Their defense struggled to keep up with the more athletic foes of Ennis and Mansfield Timberview. They missed opportunities on offense at inopportune times.
It took four games before Belton finally put together a complete effort, staying mentally strong for four quarters in its 34-30 victory over Killeen Shoemaker last week.
While that first victory was significant for a rebuilding Tigers program, a win against first-place College Station A&M Consolidated at 7:30 tonight at Tigerland Stadium would make a major statement.
“That was big for the kids’ confidence because we’ve been improving every week,” said Belton coach Rodney Southern about last week’s win. “We’ve just missed opportunities here and there and have come up short in some games. That win gave the kids confidence that they can win.”
Belton (1-4, 1-1 District 12-5A) is in a four-way tie for second-place in the standings behind unbeatens Consol (3-2, 2-0) and Copperas Cove. In order to remain a factor in the race, the offense led by emerging sophomore quarterback David Ash must continue its explosive play.
Ash completed 15 of 22 passes, including nine of his final 10, for a season-best 268 yards against Shoemaker. He connected with eight receivers and accounted for five touchdowns.
More important, Ash provided Belton with a running game for the first time all season. He ran the option and scrambled out of the pocket for 148 yards, nearly matching the team’s output of 195 through the first four games.
In the last nine quarters dating to the fourth period against Timberview, Belton has scored 76 points largely because of its execution, something Southern believes his team must continue.
“We have to execute every snap we have the football,” he said. “Because they don’t make mistakes, you can’t give them extra chances. If you give them one or two series in the first half and one or two series in the second half, you’re in trouble.”
Added Consol coach Jim Slaughter: “We’re concerned. Especially the last three games they’re doing a great job of putting points on the board. The coaching is starting to take effect.”
Justin Jefferson batted away Shoemaker’s potential game-winning score as the defense, despite allowing at least 30 points for the fourth straight game, made key plays down the stretch.
Just as Belton struggled early in the season, so did Consol, losing its first two games while looking “terrible,” according to Slaughter.
Consol lost 26-3 to Round Rock McNeil, giving up 19 first-quarter points in a game in which the Tigers never threatened. A week later, Consol allowed 28 second-half points in a 28-17 loss that gave Houston Cypress Woods its first varsity win.
Since then, Consol has been a different team, roaring past Austin Westlake before holding off Temple and rival Bryan.
“We’ve made some fast improvements,” Slaughter said. “We had to. We were terrible.
“We were moving the ball offensively, but we’d break down. We’ve developed more consistency.”
A big reason is the insertion of sophomore running backs Chris Nutall and Clinton Banks, who were promoted after the first two games. Nutall has rushed for 337 yards and four scores, and the bruising Banks has added 125 yards and three scores, helping the Tigers maintain possession behind a big offensive line.
If Nutall and Banks get rolling and an offense directed by quarterback Patrick O’Quinn avoids mistakes, Belton might fall for the 10th consecutive time to Consol.
“They’re as well-coached and structured and disciplined in the offensive line as any team I’ve seen all year,” Southern said. “The other thing that jumps out at me is what everybody strives for: They don’t make a lot of mistakes. They’re not going to do anything to beat themselves. You’re going to have to line up and beat them."
cmeister@temple-telegram.com
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