by James Tate

Head Coach: Carson Mund

2025 Record: Overall (9-3) Region (5-1)

The Box Elder Bees enter the 2026 season with confidence, experience, and unfinished business. Last year’s 9–3 campaign under Head Coach Carson Mund, now entering his third season, ended with a painful quarterfinal loss at Springfield. That defeat has lingered, sharpening the Bees’ focus and fueling a team determined to push deeper into November. With a roster loaded with returning talent and a program fully aligned with Coach Mund’s system, Box Elder stands as one of the early favorites to claim the Region 5 title.

Returning offensive firepower

The Bees’ offense once again revolves around senior running back Judd Howells, a 2025 Deseret News All-State Second Team selection who set the school record for rushing touchdowns in a season with 25. Howells’ blend of vision, burst, and power makes him one of the most dangerous runners in Utah, and every defense on the schedule will be forced to build its game plan around slowing him down. Howells’ rushing total for 2025 was 1,581 yards, and if he needs a breather, senior All-Region Honorable Mention Bridger Richards is ready to fill in.

Senior quarterback Kadyn Reyes returns after throwing for 1,472 yards and nine touchdowns, providing stability and leadership under center. His ability to punish defenses that overcommit to stopping the run gives Box Elder valuable balance. Senior wide receiver Cammon Bushnell is back as a dependable target after posting 300 receiving yards in a run-heavy offense. In contrast, senior Jaxon Jeppsen brings athleticism and versatility at receiver and tight end, creating matchup problems when defenses key too heavily on Howells.

The offensive line remains one of Box Elder’s defining strengths. 2025 Deseret News All-State Honorable Mention guard Ricki Jones anchors a group that also features All-Region Second Team standouts, Caleb Cefalo and Grady Judd. Their physicality and cohesion give the Bees one of the top trench units in Region 5.

Judd Howells

Defensive strength and depth

Box Elder’s defense may be even more formidable than its offense. All-Region First Team defensive back Rhett Richards returns as the leader of a secondary capable of shutting down opposing passing attacks. Linebacker Talon Sumko, an All-Region Second Team selection, brings toughness, speed and range to the middle of the field. Senior defensive back and All-Region Honorable Mention selection Braken Hester adds experience and reliability, while defensive lineman Luke Meyer, another All-Region Honorable Mention selection, strengthens the front.

Seniors Cole Bushnell and Jackson Lifferth bring veteran stability to the Bees’ secondary, offering reliable coverage skills and the ability to make clean, physical tackles in the open field. Paired with Richards and Hester, Box Elder’s back end is one of the most secure units on the roster, experienced, disciplined, and capable of eliminating big‑play threats before they develop.

Howells and Jeppsen will also contribute on defense, giving the Bees two-way standouts who elevate the unit’s overall physicality and discipline. With talent at every level, Box Elder has the pieces to field one of the stingiest defenses in the state.

Talon Sumko

Key Losses

The Bees do face the challenge of replacing several important contributors from last year’s roster. Chance Richards graduates after anchoring the front with leadership and consistency. Logan Cefalo departs from the trenches as another reliable interior presence. Versatile Maddox Earnest moves on after providing range and physicality at linebacker.

Landon Harding leaves behind valuable experience and steady coverage, while Colton Snell exits after contributing meaningful play on the line and leadership. These departures are significant, but Box Elder’s returning core is strong enough to absorb them and elevate emerging players into larger roles.

Special teams advantage

Box Elder’s special teams unit remains one of the best in Utah. Sophomore kicker Tytan Hupp returns after earning All-Region Honorable Mention honors, providing accuracy and confidence in the kicking game. Senior long snapper Davis Lloyd brings stability to the operation, while kicker/punter Kayson Flitton gives the Bees a reliable weapon in field position battles.

Season outlook

With elite talent returning on both sides of the ball, a punishing offensive line, and a defense built to suffocate opponents, the Bees enter 2026 with legitimate championship aspirations. The sting of last year’s quarterfinal loss still lingers, but it has only sharpened their resolve. Box Elder has the roster, coaching, and experience to challenge for the Region 5 title, and perhaps make a deeper run when the postseason lights shine brightest.

Key Games

August 21, 2026 at Bear River. The “Battle for the Golden Spike” remains the longest-running rivalry in Utah, and Box Elder enters having won five straight in the series. This year’s meeting shifts to Garland, where the Bears will be eager to defend their home turf and halt the Bees’ momentum. Rivalry emotion, early-season identity, and regional pride will all collide in a game that consistently shapes both programs’ trajectories.

September 8, 2026, vs Rigby (ID) in a non-region matchup that promises physicality from the opening whistle. The Trojans will be playing their fourth straight game against a Utah opponent, and both programs pride themselves on running the football and stopping the run. With the contest wedged between two Region 5 games, the Bees will need discipline, toughness, and depth to navigate what should be one of the most hard-hitting battles on their schedule.

October 2, 2026 at Fremont may be the most consequential game of the season. The defending Region 5 champions will host last year’s runner-up in a matchup that could determine the region title and playoff seeding. Health, execution, and late-season resilience will be critical. For Box Elder, this game represents both a measuring stick and an opportunity to reclaim control of the region race.

photos courtesy of James Tate