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Season Preview: Belton

By Chad Rader, 810 Varsity, 07/08/21, 2:00PM CDT

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Pirates aim to sail farther in 2021

>> Belton Team Page, Schedule <<

After a season with a 7-0 start, Belton looks to finish stronger in 2021.

The Pirates, who finished 8-2 last year, return a strong cast to match or improve upon that win total – and advance farther in the postseason. Belton lost in the district semis to Raytown, 14-10, whom the Pirates beat earlier in the season, 22-7.

“We are excited with the opportunity to build on what we did last year,” touted Belton head coach Todd Vaughn. “We have to continue to work hard and improve as a team. We have been pretty competitive at times but would like to take the next step and be more competitive late in the season. We feel like with some luck and good senior leadership we can continue to improve our program.”

The biggest strength of the Pirates coming into the season will be the front six on defense. Alex Hill (5-foot-8, 195) was a second-team all-conference selection on the line, while senior Brett Gerke (6-foot-1, 210) was honorable mention.

Alex Hill, Belton

Alex Hill will help lead the Pirates on the defensive front. (Photo: Darryl Woods, 810 Varsity)

At inside linebacker, senior Dominic Thomas (5-foot-11, 200) returns after being selected as second-team all-league, as was junior Ethan Yinger (5-foot-9, 175). Braden Gerke (6-0, 175) will help lead the secondary as a senior.

Offensively, Braden Gerke will lead the Pirates at quarterback after an honorable mention campaign in 2020.  Gerke threw for five touchdowns in 2020. Thomas (343 rushing yards) and junior Greg Lyles (5-foot-8, 170; 304 rushing yards) will garner a lot of the workload at running back, while Brett Gerke should be a prime target after a first-team all-conference season.

Braden Gerke, Belton

Braden Gerke will help pace the Belton offense at quarterback. (Photo: Darryl Woods, 810 Varsity)

The line will see a lot of new faces, as senior Alfredo Lopez (6-foot-3, 290) is the lone returner.

“We need to fill our holes at safety and offensive line,” Vaughn said. “If we find guys there, I think we could be pretty good. We lost some good senior leadership and we are hoping our seniors step up and lead. Having some good luck with staying healthy and our kids continuing to work hard to improve is key to our success for this season.

The league should be improved this season, with Fort Osage and William Chrisman enduring rebuilds in 2020.

“Our league is always pretty tough,” Vaughn said. “I think Fort Osage will be better this year along with William Chrisman because they were both pretty young last year. Raytown has some really good kids coming back and there size up front will be a major plus for them. Grain Valley lost some good kids but they are a well-coached team. Should be pretty competitive again this year.

>> Belton Team Page, Schedule <<
 

Todd Vaughn, Belton

Todd Vaughn has guided the Pirates since 2013. (Photo: Darryl Woods, 810 Varsity)

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