Photo By Brad Landes - #4 Jacob Perez
Written by Meredith Spelbring
Coming in with almost all brand-new starters and a first-year head coach, the Bonneville Bees have a fresh slate for the upcoming 2020 season.
First-year Head Coach Kevin Kempf will be leading the Bees for the 2020 season with a roster full of fresh talent. After the 2019 season, the program graduated 22 seniors, 19 of which were starters, Kempf said.
Despite graduating a large group of players from last year’s team, Kempf said he feels good about what he has seen from the Bees so far this year.
“We had a great offseason that averaged 80 kids at each practice and early morning weights,” he said.
Even with some pretty extensive turnover, Kempf has his eye on several players he said he expects to make an immediate impact on the team. Returning sophomore quarterback Jacob Perez will start under center for the Bees, with senior running back Devin McDonald and senior wide receiver Branson Casper. The returning offensive trio will be an integral part of Kempf’s plan to establish the team’s running game.
On the other side of the ball, a fast and unpredictable defense will be a cornerstone of the team’s success, Kempf said. Despite some inexperience, Kempf still expects a strong defensive line.
In addition to a new head coach and new starting lineups, the Bees added 15 new coaches Kempf expects to make an immediate impact on the team’s season.
In a strong conference, Kempf said all other teams will be stiff competition.
“Honestly, (I’m looking forward to) all of them. We play in such a tough conference that each week is a big week,” he said.
The Bees varsity squad will start off the season on the road at Century High School Sept. 4.
The team will stay on the road the following week, heading to Preston High School Sept. 11. Bonneville will open its home season against Madison Sept. 18.
Stay tuned to IdahoSports.com for updated schedules and scores.