Cove scrimmage in rear view, Broncos ready for tough test

By Tony Adams

The Belton Journal

Starting their sixth year of play, the Lake Belton Broncos have steadily played better in scrimmage games.

Thursday night at Bulldawg Stadium was one of their best yet.

The Broncos took on Copperas Cove, coached by former Belton head coach Rodney Southern.

While early rain delays pushed the freshmen and junior games into a pair of simultaneous 50-yard scrimmages, Mother Nature loosened her grips and presented Copperas Cove with a great weather night for football.

Overall, the scrimmage had positive feel to it. The Broncos on the sidelines were supportive of one another, helped give feedback to each other in what they were experiencing on the field, and got after it between the lines.

“We are very proud of the energy our kids brought,” Lake Belton football head coach Brian Cope said. “They played with intensity and togetherness for the whole scrimmage. Even when faced with adversity they reacted in a positive manner.” 

Offensively, the team moved the ball during the scripts. The quarterbacks worked the game plan well, running backs ran between the tackles well with the solid blocking up front, and the receivers worked the routes well. The Broncos won the scripted/untimed session, scoring seven touchdowns to Cove’s two. Lake played the timed session appeared good, but not as successful as they were unable to convert a fourth down and two at the Cove 31 with 17 seconds remaining to drop the session, 14- 7.

“There were a lot of positives to take from it,” Cope said. “I thought we pass protected well, ran the ball downhill and also threw and caught it pretty good. We did turn it over a few times and that has to be fixed. But overall, we are pleased.” 

Defensively, the line play looked sturdy and stood up to the running and passing game. The secondary played well, despite not having Braxtan Cope in pads.

“Our first group did a good job,” Cope said. “We had a few fit issues but those are easily fixable. They played hard and thought our defensive line was a strength for us.” 

Though special teams got limited reps, punt return and kick return looked solid. Davion Peters punted the ball well, and kicking game looked good, which will be an interesting battle with Tommy Stephens and Hunter Hutchins now graduated.

“Davion will be a weapon on our punt team,” Cope said. “We are excited to have him back there and get back to our rugby punt formation this year. We have two kickers this year: senior Aiden Lassich and sophomore Long Chung. It will be a good battle throughout and feel like they will only continue to get better.”

A trip to Tigerland is on tap for the Broncos on Friday night against A&M Consolidated in College Station. When the teams met in 2024, Consol won in a close battle, 33-21. It was a coming out party for Zyien Dupree as he ran for 95 yards and a touchdown. Davion Peters caught eight passes for 94 yards and a score. The defense held Consol’s passing game to 81 yards and the rushing game to 5.8 yards per carry.

“This is one of the top programs in the state and we get an opportunity to play them Week 1. What a great test!” Cope said. “Our kids are excited about this. They have an outstanding secondary so it will be a good test. They also blitz every play, so we have to be able to hold up in pass protection and take our shots when we can. Staying ahead of the chains will be key and we need to have a successful night running the football.”

Offensively, Consol’s bread-and-butter is the run. While they will have a new quarterback this season, Camron Roston and Ja’Marion Mooring are a couple of shifty running backs that move the ball well. Consol always has an excellent, physical front line.

“They will be explosive,” Cope said. “It will be interesting on what quarterback ends up leading them. When that is a question that means they will rely on their running game early. We have to win their battle up front.”

The Broncos defense will have a great look to it, with studs all over the field.

“It will be a fun year on defense,” Cope said. “Of our nine senior captains, we have five on defense. They will be expected to lead the whole year. They are Evan Lazott, Caleb Chandler, Gavin Owens, Gavin Stewart, and Braxtan Cope. Christian Onchweri is also a captain and will play on both sides.” 

While the Broncos offensive system has always had electric skilled positions, the linemen always been the moving men for The Lake Show.

“This is a good group of offensive linemen,” Cope said. “Maybe not the same size that we have had, but you cannot measure heart. Coach Ryan Graves, our offensive line coach, has done an outstanding job with them. Jacob Johnson, Hunter Loraus and Henry McGaha will be some senior leaders for us up front.”

Defensively, Consol has depth, with good speed and flies to the ball. While the Broncos saw many Tiger seniors on defense last season, Ethan Walton coled the Tigers in tackles in the 2024 game and Simon Starks, Myles Riggs, Hagen Chmelar, and Riley O’Bannon also were instrumental in the game. All five return for Consol this season. Please talk about the Tigers defense and what the Broncos will see offensively.

“It will be a 3-4 attack defense,” Cope said. “They paratroop them in with all the blitzes they have. It will be a tough test for our offense. We have to attack the storm.”

Cope has many memories of Tigerland, coaching in “The Jungle.” There are not many places in the country that host a football weekend like College Station, with Texas A&M hosting UT-San Antonio on Saturday night.

“I have had this one circled ever since we scheduled the matchup,” Cope said. “It is a special place for me. I met my wife there. Created some great memories at that stadium, and now I get to coach the Broncos there. Before the game, I will take a few moments to think back. But after that, it is game on.” 

From a crow aspect, Cope knows that Consol Tiger fans are loyal and vocal. A great traveling Bronco crowd will be a plus for the team.

“They will pack the house, and we need the same,” Cope said. “With the Aggies playing at home, there will not be many hotel rooms available. So, carpool and find a way to get down there.”