Written by: Brandon Baney
When Kevin Kempf became Bonneville's head coach prior to the 2020 season, the program was in dire straits. Low turnout led to losses, which led to lower turnout, which led to more losing, etc.
It wasn't easy, but Kempf slowly built the Bees back into a respectable program, improving from 0-9 in his first campaign, to 2-8 in 2021, to 3-7 last season.
Even though the win totals are low, ask any opponent: Bonneville has become a tough out. They fight to the end, and have been in numerous close contests over the past two seasons. Some have gone their way, but most haven't. The Bonneville coaching staff is hoping that with more experience and confidence gained, those narrow defeats can turn into victories.
The rebuilding process hit a speed bump this summer, though, as Kempf announced he was stepping down from the head coaching position. Kempf's day job is serving as the Executive Director of the Correctional Leaders Association, a national organization that requires a lot of traveling. Due to his travel schedule, Kempf felt he couldn't adequately handle all of the administrative duties that being a head coach entails.
Bonneville didn't have to look far for a replacement. Bobby Romander was quickly tabbed to replace Kempf. Romander had been Bonneville's Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator for the past few seasons.
And, in a pleasant surprise, Kempf is staying on as Special Teams Coordinator and Linebackers Coach. So while the roles may have been tweaked slightly, the overall message remains the same.
"I've never been around a more cohesive group of boys," said Romander. "The energy, excitement, and brotherhood is off the charts."
Bonneville's strength this year lies in its defense. The Bees have had at least one linebacker qualify for the All-State team for the past three seasons, and senior Koah Harrigfeld is a strong candidate to continue that trend this year. "Koah was All-Conference as a junior," Romander said. "He has amazing leverage and power."
Harrigfeld is joined by juniors Ryker Vail and Carter Stanger to give Bonneville a tough linebacking trio.
The Bees also boast a pair of outstanding defensive ends in seniors Jory Andersen and Jack Romander. Both picked up All-Conference honors a year ago. "Jory is probably the quickest defensive end in the state," Romander said. "Jack has great strength and speed as well."
Leading the secondary is senior cornerback Tim Williams, another All-Conference player from 2022. Junior Jaxson Ellsworth is projected to line up at the other cornerback spot.
"Our kids fly around to the ball," Romander said. "We lead the state in interceptions last year and want to repeat."
On offense, Romander said the goal is "to score a lot of points." The rushing attack appears to be strong, with junior Brendan Briggs leading a sturdy offensive line. Williams, and juniors Keaton Trane and Kanyon Todd could all see touches in the backfield.
The Bees' passing game will feature junior quarterback Eli Hamilton, Ellsworth at wide receiver, and junior Tivon Sakaguchi at tight end.
Making Bonneville's rebuild even more challenging over the past three years has been the league they play in. The High Country Conference has boasted Skyline, the three-time defending 4A state champs, along with Blackfoot, Hillcrest, Shelley and Idaho Falls. All have made the postseason at least once during Bonneville's return to relevance, and some have made it every single year.
"Any team in our conference can wan any day and also take state," Romander said. "It is the most difficult conference in the state. Most state championships come from this conference."
Bees fans are hoping that it's Bonneville's turn to bring home the first place trophy from state. It would be the first in school history.