BRIGHAM CITY — The scenarios have reversed for the Box Elder Bees.
A year ago, coach Wes Roesler's team was loaded in the trenches but pretty inexperienced at the skill positions. For the upcoming season, things have flip-flopped.
With just one returning starter on the offensive line, Box Elder is planning on starting a pair of sophomores. Conversely, with players like Cam Greene, Jake Robertson and Pablo Mendoza back, the Bees have plenty of experience at the skill positions.
"If we can get our O-line going, we're hoping for a winning season, make it to the playoffs and do some special things," said Roesler. "Hopefully we can keep the (Golden) Spike. Those are our goals right now, and if it gets better than that, it's awesome."
Considering the tradition of success, it most likely will get better.
A year ago, the Bees led Highland 21-7 to start the fourth quarter, but it eventually lost in overtime 24-21. This year, despite only returning a handful of starters, the rest of the Region 5 coaches expect much of the same from the Bees. Roesler's team was picked first in a preseason coaches straw poll.
The key is the line, and it starts with senior center Stephen Thornton.
"We're high on him. That makes it good when you've got a center that can block one-on-one in the middle, that makes you be able to do other things," said Roesler.
It's the supporting cast around him that may make or break the season.
Box Elder's projected left guard starter is junior Braden Smith, while sophomore Seth Tippets is the likely starter at left tackle. On the other side of Thornton, Chris Johnson — the strongest sophomore on the line — will start at left guard and senior Daltrey Balmer will start at right tackle.
If those linemen exceed expectations, returning starter running back Cameron Greene and starting quarterback Roman Neville should each have outstanding seasons.
Greene rushed for over 700 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior last year, averaging of 4.5 yards per carry. With Neville, the state 4A javelin champion, don't expect Box Elder to be one dimensional. Even though Roesler's offense is very run oriented, he knows the importance of a strong quarterback, as evidence by Armando Portillo passing for 1,400 yards last year.
Defensively, Thornton will anchor things at defensive tackle, with a lot of the skill position players providing support in the secondary.
Box Elder Bees 2007 football preview
Coach: Entering his 17th year at Box Elder, Wes Roesler always seems to have the Bees in the hunt for region and state titles as evidenced by his 124-57 record.
Key players: Senior Stephen Thornton could be the heart and soul of the team. Whether he's starting at center on offense or tackle defense, he's a passionate player who finds a way to get it done. In addition to Cameron Greene at running back, Jake Robertson should have a very good year at wide receiver and defensive back as well.
Strengths: Tradition could be the biggest strength. Box Elder always seems to be good, and this year should be no different despite the inexperience. Greene could emerge as one of the premiere backs in 4A, but the Bees don't have to just rely on him because junior back-up Pablo Mendoza is a real strength as well.
Question marks: There's simply no getting around the fact that Box Elder will be starting two sophomores and a junior on its offensive line. If they mature quickly, the Bees should be unscathed through a preseason scheduled that isn't exactly treacherous with teams like Weber and Copper Hills. After a game against Bear River in Week 3 though, how will those youngsters handle the grind of Region 5?
Last season: 10-3, Lost to Highland in semifinals.
Projected Region 5 finish: First.
Postseason possibilities: The Bees can realistically expect to finish in the top three in Region 5 and perhaps advance to the quarterfinals. Anything beyond that might be a bonus.
E-mail: jedward@desnews.com