Two Lake Belton High School Seniors named National merit Semifinalists

By Tony Adams The Belton Journal Texas high school football has a funny way of turning on a dime. Just ask Lake Belton head coach Brian Cope. With Leander Rouse up by 10 points with 9:22 remaining in the game last Friday night at Tiger Field, the Raiders opted to go for a dagger: a successful onside kick attempt to keep the ball away from the Broncos’ powerful offense. What they got was a head scratch from the football gods, and then a 50-yard onside kick return for a touchdown by Josh Lighthall. It started a 21-point swing in which all three facets kicked in great plays in a 49-38 win. “Josh Lighthall with huge play,” Cope said. “AJ Peters is the 212 player of the game because of his special teams’ effort. Chuong Long (7-of-7 in point after conversions) has done a good job being consistent. We won the big play and starting field position and were one yard away from winning the net punting battle. It was a good job all around.” With special teams setting the table for the turnaround, it set the offense up to add to their success. Maverik Maddux did an excellent job of controlling the ball, mixing in Zyien Dupree and Arrington on the run, and working passes into Davion Peters, Brock von Rajcs, Zion Harness, Luke Phillips, and Logan Winkler. The offensive line gave him plenty of time to make offense happen, with a 455-yard output overall. “A great job by our offense,” Cope said. “We scored three out of five times in the first half. In the second half, it takes three scores to win the game, and we ended up scoring four when you count the kick return. Our receiving corps had 11 dominating blocks, so we won the perimeter, and the offensive line did a great job in pass protection. Then, at the end of the game, to run the ball to win and seal it was outstanding to watch. I am proud of that group for them playing a complete game.” The Broncos gave up a good number of yards on defense but picked off two key passes and had several big third and fourth down stops that gave the offense some short-field opportunities to convert. “Outstanding job by our defense when it counted,” Cope said. “Gavin Owens and Gavin Stewart played outstanding. We won the turnover battle and the explosive play battle which is always so important in the game.” Next up for The Lake Show: a trip to Birkelbach Field in Georgetown to take on the East View Patriots. The offense passed for 130 yards per game and rushed for 148 in their 31-17 win over Leander Glenn. It is a very balanced offense, as the Pats average 169.3 yards passing and 162.8 yards per game rushing. “They are minimal in their formations but very effective in what they do,” Cope explained. “They have two very talented receivers and two good running backs. Their quarterback moved from receiver and can run really well along with running their offense as well. This is another big test for our defense. We must get off the field when we get the chance.” Defensively, the Broncos have been able to handle both aspects of offenses through the first four games. They were extremely aggressive against the Rouse passing game, and it affected the run game as well. “They keep stepping up in big moments,” Cope said. “Gavin Stewart and Braxtan Cope in the back end, along with Jy Sherman and Christian Onchweri, have done outstanding. Gavin Owens is leading the linebackers, and Evan Lazott and Caleb Chandler are doing a great job in the front seven. They are leading from the front, and our team is responding to them.” The Patriots are second overall in 8-5A-I in points allowed per game with 24.3. Defensively, they are aggressive in the front seven and play the pass well. “They are a 3-4 defense who blitzes two almost every play,” Cope said. “They force you into man-to-man matchups on the offensive line, and we must win those. They are talented across the board with their secondary being outstanding. This will be a battle of strength versus strength. In the little SEC, every week is going to be one that you must bring it.” The Broncos’ passing game has gotten into the groove as of late, averaging 210 yards per game. The run game is averaging 130 yards per contest through four games. “We have to execute our plan,” Cope said. “We did that in two of the four games this year. In district, you do not have a chance to miss. We have to win the perimeter and take advantage of their aggressiveness. It is going to be another tough test because they put tons of pressure on you.” Bouncing back from the program’s first two-game losing streak, Lake rebounded with two huge wins and has another opportunity to go 1-0 again on Friday. “We have to respond to success,” Cope said. “It is easy when you lose to respond. But when you win two in a row, you have to practice even harder. This is now a six-week battle, and we have to take it one week at a time.”

By Clay Whittington The Belton Journal Killeen Chaparral won 13 consecutive district matches stretching back to 2023. Tuesday evening, the Lady Tigers ended the streak. The defending District 16-5A champions traveled to Belton with an unblemished record through two contests this season, but the hopes of earning another unde- feated title were dashed as the Lady Tigers swept the Lady Bobcats.

By Clay Whittington The Belton Journal This is the final stop before postseason begins. After logging countless hours across hundreds of miles, the cross country season is approaching its finish line. District meets for Belton, Lake Belton and New Tech are less than a week away, and at the events, only the top three teams and top 10 individuals extend their campaigns. Then, only regional meets separate harriers from the University Interscholastic League Cross Country State Championships, and today is the last preparation prior to embarking on the trek. Teams from across the area, including all three Belton ISD programs, will descend on Heritage Park for the Pro-Fit Last Chance Invitational. The event begins at 8 a.m. Lady Dragons freshman Ella Megoulla enters today’s race with momentum after winning the girls junior varsity championship at last week’s Robinson Invitational. She completed the two-mile course in 14 minutes, 45.4 seconds. Her closest competition was teammate Claire Thomas, who posted a silver-medal time of 15:20.8, beating out Bruceville-Eddy’s Kylie Tergerson (3rd, 15:29.0). Daniella Idumebor also raced for New Tech, placing 19th (16:48.6). The Dragons did not field a complete team in the boys junior varsity division, but they did produce a top-10 showing thanks to David Martinez, who was ninth (19:40.1). Daniel Zubaty (13th, 19:59.0), Desmond Long (25th, 20:40.6) and Zorian Hajduk (71st, 26:52.6) also represented New Tech on the five-kilometer route. Belton traveled to compete in the annual Granbury “Race for the Loot,” where the Lady Tigers and Tigers placed seventh and 10th, respectively, in the Class 5A-6A division. Paced by sophomore Isabella Warner (38th, 22:01.36) and junior Roxanna Delgado (40th, 22:02.32), the Lady Tigers amassed 232 points. The score was rounded out by junior Nataly Valdez (51st, 22:35.83), freshman Ayla Wakershauser (57th, 23:04.57) and senior Delilah Hoffman (64th, 23:26.17). Additionally, senior Destiny Schutz (68th, 23:47.50), sophomore Madyson Hartnett (71st, 23:59.98) and freshman Natalie Mott (74th, 24:12.10) raced for Belton, but their times did not count toward the team total. Highland Park easily captured the team title with 29 points as junior Ryan Sontag (1st, 18:53.15) and sophomore Finley Heckler (2nd, 18:56.40) were the top two finishers, beating out sophomore Landrie Coker (3rd, 19:21.28), who guided Arlington Martin (56) to second place. Burleson Centennial (3rd, 80) and Cleburne (4th, 99) completed the top four. Martin (1st, 69), Centennial (2nd, 72), Highland Park (3rd, 75) and Cleburne (4th, 116) occupied the top four spots in the boys five-kilometer race. The Tigers were 10th (259) with junior Jose Perez-Diaz (27th, 17:47.04), senior Palu Maringathuparambil (33rd, 18:07.67), senior Rosalia Parra (74th, 19:30.34), freshman Ethan Trevino (77th, 19:40.91) and junior Hayden Brown (78th, 19:41.70) accounting for the points. Alexander Castelan (83rd, 20:03.63), a junior, and sophomore Nelson Funez (89th, 20:35.46) also raced. Granbury senior Gannon Dolan (1st, 15:55.44) won the race with Chisholm Trail senior Xavier Mendez (2nd, 16:19.57) and Centennial sophomore Landon Martinez (3rd, 16:49.75) following. Lake Belton’s penultimate competition before district occurred at Saturday’s Georgetown ISD Invitational, where the Lady Broncos scored 309 points to place 11th. The Lady Broncos’ point-producers were Keira Dzenowski (25th, 20:07.5), Lucy Loa (70th, 21:19.7), Madelyn Rivas (72nd, 21:20.4), Jenna Benedick (73rd, 21:21.0) and Alayna Fulton (90th, 21:42.7), while Sarah Gray (101st, 22:02.2), Elizabeth Sandlin (105th, 22:07.2), Demi Fisher (106th, 22:08.8), Clara Hill (116th, 22:32.5) and Claire Henn (137th, 23:20.8) also competed. Georgetown won the team title with 76 points. Individual champion Landon Fluckiger (1st, 15:13.5) and bronze medalist Leo Brasil (3rd, 15:25.4) helped Round Rock (69) win the boys championship. The Broncos were 21st (601). Jack McCullagh (115th, 18:01.9), Drew Houston (136th, 18:23.0), Josiah Briggs (140th, 18:28.9), Tyler Adkins-Beltran (141st, 18:31.5) and Cooper Schels (147th, 18:42.3) were responsible for the score. Austin Adams (163rd, 19:07.5) and Efren Romero-Meza (182nd, 19:59.4) also raced for Lake Belton. Waco’s Heart of Texas Soccer Complex will host the District 16-5A meet Oct. 8, while the District 19-3A meet will be held at Cameron on Oct. 6.

By: Aries Ramos The Belton Journal At 5-feet 11-inches and 165 pounds, Lake Belton junior wide receiver Davion Peters has carved out his place as one of the most electric playmakers in Texas high school football. A three-star recruit according to 247Sports, Peters is ranked the No. 79 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 71 overall recruit in Texas for the Class of 2026 and he’s only getting started. Peters rise has been fueled by his versatility and production on both the ground and through the air. In 2023, his first varsity season, he flashed his dynamic ability in limited touches. He rushed for 170 yards on just 13 carries, scoring two rushing touchdowns, and added another 378 yards and five touchdowns on 18 receptions. Those numbers were only a preview of what was to come. In 2024, Peters emerged as a true go-to weapon for the Broncos. He became a bigger part of the rushing attack, carrying the ball 60 times for 506 yards and 10 touchdowns. At the same time, he established himself as one of the top receivers in Central Texas, hauling in 57 passes for 706 yards and six touchdowns. His ability to make defenders miss and turn short plays into big gains made him nearly impossible to game plan against. Now in the 2025 season, Peters continues to show why major college programs are lining up to land his commitment. Through just four games, he has already recorded 14 catches for 281 yards and three touchdowns. Whether lined up wide, in the slot, or in the backfield, Peters has proven he can make an impact anywhere on the field. That versatility has not gone unnoticed by college recruiters. Peters holds offers from Arkansas, Illinois, Houston, Boston College, and Baylor. After weighing his options, he decided to stay close to home, verbally committing to Baylor. For the Bears, Peters represents exactly the type of explosive playmaker who can thrive in the Big 12. For Lake Belton, Peters has become the heartbeat of the offense, a leader in the locker room and a nightmare match-up on Friday nights. His combination of speed, vision, and toughness allows him to contribute in multiple ways, whether breaking free on a deep route or powering through defenders on a jet sweep. With a full season left to add to his already impressive résumé, Peters is positioning himself as one of the premier prospects to come out of Central Texas in recent years. His commitment to Baylor ensures fans won’t have to travel far to keep watching him shine. For now, though, Peters’ focus remains on helping Lake Belton chase victories and make noise in the playoffs.

Dorothy Helen Hogwood March 14, 1936 – September 25, 2025 Dorothy Helen Hogwood, affectionately known as Helen, left this world on September 25, 2025, at the age of 89, in Belton, Texas. Her services will take place on October 2 at 10:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Temple. A meal with the family will follow directly after the service. They want to invite everyone to attend and bring a hearty appetite to celebrate their mother in the most honorable way by serving everyone and sharing stories about her memories. Burial will take place at 12:45 p.m. at Temple Garden of Memories. Helen was born on March 14, 1936, in Walburg, Texas, to Oswald Ray Neitsch and Anita Louise (Morkisch) Neitsch. She was one of 17 siblings and attended Zion Lutheran Church with her family, where she was confirmed in 1950. She later became a devoted wife of “nearly 45 years” to Curtis Hogwood, whom she married on April 22, 1961. Helen was the proud mother of four. She was not just a mother but a source of strength and inspiration. Her devotion and support for her children were always evident as she never missed an event they were involved in. It is still a mystery how she was able to appear at multiple events and locations for each of them on a single day. Throughout her life, Helen demonstrated a genuine commitment to serving others. Her memory is fondly marked by her talent for cooking, particularly her famous chicken spaghetti, as she often prepared enough to feed an army, even when cooking for just herself. She later found joy in serving the other residents at Park Place Manor, where she has lived for the past eight years. She has always dedicated her time and love to those who needed assistance. Her kindness and giving heart knew no bounds; she was always there, ensuring that everyone around her felt cared for and loved. She mostly communicated her love by sharing her prepared meals, snacks, and candy. Even in her final days, if you went to see her, she was giving you a cookie, candy, or a soda that she had obtained as winnings from one of her residential games at Park Place. No grandchild or great-grandchild ever left her presence empty-handed. Helen held her faith close to her heart, deeply loving the Lord. Her devotion guided her actions and shaped her connections with those around her. Known for her loving personality, she maintained her Lutheran faith after marriage at Immanuel in Temple until Prince of Peace Lutheran Church opened in Belton. Proud to be a charter member, Helen dedicated over 40 years to her church, serving in the choir and performing in every Christmas cantata. Her passion for singing was clear to all who knew her, as she poured her heart into every note for her Lord. She leaves behind a vibrant family that includes her children: Mike Hogwood and his wife Catherine of Waco; Keith Hogwood and his wife Jennifer of Belton; Doug Hogwood and his lifelong partner Lois of Killeen; and Susan Kolodziejczyk and her husband Chris of Belton. She is also survived by her sister Margie Nell Faltesek of Taylor; her grandchildren: Meaghan Wheelis and her husband Matt; Angela Bacon and her husband RJ; Lauren Bates and her husband Scott; Eric Hogwood and his wife Samantha; Lorna Fritz and her husband Bryce; Misty Johnson and her husband Jeremy; Wendy Hogwood; Cooper Kolodziejczyk; and Grace Kolodziejczyk; along with 18 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and two cherished daughters, Charmaine Hogwood and Jacqueline Peters. Helen also leaves behind her Park Place Manor family, who have loved and cared for her over the past eight years. She is now reunited in peace with her beloved husband, Curtis, her parents, and her siblings: Ruth Domel, Johann Neitsch, Adolph Neitsch, Bernhard “Ben” Neitsch, Johanna Alford, Nelda Hamilton, Ernest “Buddy” Neitsch, Emma Hardin, Maybelline Kattner, Josephine Louise Neitsch, Marie Neitsch, Louise “Gertie” Barber, Robert Neitsch, Gustav “Gus” Neitsch, and Oswald Ray “Nickey” Neitsch. In remembering Helen Hogwood, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with service, love, and an enduring commitment to family and faith. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21  Visitation was held on Wednesday, October 1, from 6-8 p.m. at Dossman Funeral Home in Belton. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Helen’s honor to a charity of your choice or to Our Hospice House at 5235 Tollbridge Rd, Belton, TX 76513, or online at ourhospicehouse.org.

Special to the Journal Belton ISD will share information about proposed projects in the 2025 Bond during an upcoming community presentation. The first presentation was held at Belton Middle School on Wednesday. A second presentation will follow next week at Lakewood Elementary, 11200 FM 2305 in Temple, on Monday, October 6, at 5 p.m. The 2025 Bond proposal is focused on addressing student safety and creating learning spaces that meet the needs of our fast-growing district. “These meetings are an opportunity for our community to hear the facts, ask questions and understand how the proposed projects align with Belton ISD’s long-term priorities for student learning and safety,” said Superintendent Dr. Malinda Golden. “We value our families, staff, and neighbors and we want everyone to have clear, accessible information as they consider the bond.” Both presentations will include an overview of the proposal, campus and district impacts and time for Q&A. For more details about the 2025 Bond, visit bisd.net/bond2025.

By David Stone The Belton Journal A $50,000 building safety grant to construct an elevator at 213 E Central Avenue in the Downtown Belton Commercial Historic District was approved last Tuesday by City Council. The location is the home of Popcorn Friday and the Touch Root Foundation, along with additional tenant spaces available for lease. The applicant, Uche Ogwudu of Touch Root Foundation, plans to build an elevator at the rear-right exterior corner of the property. The elevator shaft will be built with split-face masonry to complement the existing building. According to Belton City Planner Tina Moore, the building was built in 1885 and remodeled in 1955. The estimated cost of the project is $175,000 and the grant is a matching program that will provide $50,000 for accessibility improvements. “The proposed elevator will be detached from the main building, matching the building’s height while complementing the existing materials,” Moore said. “This approach balances modern functionality with preservation principles.” The Belton Historic Preservation Commission considered the elevator project during its Sept. 4 meeting and recommended the approval of the $50,000 grant. Also Tuesday, Council tabled an agenda item related to high-profile sign heights on properties along Interstates 35 and 14. After much deliberation, the motion was made to table the item. City Council approved three zoning changes related to the Imagine Belton Standards following a public hearing during Tuesday night’s meeting. The three areas proposed for a transition zone are Area 1, which is west of Shine and North Pearl, southwest of West Eighth Avenue and Shine, and east of Nolan Creek and north of West Second; Area 2, which is south of West Third, east of Burnet Street, north of West Avenue C and west of but not adjacent to Nolan Creek; and Area 3, south of Nolan Creek, east of East Street, northwest of Interstate 35, south of East Avenue C, and west of Liberty Park. According to Bob van Til, Belton’s development services director, The Imagine Belton Plan was adopted in mid 2022. One of the key recommendations in the plan was to create the Imagine Belton Standards that would implement and guide development and redevelopment for the plan area. The Standards were approved in January, and they are designed to implement the vision of the Imagine Belton Plan. “The plan articulated a new paradigm for the Imagine Belton Area,” van Til said. “This paradigm shifts development objectives from the traditional suburban, low-rise, low-density use of land to a more urban use of land." The Standards created five new zones: the Neighborhood Zone, the Transition Zone, the Main Street Zone, the Uptown Zone, and the Central Downtown Zone, he said. The Neighborhood Zone promotes housing types and preserves the residential character of the neighborhoods. The Transition Zone accommodates housing near parks, downtown and busy corridors. It has a mix of housing such as apartments, townhouses, multiplexes and live/work buildings. The Transition Zone also allows dining, retail, offices and neighborhood services. “The Main Street Zone allows a range of commercial uses that serve surrounding residential areas,” van Til said. “It also provides for adaptive re-uses that include structures that were once used as residential but are now proposed to be non-residential.” The Central Downtown Zone has a variety of uses and accommodates walkability and higher density standards, van Til said. The Uptown Zone expands the Central Downtown Zone to provide for a transition between the Neighborhood and Transition zones. “The Uptown Zone tends to contain less density than the Central Downtown Zone, and it proposes to enable a range of commercial uses,” he added. Grandfathering helps with transitioning between the old Zoning Code and the new Standards. Grandfathering or non-conforming uses are uses that are legal under the current zoning but do not meet the standards of the new code. For instance, an auto repair facility may be allowed under the current zoning but is not permitted under the new code. The car repair place can continue to operate until the owner proposes to expand or the business has been vacant for a period of one year. Then, the property must be brought into conformity with the new code. Van Til recommended approving the rezoning of properties in the areas to the Transition Zone. The Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing on the rezoning on Sept. 16, and approximately 14 people spoke during the hearing. After the public hearing, the Commission voted to recommend approval of the rezoning.

By Michele Weisman The Belton Journal The Alzheimer’s Association’s 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s held its largest fundraiser of the year at Liberty Park on Sept. 27. 500 participants registered to walk one mile to raise funds and awareness for a cure for Alzheimer’s, and all forms of dementia. Shannon Eller, Development Manager for Walk to End Alzheimer’s, said, “The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is an event that we hold throughout the entire United States. It’s meant to be a way that the community can come together, show support for one another and raise awareness about the disease. And throughout the Alzheimer’s Association’s history, we have raised close to one billion dollars.

By David Stone The Belton Journal Belton City Council moved to purchase a 3,000-gallon Freightliner water truck from Jarrell Fire Department/Williamson County ESD No. 5 during last Tuesday night’s meeting. Fire Chief Jon Fontenot said Belton Fire Department continues to respond to a high volume of motor vehicle accidents, often on high-speed roadways such as Interstates 35 and 14. “To improve responder safety, the Fire Department has researched vehicles that could serve as blocker trucks,” Fontenot said. “While a Department of Transportation-specific blocker truck is ideal, size limitations at Central Fire Station restrict what can be housed there. The proposed used Freightliner platform offers a safer alternative and meets space constraints.”