precision and heart.

“In the second half, we wanted to take them out and take over the game, overwhelming them with the run game,” Howells said. “The defense played amazingly, giving the offense so many opportunities to score with three interceptions, including a pick-six.”

Howells led the offensive charge with over 100 rushing yards and a touchdown, while the defense delivered three interceptions and held Layton’s offense scoreless. The pick-six by Jaxon Jeppesen, along with key plays from Logan Cefalo and Rhet Richards, showcased the depth and discipline of the Bees’ defensive unit.

Despite the loss, Layton had standout performances of their own. Hughes was a spark on both sides of the ball, scoring on a 67-yard punt return, grabbing an interception, and leading the team with six receptions for 85 yards. On defense, Luke Byers and JP Garlick anchored the Lancers with 13 and 12 tackles, respectively, showing grit and determination throughout the night.

In the end, Box Elder’s ability to execute across offense, defense, and special teams proved decisive. It was a win earned through unity, toughness, and a relentless commitment to their identity.

photos courtesy of James Tate