No schools in Region 5 have won a state title since 2002, but this year Box Elder hopes to throw its hat into the ring.
The Bees had a good 2025 season, finishing second in Region 5 with a 5-1 record. But what stung for the Bees was their 28-21 loss to Springville in the quarterfinals.
It was the third quarterfinal loss for Box Elder in four years. It also hasn’t reached the semifinal round since 2006. Reaching that round and playing at Rice-Eccles is a goal for this year’s group.
“That’s always the goal, and we’re right there,” said head coach Carson Mund. “We’ve just got to knock the door down at some point, and I’m hoping this year is that year we can knock it down and give us a chance to go up to the U.”
A lot is going for Box Elder this year. The Bees retained 18 starters, nine offensive and nine defensive. They already had a top five offense in all of 5A last year, and a top seven defense. With the returning experience, Box Elder has a chance to have a special year.
Most of all, the Bees return running back Judd Howells. Howells earned 5A all-state second team honors on a campaign of 1,593 rushing yards on 236 carries while scoring 25 touchdowns. His 25 touchdowns were the fourth most rushing touchdowns in the state.
“It’s great to have him back,” Mund said. “With him and everyone else, we return about 90% of our scoring from last year. Having 32 seniors makes a huge difference. Judd’s just one aspect of that... We have some other guys that can step up, and so we don’t have to be so reliant on him this year.”
Box Elder will also be experienced defensively, especially on its defensive line. Mund says it goes beyond just the starters, and they have the depth to have a great defensive line.
“Some of those guys are 3-year starters or got meaningful playing time as sophomores at the end,” Mund said. “Defensive tackle-wise, we’ve got 4 or 5 guys we feel like can rotate in there and give us meaningful minutes. One of those guys is a junior, Kai Crozier, who is a really strong kid. We’re expecting a lot from him to help anchor us down in that 3-technique spot at the D-line.
“We’re looking for them to anchor us in the run game, and hopefully we can get a better pass rush this year as well with those guys coming back and put some more pressure on the quarterback.”
Defending Region 5 champion Fremont slots in at second in this year’s coaches poll. Unlike Box Elder, the Silverwolves will see quite a few new faces, especially offensively.
Fremont returns only two offensive starters, both of whom are offensive linemen in Cooper Tumanuvao and Ryan Connell.
New starting quarterback Calvin Cooper played in nine games for the Silverwolves last season. He threw for 302 yards with a 64% completion percentage, but had an even 4:4 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Defensively, Fremont retains a little more experience with four starters returning. While Fremont graduated most of its production from a year ago, head coach Nate Tuatagaloa is confident in his developing players.
“Our coaches do a good job at developing, so we are excited to showcase some new faces and names and some that people are already familiar with,” Tuatagaloa said. “Although we lost so many players (60 from the last 2 graduating classes), we feel confident that Fremont will be in good hands with the kids we got.
“We have some young kids looking to contribute to our success. Regardless of who is wearing the Fremont jersey, they understand the responsibility and expectations that come with it. We will play fast, violent, disciplined, and progress in our execution.”
West Field enters its third season of football, and it was voted to finish third in the region. The Longhorns finished third last season.
West Field will return six starters offensively, and among them is the lethal duo of quarterback Easton Eilertson and receiver Gavin Ortegon.
Eilertson threw for 3,127 yards and 39 touchdowns last year, and Ortegon was named to the 5A all-state first team after pulling in 1,266 yards on 80 receptions and scoring 18 touchdowns.
The Longhorns will also return wide receivers Kolt Abbott and Phoenix Sandoval, who pulled in a combined 10 touchdowns.
Fourth in the voting is Northridge. The Knights had a middling year, finishing with a 5-6 record and a 3-3 region record.
However, Northridge is looking to improve as it returns 10 starters, which includes quarterback Liam Fresques.
“This is a great group of student-athletes who are committed to working hard and continuously improving,” said head coach Andrew Fresques. “With significant varsity experience returning from the 2025 season, we are excited about the leadership, competitiveness, and depth within our program. We look forward to building on last year’s success and having a strong 2026 season.”
Clearfield finished fifth in the poll and returns only a handful of starters from a team that struggled a year ago.
The Falcons finished sixth in the region with a 1-5 record, and fought to a 3-8 overall record.
Junior quarterback Brik Barlow will be back at the helm for the Clearfield offense after starting as a sophomore.
“We had a great off-season in the weight room, and the program is starting to run smoothly,” said head coach Cody Caputo. “We have buy-in from the boys, and they will be prepared to compete.”
Finishing sixth in the coaches’ poll is Roy, and while it graduated some production and lost others to transfers, it still returns 11 starters.
After spending most of the season at running back, Gunner Pearson will lead the Royals at quarterback.
“Ready to compete and get back to winning ways,” said head coach Chris Solomona. “New offensive staff, new roles for players, eager to compete and create our identity. We are young up front, but have potential. Our senior QB transferred to Orem. Junior OL Ethen Sessions transferred to West Field. Excited to see Gunner Pearson lead the offense at QB. Versatile, mobile, team leader.”
Rounding out the list in seventh is Bonneville, who ended the 2025 season 0-10. The Lakers will have a new coach in Connor McGuire to help steer the program back in the right direction.
“The 2026 Bonneville Lakers will take on a new look this season, but a new look isn’t the only thing new for our team,” McGuire said. “A new coaching staff, a bunch of kids playing varsity football for the first time, and of most importance, a new culture.”
Region 5 projections
(Preseason rankings are based on coaches’ votes)
1. Box Elder Bees
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Carson Mund
Heading into his third season at Box Elder after previously spending three combined years at West Jordan and Logan. Box Elder went 13-10 in his first two seasons. His career coaching record now stands at 23-31. He’s a graduate of Box Elder at Utah State.
Coach Carson Mund’s general outlook
As we head into the 2026 season, there’s a lot to be excited about, but we also understand that nothing is guaranteed. Having 34 seniors gives us a group with a lot of experience, and more importantly, a group that has been through battles together. Many of these kids have played varsity football, experienced playoff football, and understand the standard we expect at Box Elder. What I like most about this team is their work ethic and willingness to put the team first. We have some talented players returning, but our success will come down to how well we stay connected, continue to develop, and handle adversity when it comes. This group has a chance to be a really good football team, and we’re looking forward to seeing what they can accomplish together.
Offensive coordinator: Carson Mund
2025 offense: 34.83 ppg (No. 4 in 5A)
- Seven returning starters
- Multiple offenses
Returning offensive starters
- Kaydn Reyes, QB, Sr.
- Judd Howells, RB, Sr.
- Cammon Bushnell, WR, Sr.
- Jaxon Jeppson, TE, Sr.
- Grady Judd, OL, Sr.
- Ricki Jones, OL, Sr.
- Caleb Cefalo, OL, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Pj Pierren, TE, Sr.
- Cole Bushnel, WR, Sr.
- Bridger Richards, RB, Sr.
- Evan Barker, WR, So.
- Rhet Richards, WR, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Travis Mumford
2025 defense: 19.42 ppg (No. 7 in 5A)
- Nine returning starters
- 4-2-5 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Jaxon Jeppson, DE, Sr.
- Caleb Cefalo, DL, Sr.
- Luke Meyer, DE, Sr.
- Bridger Richards, LB, Sr.
- Rhet Richards, CB, Sr.
- Cole Bushnell, FS, Sr.
- Talon Sumko, SS, Sr.
- Braken Hester, SS, Sr.
- Judd. Howells, LB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Kai Crozier, DL, Jr.
- Evan Barker, CB, So.
- Tj Morrill, LB, Sr.
- Jackson Lifferth, CB, Sr.
2. Fremont Silverwolves
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Nate Tuatagaloa
In his two seasons as head coach so far at Fremont, he’s guided the program to a 17-7 record with a pair of fRegion titles. He’s a graduate of Ogden High and Weber State.
Coach Nate Tuatagaloa’s general outlook
Our coaches do a good job at developing so we are excited to showcase some new faces and names and some that people are already familiar with. Although we lost so many players (60 from the last 2 graduating class), we feel confident that Fremont will be in good hands with the kids we got. We have some young kids looking to contribute to our success. Regardless of who is wearing the Fremont jersey, they understand the responsibility and expectations that come with it. We will play fast, violent, disciplined, and progress in our execution.
Offensive coordinator: Brent Blanch
2025 offense: 37.92 ppg (No. 3 in 5A)
- Two returning starters
- Power Spread with some Air Raid influences
Returning offensive starters
- Cooper Tumanuvao, IOL, Sr.
- Ryan Connell, OL, Jr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Calvin Cooper, QB, Sr.
- Jack Moss, TE, Jr.
- Aokuso Selevae, RB, Jr.
- Wyatt Bennet, WR, Sr.
- Breckon Phillips, WR, Jr.
- Grant Wegelin, WR, Sr.
- Noah Doutre, WR, Sr.
- Ky Majors, WR, Fr.
- Isaia Fonotisatele, WR, Fr.
- Lincoln Frost, OL, Sr.
- Rhett Pilarczyk, OL, Sr.
- Holden Judd, OL, So.
- Paxton Tumanuvao, OL, Fr.
- Porter Hales, RB, Jr.
Defensive coordinator: Nate Tuatgaloa
2025 defense: 21.83 ppg (No. 9 in 5A)
- Four returning starters
- Hybrid 3-4/4-2 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Jak Masters, DL, Sr.
- Landon Palmer, S, Sr.
- Kenden Green, LB, Jr.
- Aisa Tuatagaloa, LB, Jr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Rj Fonoti, LB, So.
- Ryan Connell, DL, Jr.
- Krew Hannumm, S, Sr.
- Titan Jordan, LB, Sr.
- Brendan Glover, CB, Sr.
- Gabe Martinez, CB, Sr.
- Paxton Tumanuvao, DL, Fr.
- Ky Majors, CB, Fr.
- Isaia Fonotisatele, CB, Fr.
- Ashtin Reed, DL, Sr.
- Kason Dabb, DL, Sr.
- Tayvion Noriega, DL, Jr.
- Porter Hales, S, Jr.
3. West Field Longhorns
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Eric Jones
In the first two seasons of West Field High School football since the school opened, he’s led the team to an 8-15 record. Prior to that he spent two seasons as head coach at Bingham (16-9) and then 11 seasons before that as an assistant coach at Roy. He’s a graduate of Roy High School and Weber State.
Offensive coordinator: Clifton Buckway
2025 offense: 31.58 ppg (No. 6 in 5A)
- Six returning starters
- Spread offenses
Returning offensive starters
- Ryan Rowley, OL, Sr.
- Easton Eilertson, QB, Jr.
- Elijah Woods, RB, Sr.
- Gavin Ortegon, WR, Sr.
- Phoenix Sandoval, WR, Sr.
- Kolt Abbott, WR, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Andrew Combe, WR, So.
- Seth Lindeman, OL, Sr.
- Tucker Keele, OL, So.
- Lincoln Cleverly, OL, Sr.
- Blake Hansen, OL, Sr.
- Kade Christensen, OL, Sr.
- Caden Judy, RB, Sr.
- Xavier Zamora, OL, Jr.
- Brenen Buckway, TE, Jr.
- Ethan Sessions, OL, Jr.
- Danny Stitzer, WR, So.
Defensive coordinator: Eric Jones
2025 defense: 30.08 ppg (No. 20 in 5A)
- Three returning starters
- 3-4 defenses
Returning defensive starters
- Logan Mcclure, DE, Sr.
- Trevyn Thomas, LB, Sr.
- Andrew Combe, DB, So.
Key defensive newcomers
- Chaz Barker, LB, Sr.
- Owen Hadley, LB, Jr.
- Ace Charlesworth, LB, Sr.
- Andre Saleapaga, DL, So.
- Cameron Lindstrom, DL, Sr.
- Ethan Nelson, DL, Sr.
- Logan Hadley, DB, So.
- Cooper Horspool, DB, Sr.
- Kolt Abbott, DB, Sr.
- Gavin Ortegon, DB, Sr.
- Phoenix Sandoval, DB, Sr.
- Ryker Maxfield, DB, Sr.
- Case Martini, LB, Jr.
4. Northridge Knights
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Andrew Fresques
Fresques is entering his seventh season as coach at his alma mater after posting an 25-40 record the previous six years. He spent the previous three seasons as coach at Woods Cross, where his teams posted a 17-16 record. His overall coaching record stands at 42-57. He’s a graduate of the University of Utah.
Coach Andrew Fresques’s general outlook
This is a great group of student-athletes who are committed to working hard and continuously improving. With significant varsity experience returning from the 2025 season, we are excited about the leadership, competitiveness, and depth within our program. We look forward to building on last year’s success and having a strong 2026 season.
Offensive coordinator: Andrew Fresques
2025 offense: 18.73 ppg (No. 21 in 5A)
- Four returning starters
- Multiple offenses
Returning offensive starters
- Liam Fresques, QB, Sr.
- Quincey Lovett, OL, Sr.
- Owen Ellsworth, OL, Jr.
- Roman Fitisemanu, WR, So.
Key offensive newcomers
- Lance Esplin, OL, Sr.
- Luke Fisher, WR, Sr.
- Brandon Little, WR, Sr.
- Ryker Miller, WR, Sr.
- Kyle Rawlings, WR, Sr.
- Colby Rhees, RB/WR, Sr.
- Jayden Conner, RB, Jr.
- Derek Haney, WR, Jr.
- Siua Iketau, OL, Jr.
- JC Juarez, OL, Jr.
- Carson Murphy, RB, Jr.
- Josh Perez, WR, Jr.
- Braxtyn Ryan, OL, Jr.
- Bracken Smith, WR, Jr.
- Destin Smith, WR, Jr.
- Wyatt Fenn, OL, So.
- Drex Freeman, WR, So.
- Brigham Johnson, OL, So.
- Luke Leota, WR, So.
- Houston Powell, OL, So.
- Jantson Willie, WR, So.
- Boston Wright, QB, Fr.
Defensive coordinator: Kitt Rawlings
2025 defense: 22.55 ppg (No. 10 in 5A)
- Six returning starters
- Multiple defenses
Returning defensive starters
- Kyle Rawlings, DB, Sr.
- Colby Rhees, DB, Sr.
- Quincey Lovett, DL, Sr.
- Jack Hall, LB, Jr.
- Owen Ellsworth, DL, Jr.
- Carson Murphy, DB, Jr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Luke Fisher, LB, Sr.
- Austin Harvey, DB, Sr.
- Brandon Little, DB, Sr.
- Ryker Miller, DB, Sr.
- Jace Allen, LB, Jr.
- Jayden Conner, DL, Jr.
- Landon Hall, LB, Jr.
- Derek Haney, LB, Jr.
- Jiovanni Gavilanez, DB, Jr.
- Stockton Head, DL, Jr.
- Siua Iketau, DL, Jr.
- Bracken Smith, DB, Jr.
- Destin Smith, LB, Jr.
- Urijah Clark, DB, So.
- Roman Fitisemanu, DB, So.
- Drex Freeman, DB, So.
- Brayden Gallant, DB, So.
- Luke Leota, LB, So.
- Jantson Willie, DB, So.
5. Clearfield Falcons
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Cody Caputo
Is entering his third year as head coach for the Falcons after spending the previous six seasons as an assistant coach at Farmington. Clearfield went 4-17 in his first two years as coach. He’s a graduate of Northridge High and Weber State.
Coach Cody Caputo’s general outlook
We had a great off-season in the weight room and the program is starting to run smoothly. We have buy-in from the boys and they will be prepared to compete.
Offensive coordinator: Adam Hales
2025 offense: 15.64 ppg (No. 26 in 5A)
- Three returning starters
- We will operate out of 20 personnel predominately. It will be a balanced attack
Returning offensive starters
- Bryson Ridge, WR, Sr.
- Brik Barlow, QB, Jr.
- Kadyn Irish, OL, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Julius Salima, RB, Jr.
- Micah Salazar, RB, Jr.
- Dax Johnson, FB, Jr.
- Max Weir, OL, Jr.
- Boston Martindale, OL, Sr.
- Kai Cunliffe, OL, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Cody Caputo
2025 defense: 26.82 ppg (No. 16 in 5A)
- Three returning starters
- 4-2-5 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Bryson Ridge, S, Sr.
- Easton Harmon, CB, Sr.
- Kai Cunliffe, DL, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Wes Huntington, LB, Jr.
- Cody Lewis, DB, So.
6. Roy Royals
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Chris Solomona
A former Roy assistant for seven years, he’s heading into his fifth year as head coach after leading the program to a 31-16 record the past four years and a 5A runner-up finish in 2024. He’s a graduate of San Pedro High School in California and the University of Oregon.
Coach Chris Solomona’s general outlook
Ready to compete and get back to winning ways. New Offensive Staff, New roles for players, eager to compete and create our identity. We are young up front, but have potential. Our Senior QB transfered to Orem. Junior OL Ethen Sessions transfered to West Field. Excited to see Gunner Pearson lead the offense at QB. Versitile, mobile, Team Leader.
Offensive coordinator: Ryan Hannah (1st year as Offensive Coordinator)
2025 offense: 17.9 ppg (No. 22 in 5A)
- Five returning starters
- Spread RPO offense
Returning offensive starters
- Gunner Pearson, QB/WR, Sr.
- Luke Pebley, WR, Sr.
- Tyler Dickson, WR, Sr.
- Tasker Bills, OL (C), Sr.
- Howie Howard, RB, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Juju Teran, WR
- Lucius Hicks, WR, Jr.
- Alex Lasader, QB, So.
- Korbin Craner, TE, Sr.
- Mason Pugmire, OL, So.
- Joey Faifai, OL, So.
- Peyton Vetrano, OL, Jr.
- Jaylon London, TE, So.
Defensive coordinator: Jake Gallegos (5th Year DC)
2025 defense: 34.3 ppg (No. 24 in 5A)
- Six returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Julian Vazquez, DE, Jr.
- Juju Teran, CB, So.
- T.J Allen, MLB, Sr.
- Bryton Ketchum, FS, Sr.
- Tyler Dickson, DB, Sr.
- Luke Pebley, DB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Lucius Hicks, S, Jr.
- K.J Forte, DE, Jr.
- Raidyn Clippinger, OLB, Sr.
- Colton Sherick, DT, Sr.
- Keldon Robinett, S, So.
- Ace Reading, MLB, Sr.
- Cash Mendez, S, So.
7. Bonneville Lakers
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Connor McGuire
Connor McGuire is entering his first season as head coach at Bonneville High School in 2026. He spent the previous four years as the offensive coordinator at Roy High School. He’s a graduate or Roy High School, as well as Snow College at Utah State.
Coach Connor McGuire’s general outlook
The 2026 Bonneville Lakers will take on a new look this season, but a new look isn’t the only thing new for our team. A new coaching staff, a bunch of kids playing varsity football for the first time, and of most importance - a new culture.
Since taking over in early January, we set our sights on a group of kids working to be team centered, show integrity, engage in discipline, and bring a fiery energy to all that they do.
We continue to push our student athletes to be the best in those 4 areas they can be, in all aspects of their life.
There’s a new light shining on Bonneville, our kids are starting to see it and believe it.
Offensive coordinator: Connor McGuire
2025 offense: 19 ppg (No. 20 in 5A)
- Three returning starters
- 11P Spread RPO offense
Returning offensive starters
- Trevy Sears, TE/LB, Jr.
- Wade Wayman, OL/DL, Sr.
- Carson Wilkins, OL/DL, Jr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Greyson Borchert, LB/RB, Sr.
- Parley Brand, DE/TE, Sr.
- Champ Snyder, DB/RB, Sr.
- Steven Barella, TE/LB, Sr.
- Luke Loughton, QB, Fr.
- Polo Afuvai, QB/S, Jr.
- Carlos Perez, QB, Jr.
- Jeremiah Thomas, OL/DL, Jr.
- Kaden Martinez, RB/LB, Jr.
- Cohen Howell, WR/S, Jr.
- Boston Chipman, WR/DB, Jr.
- Kane Linkous, WR/C, So.
- Drew Dixon, RB/S/LB, So.
- Keanston Lafitaga, WR/S, Fr.
- Breck Moyes, WR/S, Fr.
Defensive coordinator: Eric Johnson
2025 defense: 44 ppg (No. 28 in 5A)
- Two returning starters
- 4-3 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Cache Jensen, S, Sr.
- Cai Jensen, LB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Greyson Borchert, LB, Sr.
- Parley Brand, DE, Sr.
- Champ Snyder, DB, Sr.
- Steven Barella, LB, Sr.
- Polo Afuvai, S, Jr.
- Jeremiah Thomas, DL, Jr.
- Kaden Martinez, LB, Jr.
- Cohen Howell, S, Jr.
- Boston Chipman, DB, Jr.
- Kane Linkous, C, So.
- Drew Dixon, S/LB, So.
- Keanston Lafitaga, S, Fr.
- Breck Moyes, S, Fr.