BELTON, Texas — The Belton Tigers earned a spot in the playoffs in the final weeks of the 2021 season. This year, the Tigers drop from Conference 6A to 5A-II and hope that change can help lead to a deeper run this season.
"We had a great end of the season last year. a good run," Head Coach Brett Sniffin said. "We got a taste of the playoffs, but unfortunately, ran into a bit of a juggernaut there in the first round. But it got the kids to see what it's like and to see the excitement of the community. And I think that leaves you hungry for more."
Unlike several teams in Central Texas, Belton returns plenty of experience at the quarterback position. Ty Brown threw for more than 1,600 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2021 as a sophomore. Now, he hopes to take the next step in his junior season.
Defensively, Belton brings back just one starter from a feisty 2021 squad which held opponents to fewer than 20 points in all but two district games.
"There's no substitution for game experience," Sniffin said. "But as far as the reloading part, that's what your program is for. Those kids should be able to step in and do what you ask them to do. They're just gonna be a little tentative until they get used to the Friday Night Lights and the speed of that game. But we feel like we have kids that will step up and get it done."
Belton's lone defensive returning starter is linebacker Donovan Thompson. Thompson will try to anchor the Tiger defense as the new crew settles in through the first few weeks.
The Tigers are projected to finish second in District 11-5A II.
2022 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE:
8/26 vs Pflugerville Hendrickson 7:00
9/2 at Brenham 7:00
9/9 vs Huntsville 7:00
9/16 at San Angelo Central 7:00
9/23 vs Pflugerville* 7:00
9/30 at Elgin* 7:00
10/7 vs Leander Rouse* 7:00
10/14 at Pflugerville Connally* 7:00
10/21 Open
10/28 vs Killeen Chaparral* 7:00
11/4 at Waco University* 7:00
*District Game
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