So coach Rodney Southern’s spring objective was to solidify the 44 varsity players who are going to contribute on offense, defense and special teams and help the Tigers progress.
During the course of 17 practices, Belton’s players have responded accordingly and their retention of knowledge and preparation has them right on schedule.
“If I had to play a game and walk out Friday night, I would feel confident we could play a football game,” said Southern, who has gone 3-7 in each of his first two seasons.
“Other than physical conditioning we could play a game Friday night. We’ve got everything but punt block in. I feel very good. We’ve got all our special teams worked multiple times.”
Belton’s Red-White game is tonight at Tiger Field. The junior varsity will start at 6, followed by the varsity at 7.
The varsity will play two 15-minute halves with officials controlling the action. With several key players back from last year’s team that developed continuity, Southern said the first- and second-team offensive and defensive units will stay together instead of splitting up the Tigers’ roster.
“It will be where we can put our best against our best,” he said.
There isn’t one specific facet Belton has stressed during the spring.
Junior-to-be quarterback David Ash has continued to spread the ball around to his talented receiving corps. According to Southern, receivers Jeff Lepak and Adrian Henderson and the offensive line have made great strides. Eight or nine guys have rotated on the line and every five-man group has protected Ash well.
On defense, Zac Sakaria, Darrius White and Brodrick Crain have stood out.
Sakaria will anchor the front. He’ll line up at end when Belton plays three linemen and move to tackle when the Tigers switch to four. Crain and White lead the secondary.
After allowing an area-worst 269.4 rushing yards per game last season, the defense’s emphasis is on containing the run. But because of Belton’s pass-happy offense, the defense has had few opportunities to prepare for the top-notch running backs they’ll see in District 12-5A.
Kickers Tyler Pate and Jake Houston and punter Ash have made special teams a weapon for the Tigers.
NOTES: Southern has reported no injuries. . . . Belton’s first game is Aug. 27 against Waco in the H-E-B Classic at Waco ISD Stadium.
cmeister@temple-telegram.com
