Sports
Final seconds pass from Stafford downs Cove
Saturday, 23 June 2012 by David Tuma
The Tigers finished 2-1 at their tournament Saturday. Shane Stafford started all three games at quarterback. Belton defeated Cove 32-26 in the first game. Stafford connected with Derrick Bates for the winning score with just three seconds left in the game. The 45-yard touchdown pass was a game-winner.
"It is always a battle when we play Cove. We have a lot of good players on offense. On the winning touchdown pass, I signaled to Stafford that I was going to adjust my route and he connected," said Bates.
Belton defeated Cedar Creek 43-19 with the Tigers playing different lineups on offense and defense. They lost to Rouse 33-24 with Temple winning the tournament. Lake Travis won their pool play division but did not advance to the championship rounds.
"The incoming sophomore class we have is really stepping it up. They are a great class of football players. Garrett Curry and Ben Munoz have really picked it up at safety. They are just naturals at the position. These tournaments let us work on being a team. It is about building trust before the season starts. In the secondary you have to work together to cover the field and trust is a big part of that," said Kyle Battle.
Munoz and Battle both had interceptions in the Cove game. Luke Boren had a big game against Cove with Bates giving the Dawgs some problems scoring twice on long touchdown passes from Stafford.
