Prep football preview: New coach, new system for Bonneville

IDAHO FALLS — Every new head coach wants to build a winning culture when they take over a program, and Shane Stephenson got an early start at Bonneville.

A winter weight lifting program followed by summer workouts and then competing at a camp at Montana State. All of it was enough to at least get a glimpse of what was expected with a new head coach and staff even before fall camp started.

Stephenson noted the camp at Montana State was a good barometer as new schemes on offense and defense started to take shape.

“We really want to change the culture,” he said. “We want to build this thing.”

At 2-3 in conference, the Bees did make the playoffs last season but were knocked out in the first round.

A key group of returners hope to take it farther in 2024.

Offensively, Keaten Trane returns at running back while returning All-Conference running back Kanyon Todd moves to receiver. Aden Mora and Makaijden Kelso will also see time at running back.

Perhaps the main storyline entering the season is who takes over the quarterback position.

Eli Hamilton returns after an injury last season and will be challenged by Brock Faulkner.

“They’re in a quarterback battle right now and they’re neck and neck,” Stephenson said. “No one has separated themselves so we’ll wait and see once the season gets going who separates themselves to earn the job.”

Jaxon Ellsworth at receiver and tight end Tivon Sakaguchi add options to the offense, which will be bolstered by a solid offensive line.

Defensively, the Bees return linebackers Carter Stranger and Trey Olive, as well as defensive back Tyler Myrup.