At Belton High School, the “big-man-on-campus” stands about 5’10” tall --- but in the eyes of the Texas Sports Writers Association, he stands much, much taller.

District 12-5A Football’s unanimous choice for Most Valuable Defensive Player of the Year, senior Zac Sakaria, has been selected to the TSWA’s Class 5A All-State squad. He is the ONLY player from the district to be named to the 1st team, although four of his teammates on the Bi-District championship Tiger football team were also picked for all-state distinction.. 

The 245 lb. Sakaria anchored the defensive line throughout the season. The tough three-year starter recorded a total of 77 tackles, 29 for a loss with seven sacks, and he had 15 quarterback hurries.

Sakaria hasn’t settled on a destination yet for his college football days but the offers should start coming hot and heavy with this additional affirmation of his tremendous talent.

Zac’s teammate on the Big Red’s “D”, senior defensive end/linebacker Tim Bower was named to this year’s All-State 3rd team. The 6’5”, 190 lb. Bower played the “stinger” position in Head Coach Rodney Southern’s scheme and turned in 76 tackles, seven sacks and 26 pressures.

Three other Tiger football players received Honorable Mention for the Class 5A All-State team --- senior receiver Kevin Thornton and juniors, David Ash and Tyler Vail. 

Thornton set the BHS record for the most career receptions with 130 catches.

Ash, the number three-ranked quarterback in Texas for the 2011 recruiting class, completed 143 of 237 pass attempts for nearly 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns in the Tiger’s 10-2 season. He also was chosen as All-State punter. 

Vail led his team in tackles with a whopping 101, 16 for a loss, and he also recovered three fumbles. 

With Belton’s renewed success on the football field as a team and individual recognition of the players, college recruiters will be paying a lot of attention to the Tigers next fall.