The Tigers needed a total team effort to reach the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season. Recently, however, individuals were honored. One year ago, Belton earned just two victories after combining for 19 in the prior pair of seasons, but the trend did not continue as the Tigers bounced back, placing third in the 2025 final league standings. As a result, they were rewarded. Belton averaged more than 30 points per game en route to a 5-6 overall record, and the production led to six players landing on the 10-5A, Division II All-District First Team. Engineering the offense, junior quarterback Will Shepard completed 127 of 195 passes for 1,792 yards and 15 touchdowns along with carrying the ball 112 times for 631 yards and 10 scores rushing. Shepard’s favorite target was junior Gavin Ross, who had 84 receptions for 1,218 yards and 11 touchdowns, while on the ground, senior running back Gino Zecca complemented Shepard’s output by rushing for 537 yards and six touchdowns on 126 carries. He also caught 11 passes for 177 yards and three scores. A trio of junior linemen rounded out the Tigers’ offensive first-team selections with Beckett Butler, Jaxon Simmons and center Ben Gutierrez making the list. The group helped Belton average 220 yards passing and 183 yards rushing. Additionally, senior receiver Achilles Palomares, junior running back Javid Planz, sophomore lineman Frederick Makubi and sophomore tight end Cason Morton were placed on the second team offense. Defensively, senior end Jacob Lewis, senior tackle Evan Lockett, senior inside linebacker Camron Ellis, sophomore inside linebacker Oakley Torres and sophomore outside linebacker Alex Carpenter landed on the second team. Corin Ramesar, a senior kicker, was also a member of the first team after connecting on 41 of 42 extra-point attempts and three field goals. Shepard was also recognized on the second team as a punter. Brenham and Waco University were bestowed a majority of the superlatives after finishing tied atop the standings. Trojans senior receiver London Smith was named most valuable player after catching 79 passes for 1,455 yards and 20 touchdowns, and University was named coaching staff of the year. Cubs senior receiver Chris Guidry had 70 receptions for 1,355 yards and 22 touchdowns en route to being named offensive player of the year, while senior teammate Caleb Espinoza, a middle linebacker, was named defensive player of the year, and senior Mason Seeber was named lineman of the year. Seeber finished with 57 tackles, including 20 solo, with 14 going for a loss and recovered three fumbles, while Espinoza finished with 89 tackles, a sack, an interception, a fumble recovery and a caused fumble. The remaining superlatives were awarded to Ellison sophomore quarterback Marlyn Smith and Waco sophomore Michael Leonard, who were named offensive and defensive newcomer of the year, respectively. Leonard had 137 total tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery, and Smith passed for 2,924 yards and 26 touchdowns to go with 643 yards and 15 touchdowns rushing.
By Clay Whittington The Belton Journal The Lady Tigers will attempt to defeat Copperas Cove for the first time in more than three years Friday, when they travel to face the Lady Bulldawgs. Belton's three-game winning streak against Copperas Cove was snapped on Nov. 7, 2023 with a 58-11 loss, and last year, the Lady Tigers narrowly fell by three points, 51-48. The squads were district foes last time Belton beat the Lady Bulldawgs in a 46-32 outcome on Feb. 1, 2022. So far, the Lady Tigers have endured an up-and-down start to their schedule. After splitting its first four games, Belton continued the trend prior to the Thanksgiving holiday at the San Antonio Cornerstone Warrior Classic, sandwiching a pair of wins around two losses. In pool play, the Lady Tigers dominated Lockhart, winning 76-15 before suffering a 63-45 loss to Montgomery. The following day, Dripping Springs emerged with a 71-65 overtime victory in advance of beating Pace 49-36 in their final game. Belton sophomore guard Isabella Warner was placed on the all-tournament team. Then, on Tuesday, the Lady Tigers returned to the road, traveling to play Leander Rouse in advance of their trip to Copperas Cove, and they returned home without a win. The Lady Raiders immediately overwhelmed Belton, connecting on six 3-points in the opening period en route to a 59-38 victory. Rouse's long-range accuracy allowed it to carry a 26-8 advantage into the second quarter, and after making just two field goals, the Lady Tigers bounced back with a 14-point period behind Warner’s 10-point outburst, but it was not enough to spark a comeback. Rouse held a 37-22 halftime lead, and Belton (4-5) only trimmed a point off the deficit, 46-32, through three quarters. Warner finished with 19 points, while sophomore teammate Emma Harvey scored nine points, and senior Ke’Ara Shanks scored six points. Following their contest at Copperas Cove, the Lady Tigers remain on the road, playing at Waco Connally on Tuesday. Belton will also take part in the three-day Jarrell tournament (Dec. 11-13) and make the drive to Caldwell (Dec. 16) before playing their next home game on Dec. 19, when Navasota comes to town.
By Aries Ramos The Belton Journal The Lady Tigers wrapped up a challenging but productive weekend in San Antonio, leaving the Warrior Classic with a 2-2 record and plenty of positives to build on. The tournament opened with a commanding win over Lockhart, where Belton set the tone defensively and ran away with the momentum early. The team hit a bump in their second matchup against Montgomery, but the way they responded on day two showed maturity. Their overtime battle with Dripping Springs became one of the most competitive games of the weekend, with Belton pushing the pace, answering runs, and showing late game composure before ultimately falling in a tight finish. The Tigers regrouped quickly, closing the event strong with a confident victory over Pace School. The final win capped a weekend where Belton showed both flashes of dominance and moments where they had to grind through adversity. Several players stepped up in meaningful ways. Ke'Ara Shanks anchored the defensive end with her energy and anticipation, while Emma Harvey provided toughness on the boards. Isabella Warner, who earned all-tournament recognition, and Emma Flory carried key scoring stretches throughout the tournament. Depth once again proved to be an asset, with Laila Huston, Aubrey Edwards, Ella Tucek, and Dylan Waldrep giving the team important minutes. Olivia Henderson celebrated her first varsity points, and Genny Nelson brought nonstop stop from the sideline. Behind the scenes, Avery Angell played a vital role keeping everything organized during the hectic tournament schedule. After the Thanksgiving break, the Lady Tigers jump right back into action on December 2nd with a road trip to Rouse. Last season, Rouse got the better of Belton in a 61-38 matchup, and this year's meeting offers the Tigers a chance to show how far they've come. With improved depth, stronger defensive identity, and growing chemistry, Belton enters the rematch with an opportunity to make a statement early in the season schedule.
By Clay Whittington The Belton Journal The Tigers’ season is over, but it was ended by a worthy opponent. Last week, Belton returned to the postseason, where every team creates difficulty despite its record, so the Tigers fully expected to encounter talent during their chase for the program’s first state championship. Belton, however, ended up opposite one of Texas’ top squads. Since 2023, Alvin Iowa Colony has only lost to one team, and the Tigers were unable to become the second. After winning the first 12 games in the school’s second year of existence, the Pioneers suffered a 42–21 defeat against eventual Class 5A, Division I state finalist Tyler Chapel Hill in the third round. During the next two seasons, including this year, only defending state champion and District 9-5A, Division II rival No. 2 Richmond Randle has been able to contain Iowa Colony. The Lions won all three encounters in the span. Opening its fifth consecutive playoff appearance in hostile territory, Belton attempted to upset the No. 4 Pioneers, but their trend continued. Behind a quarterback–receiver connection that accounted for four touchdowns, Iowa Colony ended the Tigers’ season with a 54–14 victory. The loss concludes a 5–6 campaign for Belton, while the Pioneers advanced to face either Pflugerville (7–4) en route to a potential rematch with Randle in the Region III final. The Lions defeated Killeen Ellison 61–20 on Thursday to begin their trek toward repeating. While the outcome ends the Tigers' season, playing at Alvin Memorial Stadium, Belton went toe-to-toe with the state-ranked Pioneers early on. Iowa Colony (10–1) struck first as senior running back Aaron Tanner, who finished with 130 yards on 16 carries, punched in a two-yard touchdown with 3 minutes, 15 seconds remaining in the first quarter, but the lead would not last long. Anthony Garcia, a sophomore defensive back, reversed the momentum with an interception, setting up a scoring drive for Belton punctuated by a 15-yard touchdown connection between juniors Will Shepard and Gavin Ross. Coming into the contest, Ross had 82 receptions for 1,157 yards and 10 touchdowns. The high-scoring Pioneers, who averaged 47.3 points during the regular season, did not need long to respond, taking a 14–7 advantage into the second quarter following senior receiver Jayden Warren's 16-yard touchdown reception from Carson White. Then, Iowa Colony began pulling away thanks to the duo. With 4:08 until halftime, White found Warren for another score on a 14-yard completion, but the extra point flew awry. Nevertheless, the Pioneers continued to inflate the cushion before intermission. An injury sidelined Shepard, but backup quarterback Sawyer Harbin, a sophomore, engineered a drive to Iowa Colony's 32-yard line. An incomplete pass on 4th-and-8 halted the Tigers, though, and on the ensuing snap, the Pioneers took advantage as White and Warren connected for a 65-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion attempt failed, and Belton trailed 26–7 at halftime. After halftime, Iowa Colony extended its offensive explosion to 47 unanswered points as White found Warren once again for a score on a 24-yard pass before a trio of interceptions led to touchdowns. White completed 11 of 17 passes for 234 yards with Warren accounting for 144 yards on six receptions. Leading 47–7 after the third quarter, linebacker Jeremy Garner recorded his second interception for a touchdown, providing the Pioneers' final points. The senior had one pick entering the contest but returned the Tigers' passes for 57 and 78 yards. Belton's other interception set up a four-yard touchdown run from Pioneers junior Denim Barnes midway through the third period. Tigers senior running back Matthew Sawe provided the game's final points on a 17-yard run into the end zone with 39 seconds remaining in regulation. Shepard completed six of seven passes for 69 yards before being replaced by Harbin, who was 16-for-29 passing for 157 yards. Ross finished with 18 receptions for 161 yards. Defensively, senior Azian Wilkinson paced the team with 12 tackles, including eight solo. Although the outcome is disappointing, plenty of promise remains for Belton, which is poised to return a wealth of talent, including Shepard, Ross, Harbin, and Garcia, along with juniors Evan Echipare, running back Javid Planz, receiver Cason Morton, cornerback Graham Chambley, safety Azian Wilkinson, and sophomore linebacker Oakley Goings, among others.
By Clay Whittington The Belton Journal The Lady Tigers put together a memorable season. Unfortunately, now, it is a memory. After winning a whopping 31 matches to rival the program’s all-time best records, Belton experienced its first straight-set loss since mid-September, ending their campaign. Playing at Cleburne, Dallas Wilson overwhelmed the Lady Tigers in a Class 5A, Division II area-round encounter, emerging with a 25-20, 25-21, 25-10 victory. While the outcome was disappointing, Belton head coach Haleigh Johnson believes there is plenty to be proud of. “This loss does not reflect on the season we had,” she said in a press release. “This group of young women have bought into everything we’ve been teaching them for the past few years and have put in the work to get them the success they’ve had this season on and off the court. “The character that this group of players has is not something that is found everywhere in young athletes.” In January 2023, Johnson inherited a 10-win team and slowly began transforming it into her vision, steadily improving along the way. Multiple graduating seniors were key components of the change. Landry Duggan, C.J. Stites, Miley Davila, Kaitlyn McCracken, Liza LeBlanc, and Paisley Broach each concluded their careers with the loss to Wilson but not before making an impact. Duggan recorded a team-high 10 assists along with a trio of kills and two aces, while Stites and McCracken posted six kills apiece. The remaining four seniors combined for six kills. The Lady Tigers simply could not generate enough momentum, though. Belton faced double-digit deficits twice in the opening set before rallying to pull within five points, 23-18, but they would not get any closer. In the second set, Duggan’s opening serve gave Belton its lone lead. The final set saw the Lady Tigers take a 9-8 advantage, but Wilson closed with a 17-1 outburst, winning the match’s last 13 points. Belton earned its spot in the match by defeating Kaufman for the second straight season to claim the bi-district championship. The Lady Lions were eager for revenge after being eliminated in three sets a year ago, and it showed as they were within striking distance most of the contest before falling 25-23, 26-24, 25-20. “(The girls) played point for point all three sets,” Johnson said. “Their mental toughness was phenomenal and so was their teamwork. They were determined to win this match to continue their season into the next week.” It is over now, though. Despite having to move on from so many players who were instrumental in Johnson’s transition, plenty of talent remains on the roster. Sophomores Brylee Renegar, Emma Harvey, and Malu Pula will be joined by juniors Taylor Collins and Ella Tucek next season as the program attempts to continue building after a second-place finish in the District 16 standings.
It was not an easy trek, but the Tigers navigated their way into the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season. Now, their path becomes treacherous. After scratching and clawing their way to a 5-5 overall record thanks to a 3-2 showing in District 10-5A, Division II, Belton’s reward is a first-round encounter against a championship contender. No. 4 Alvin Iowa Colony will host the Tigers on Friday at Alvin Memorial Stadium to open the playoffs. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. While reaching this point has been a rollercoaster ride for Belton, the Pioneers have experienced smooth sailing for most of their existence. After opening in 2022, Iowa Colony initially struggled, winning just two games, but the Pioneers followed with consecutive 12-win seasons — including last year, when they reached the Region II final. Iowa Colony brings a 9-1 record into the bi-district round after outscoring their previous five opponents 232-21. The offensive explosion came on the heels of a narrow 49-42 loss to league rival and defending state champion Richmond Randle. The Lions are responsible for each of the Pioneers’ last three losses, beating them twice last year. Junior quarterback Carson White leads the offense, completing 86 of 125 attempts for 1,257 yards and 23 touchdowns while also rushing for 439 yards and a dozen touchdowns on 65 carries. His top target is senior receiver Jayden Warren, who has 44 catches for 799 yards and 14 touchdowns. Aaron Tenner, a senior, leads the ground game with 110 carries for 949 yards and 9 rushing touchdowns. Defensively, three players — senior linebacker Henry Kalu (57), sophomore safety Kalen Simmons (52), and senior linebacker Kingston Ephriam (50) — have totaled at least 50 tackles. Kalu also has four sacks and a fumble recovery. As a unit, Iowa Colony has intercepted 11 passes, recovered nine fumbles, and blocked a pair of punts. The Tigers have proven capable of scoring, posting at least 35 points in four of their last six games behind dual-threat quarterback Will Shepard, who leads Belton in both passing and rushing. The junior has 1,723 yards and 14 touchdowns passing to go with 618 yards and 10 touchdowns rushing. Shepard is complemented by junior receiver Gavin Ross (82-1,157, 10 TDs) and running backs Gino Zecca, a senior, and junior Javid Planz. The pair has combined for 975 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. Sophomore linebacker Oakley Torres has team highs with 65 tackles and two sacks, while junior teammate Azian Wilkinson has recovered four fumbles and intercepted two passes. While the Tigers certainly have the ability to upset the state-ranked Pioneers, they will have to perform better than they did during last week’s regular-season finale at Brenham. Belton scored on its first snap as Shepard broke free for a 57-yard touchdown, giving the Tigers an immediate seven-point cushion with less than two minutes elapsed. The advantage was erased, though. The Cubs capitalized on a trio of first-half turnovers by the Tigers to take control, scoring 28 unanswered points en route to a 49-28 victory. If Belton bounces back, the program could celebrate its third bi-district championship under head coach Brett Sniffin. The Tigers defeated Austin Northeast 56-0 and Austin Travis 61-6 in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The winner advances to play either Pflugerville (6-5) or San Antonio Sam Houston (6-5) in the area round next week.
By Aries Ramos The Belton Journal The Belton Tigers closed out their fall league schedule on a high note, finishing with a 7–1 record over a four-week stretch. The strong showing gives Belton plenty of momentum as it turns its attention to the upcoming basketball season, which tips off in November. The Tigers used the fall league to refine their lineup, develop young players, and build chemistry ahead of another highly anticipated campaign. Belton looked sharp on both ends of the court. The 7–1 finish marks a positive step forward as the team prepares to carry that rhythm into the regular season. Belton will open the 2025–26 season with a tough test against the Georgetown Eagles, a well-coached and disciplined team that consistently ranks among the area’s best. The matchup will serve as an early measuring stick for a Tigers program that continues to build on recent success. Last season, Belton delivered one of its most complete campaigns in recent years, finishing 28–8 overall and 7–3 in district play. The Tigers secured a third-place district finish and advanced in the playoffs with a first-round victory over Midlothian before narrowly falling to West Mesquite by a single point in the next round. That close loss has remained a motivating factor throughout the offseason and fall workouts. This year’s roster features a blend of returning contributors and new talent looking to make an impact. The Tigers’ experience, combined with their athleticism, gives them the tools to once again compete near the top of the district standings. Their fall league performance reflected a team that plays with purpose and confidence, showing improved spacing, shooting, and defensive communication. As the start of the new season approaches, Belton’s focus will be on maintaining that same energy and execution against regular-season competition. The opener against Georgetown offers an opportunity to set the tone early and to show that the Tigers are a competitive and well-rounded program in Central Texas basketball. The season opener is scheduled for November 15 at Georgetown’s home court, where Belton will look to begin its quest for another postseason appearance and continue building on the success of last year’s campaign.
By Tony Adams The Belton Journal The Belton Tigers went into Friday night’s game with confidence that they had gotten past a late loss to University on Oct. 17. They took the confidence, dominated Rudder in all three facets of the game, and posted a 35-0 shutout. It was the first shutout since the Tigers blanked Austin Northeast College in the Class 5A-II Bi-District Playoff in 2022, 56-0, and the first regular-season shutout in nine years: a 56-0 rout of Shoemaker on Oct. 20, 2016.
By Arius Ramos The Belton Journal The Belton Tigers volleyball team closed out a remarkable season Monday night, falling in straight sets to Wilson in the area round at Cleburne High School. Despite the loss, the match marked the end of a successful season, a campaign defined by hard work, leadership, and growth both on and off the court. Belton came out battling but couldn’t overcome Wilson’s strong serving and steady defense, dropping the match 20-25, 21-25, 10-25. The Tigers fought to stay in each set, showing flashes of the energy and teamwork that carried them throughout the year, but ultimately came up short against a tough Wildcat squad. While the postseason exit was disappointing, it does little to overshadow what the Tigers accomplished this fall. Belton finished the year with an impressive 31-14 overall record and an 8-2 mark in district play, securing a second-place finish and a well-earned playoff berth. The 31 wins represent one of the best single season records in recent school history. Throughout the season, the Tigers relied on a mix of veteran leadership and young talent to power their success. Their chemistry on the court, combined with a relentless defensive effort and disciplined play at the net, helped Belton remain competitive against some of the toughest teams in Central Texas. Coaches praised the team’s collective spirit and how players embraced the program’s standards of accountability, sportsmanship, and continuous improvement. Even in defeat, the Tigers showed the same unity that defined their journey, finishing the season with their heads held high. For Belton’s seniors, Monday’s match was the culmination of years of dedication and growth. Their leadership helped set the tone for a team that not only succeeded in matches but also built a foundation for the future. For the underclassmen, the playoff experience provided valuable lessons and motivation heading into the offseason. The coaching staff expressed pride in how the team represented Belton High School not just with their record, but with their effort and character. The focus now shifts to offseason development as the program looks to build on this season’s achievements and continue raising its standard of excellence. While the final result wasn’t what the Tigers had hoped for, the legacy of this year’s team will be remembered for its history-making success. As the final point was scored Monday night, one thing was clear: the 2025 Belton Tigers have set a new benchmark for the program and laid the groundwork for even greater success next year.
By Tony Adams The Belton Journal Needing a win to clinch an overall top seed for qualifying in the second, the Belton Tigers hosted the Waco High Lions on Thursday night at Tiger Field. The Tigers scored three touchdowns in the first half, forced four turnovers, and shut out Waco in the second half as Belton defeated Waco, 42-18. “It was a streak where it feels like a six-day scrimmage as we clinched the number one seed for the first time,” Belton coach Brett Sniffin said. “They were physical. They were strong. We watched their tape all week and knew that it was going to be a war.” Belton won the toss and deferred, sending Waco to open their first drive. The pounding runs of Geno Zecca, Will Stegall, and Gavin Ross behind the hungry Tiger front line set up Ross’ two-yard dive on an end-around. Corm Reese’s extra point made the score 7-0 Belton at the 8:11 mark. Belton stopped the Waco Lions on their first two drives, having forced fumbles recovered by the Tigers’ prospects. After two third-down conversions, Javdi Jones’ 61-yard touchdown pass to Avery Pitts put the Lions on the board at 8:07. Reese’s point was no good and Belton’s lead held 7-6. Waco was moving the chains on their next drive’s ensuing drive when Arman Isali read a zone-read concept and intercepted the pass at the Tigers’ 10. Taylor Jr. drew the Lions back to within three points with a 43-yard field goal before the half. The Tigers responded with a 44-yard run that covered over 2:28. Following a 12-yard pass completion from Snyder to Zachary Jones, Snyder connected on a three-yard run. Ramsay’s extra point gave the Tigers a 13-12 lead at 1:26, with 1:50 to go in the quarter. Carlos Rodriguez’s 3-yard field goal made it 15-6. Belton went to work on the clock, managing the final five minutes of the half. Snyder scored on a 6-yard drive with 3:22 left. Reese added the PAT. Third quarter: Tigers defend Waco to a scoreless frame. Fourth quarter: Tigers expand margin. Final: 42-18 three-and-out on the next drive and recovered the ball on the back end of their own 46. Belton took 11 plays, 54 yards, and 7:14 off the clock on a drive capped by a 30-yard touchdown pass from Shepard to Ross. The extra point by Ramseur gave the Tigers a 24-point lead with 3:58 to go. Waco fumbled the ball on the next offensive play for a loss of 21 yards and could not escape the shadows of their goal post, having the punt be downed at the 1:47 to go. The Tigers outgained the Lions on offense, 482-244. Belton out-passed Waco 148-67 and out-rushed the Lions 344-177. Shepard passed just eight times, having completed one touchdown and one interception, and ran for 102 yards and a touchdown. Zecca ran for 109 yards and a score. Planz contributed 58 yards and a touchdown. Ross and Canon Morton each added a rushing touchdown. Ross caught six passes for 116 yards and a touchdown, and Ashlides added two catches and 32 yards. The Tigers will face Brenham on Friday at District 10-5A-II’s second place on the line. Ranked and previously unranked Cubs were upset convincingly by University, 42-14. Tyion quarterback Sean Nicholson was 20-of-32 for 353 passing yards and four touchdowns. London Smith had ten catches for 171 yards and three touchdowns. Brenham quarterback Kyan Upshaw completed 18-of-32 passes for 272 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Chris Oxley caught 13 passes for 197 yards and had a 55-yard touchdown catch. The Tigers will take on Brenham at Cubs Stadium on Friday night at 7 p.m. Brenham went 3-4 last season, 4-2.44. Shepard ran for 107 yards and Zecca added 54 yards rushing. Gidway had 55 yards rushing in last year’s thriller. Jakoby Dixon had 234 yards rushing and three touchdowns for the Cubs in the 2024 tilt. The Cubs average 38.2 points per game and yield 15.9 points per contest. In four district games, the Cubs average 37 points and allow 20. Upshaw (1,799 total yards, 17 touchdowns), CJ Gardner (817 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns), Guidry (1,069 receiving yards, 16 touchdowns), and Carlisle Hoover (475 receiving yards, four touchdowns) are the chief offensive threats for the Cubs. Belton averages 32.1 points per game and allows 28.5 points. In four district games, the Tigers score 39.3 points per game and allow 33.7. Shepard (1,904 yards, 21 touchdowns), Ross (1,110 total yards, 11 touchdowns), Zecca (483 rushing yards, five touchdowns), Planz (378 rushing yards, three touchdowns), and Morton (401 total yards, four touchdowns) are the chief threats on offense. The Tigers’ offensive line has been excellent throughout the season. Belton’s hungry defensive line has logged 26 tackles for loss, scooped up nine fumbles, eight interceptions, and registered seven sacks. Brenham has 79 tackles for loss, 21 sacks, nine fumble recoveries, and six interceptions. “It’s going to be a tough ball game,” Sniffin said. “We will need our best effort. Brenham is a great team, and they are state ranked.”