Lake Belton has sights set on Copperas Cove

August 21, 2025

By Tony Adams

The Belton Journal

The Lake Belton Broncos football team will take its first test of the 2025 campaign Thursday evening, as they will take on Copperas Cove on Thursday. The freshmen teams will take the field at 4:30 pm. The junior varsity teams will play at 5:30 pm. The varsity squads will wrap the scrimmage session with a 6:30 pm contest. Lake Belton has had a solid opening to their 2025 fall season to date. “We are very proud of how hard they have been working,” Lake Belton head coach Brian Cope said. “They had a great summer, and it has paid off. We will always work extra on the blocking and tackling part but from the scheme part the retention on both sides has been outstanding.” Asked what units or players have stood out in camp so far, Cope pointed out some familiar standouts, several from the 2024 edition of the Broncos. “I am proud of the running backs so far on offense,” Cope said. “Zyien Dupree, AJ Alexander, and Braxtan Cope all have done a good job. On defense, our defensive line is getting after it. We have had some players step up too, but it has been fun to watch Evan Lazott and Caleb Chandler.” The Bulldawgs will be the Broncos’ first test of the season, with going on the road to Copperas Cove. “This will be Coach (Rodney) Southern’s first year there and know they have always done a great job on defense wherever he is at,” Cope said. “They are a 4-2-5 front, so our line will have to work together to get to the second level. They have talented defensive line and secondary kids. So that will be a big test for us.” Cope stated that while the Broncos’ defense will have a task on their plate against the Cove offense, Lake Belton will have a higher worry. “This week, we must worry about us,” Cope said. “They have a good running back and some outstanding receivers. So, we must be able to wrap up on tackling and make them snap it one more play. They are looking forward to the challenge.” Bulldawg Stadium is always an interesting venue to play in and with scattered thunderstorms in the forecast anything can happen. With new head coach Rodney Southern in town, the Bulldawgs will have an interesting stamp of Southern’s on it, being a disciple of Jack Welch’s. “Between coaching at A&M Consolidated and Belton, I have some great memories of Bulldawg Stadium and have the utmost respect for Coach Southern,” Cope said. “They will be well-coached and discipline so that is exactly what you are looking for when you scrimmage a quality opponent. It will be a good test."