>> Belton team section <<

For Belton to break through in 2022, the Pirates will have to beat a couple of the big boys in the Suburban White Conference.

A year ago, Belton finished 2-3 in the conference with three losses at the hands of the teams above them in the standings - Fort Osage, Grain Valley, and Raytown. They also bowed to Raytown in the second round of the playoffs.

“Everybody has a tough schedule. Our schedule is very challenging as we will play several state ranked Class 5 schools, but it is good for us as a program,” said head coach Todd Vaughn.

The 10-year head coach indicates a lack of guidance on last year’s squad that finished 7-4.

“I’m expecting to see better leadership from this group,” said Vaughn. “It is a long grinding season, so we must have stronger leaders. We also must be a more disciplined team and make sure we do not beat ourselves. Lastly, we need to believe in us!”

Vaughn points to Gio Mack as being a strong leader. The 6’1”, 175-pound senior was an All-Conference dual-threat quarterback as a junior. Senior running back/safety Greg Lyles (5’8”, 170) is an explosive three-year starter and leader of the defense.

Vaughn calls All-Conference running back Javon Miller (5’8”, 175-pound junior) a good athlete who plays a physical style of football. Peyton Dawn (6’3”, 240-pound junior) is a dual threat tight end.

All-Conference selections Jayden Riddle, Josh Mittelstadt, and senior Kole Murphy will lead the offensive line. Riddle (6’2”, 295) and Mittelstadt (6’1”, 290) are both juniors.

“Jayden has a lot of experience, and we expect big things from him,” said Vaughn. “We expect Josh to take the next step and become a dominant offensive lineman.”

On defense, Vaughn mentions Ethan Yinger, Zach Attebury, Jeremiah Black-Oliver, Aiden Walton, and Javon Minor as the standouts. Yinger (5’9”, 170-pound senior) is a two-time All-Conference inside linebacker who has leadership skills and great instincts.

Attebury (5’10”, 200) is a senior All-Conference defensive lineman. Vaughn says senior cornerback Black-Oliver (5’10”, 170) has excellent cover skills. Walton (6’1”, 180) is a smart, hardworking junior inside linebacker with a bright future.

The Pirates kick off the new season with a home game on August 26 against Excelsior Springs at Southwick Stadium. Fort Osage, a Class 5 state semifinalist last fall, visits Belton in Week 3. The Pirates host Grain Valley on September 30 and travel to Raytown on October 14.

“I expect us to continue to improve as a program and see more success on the field. I believe this group wants to win conference and district championships,” said Vaughn. “I’m just really excited to get started. We feel like we have potential to be a really good football team. We’re off to a good start so far and hope to continue to improve and see where we are in late October and November.”