by James Tate

The Box Elder Bees stayed perfect with a 28–19 win over the Roy Royals in Region 5 play, improving to 5–0 overall and 2–0 in the region. Guided by quarterback Kadyn Reyes and running back Judd Howells, the Bees built an early cushion and delivered the decisive strike when Roy threatened late. For the Royals, now 1–4 overall and 0–2 in region play, the focus shifts to regrouping and finding momentum in the second half of the season.

Bees’ fast start, Royals respond

Box Elder opened the game with a statement drive. Reyes broke free for a 46‑yard run to set up Howells’ 4‑yard touchdown plunge. On the next possession, Reyes found Josh Pugsley on a slant, and Pugsley turned it into a 62‑yard catch‑and‑run score. The Bees ended the first quarter firmly in control, 15–0.

Early in the second quarter, senior Cole Bushnell intercepted a Royals’ pass, but Roy’s defense held firm and forced a missed field goal. The Royals’ offense then came alive, with senior quarterback Gunner Pearson and senior running back Howie Howard sparking a drive capped by Howard’s 4‑yard touchdown run.

A pass to sophomore receiver JuJu Teran helped set up the score, trimming the deficit to 15–7. Box Elder regained momentum before halftime, capitalizing on a short kickoff to drive deep into Royals territory and settle for a 20‑yard field goal by sophomore Tytan Hupp, taking an 18–7 lead into the break.

Josh Pugsley

Royals rally, Bees deliver knockout play

The Royals had their moment to tighten the game in the third quarter. After forcing the Bees to punt, Pearson hit Teran on a screen pass, and Teran turned on the jets for a 44‑yard touchdown to make it 18–13. But Howells steadied the Bees with a big run on the ensuing possession, setting Hupp up for a 26‑yard field goal. Hupp has been a valuable piece for Box Elder this season, converting seven of nine field‑goal attempts.

Later in the quarter, Pearson’s dual‑threat ability kept drives alive, but Box Elder answered with the play of the game. Reyes launched a deep ball to senior receiver Cammon Bushnell, who made a diving catch in the end zone for a 37‑yard touchdown. That score restored the Bees’ cushion and swung momentum back in their favor. Roy forced a late fumble thanks to junior Julian Vazquez, but Box Elder’s defense held strong.

Offensive Leaders

Reyes finished with two touchdown passes and added another dimension with his legs. Through five games, he has already rushed for over 400 yards, giving the Bees a dual‑threat quarterback who can extend plays and keep defenses off balance. His ability to spread the ball has also been evident, with eight different Bees catching touchdown passes this season. Howells, meanwhile, continued his steady production with 105 rushing yards against Roy.

Entering the week, Howells and Reyes ranked third and fourth, respectively, among rushing leaders in the 5A classification, underscoring their impact on the ground game and highlighting why Box Elder’s offense has been so difficult to contain.

The Bees’ offensive line of seniors Ryken Archibald, Caleb Cefalo, Hogan Mumford, Ricki Jones, and Grady Judd paved the way all night, opening running lanes for Howells and fellow backs Talan Sumko and Thomas Morrill. Their physical presence up front gave Box Elder balance and control in the trenches.

Defensive Standouts

Luke Meyer anchored the Bees’ defense with 11 tackles, and Tayson Wylie with 10. Senior Jaxon Jeppsen wreaked havoc in the backfield, recording two sacks and two quarterback hurries, while Cole Bushnell’s interception set the tone early.

Jeppsen reflected on the challenge Roy presented and the mindset the Bees carried into the game.

“We knew Roy was a good team and that their quarterback could hurt us with both his arms and his legs,” Jeppsen said. “We came into that game knowing that we needed to play sound defense.”

Jeppsen shared the resilience that ran through the win, pointing to both the shorthanded lineup and the defense’s ability to respond in key moments.

“We were missing a couple of key starters on offense and defense, and Roy was able to put together some very good drives,” Jeppsen said. “We knew we would have to get some negative plays to get them off the field and give our offense a chance to extend the lead.”

Roy’s defense had its own bright spots. Sophomore Keldon Robinett led the team with nine tackles, senior Jax Lowder grabbed an interception, and Vazquez’s forced fumble gave the Royals late hope.

Gunner Pearson

Bees stay undefeated, Royals ready to rebound

With Reyes’ poise, Howells’ consistency, Hupp’s reliability, and a veteran offensive line paving the way, Box Elder remains the team to beat in Region 5.

Jeppsen didn’t hide how much this season means to him, especially with a veteran roster that has grown up together inside the program.

“It’s been a fun season,” Jeppsen said. “We have a lot of seniors on this team that have played together for a long time. Right now, we are trying our best to enjoy the opportunity to play with our best friends without looking too far ahead. Region 5 is really good this year, and we know every week is going to be a battle, but right now we are focused on getting healthy and welcoming a really good football team from Rigby to the Hive.”

Roy showed resilience and flashes of brilliance, especially from Pearson and his senior‑heavy receiving corps. Tyler Dickson delivered the late spark with a 19‑yard touchdown grab, while Riley Jeppesen finished with three receptions, providing steady production in key moments. Luke Pebley and JuJu Teran each added five catches, with Teran also breaking loose for a 44‑yard score earlier in the game. Together, the group gave Pearson the outlets he needed to keep Roy competitive deep into the fourth quarter.

photos courtesy of James Tate