Lake Belton Broncos
Head Coach: Kirk Rogers (1st season)
Last Season: 5-6; 4-3 in district (Lost to Highland Park in bi-district)
Returning Lettermen: 27 (7 returning starters on offense; 2 on defense)
Lake Belton Key Players and Storylines
It has been a whirlwind of an offseason for Lake Belton. Not only are the Broncos set to play 6A football for the first time ever, but they’ll also have a new head coach for the first time in their six-year varsity history. Austin Westlake offensive coordinator Kirk Rogers replaces Brian Cope, who left to open New Caney West Fork.
Rogers inherits an offense that has a sturdy foundation in the trenches. 6’5”, 297-pound senior Colton Crocker and 6’1”, 270-pound senior Colton Colvin will provide both leadership and size up front. Explosive receiver Zion Harness (906 receiving yards and seven touchdowns) is Lake Belton’s best skill player and a home run threat, while junior quarterback Jessiah James will look to build off of his 1,398 passing yards and 11 touchdowns from last season.
3-Star WR Zion Harness (@Zion_Harness) has been a riser this offseason. Listed at 5’11, 165 lbs.
Zion is among the best playmakers in Central Texas. Has good footwork, solid route runner and sure hands. He can play inside/out and gets good separation during his route. Lake… pic.twitter.com/96tXYHKEls
— Michael Pevia (@MichaelPevia_) March 30, 2026
Defensively, the Broncos have just two returning starters, so youth will be prevalent. Linebacker Gavin Carpenter (53 tackles, eight TFLs) was just their sixth-leading tackler in 2025, but he’s ready to “hit anything that moves” this fall. 6’1” cornerback Ji’Yson Sherman (42 tackles) will be Lake Belton’s top player in coverage with his range.
The Broncos have made the playoffs in each of the past four years, but this season is sure to be a test. Lake Belton’s coaching staff expects to have a tough, disciplined football team, two traits they hope will make Lake Belton’s 6A debut a successful one.
2026 Lake Belton Broncos Football Schedule
*Denotes District 12-6A Contest
8/27 vs. Vista Ridge 7:00 p.m.
9/4 @ McNeil at Dragon Stadium 7:00 p.m.
9/11 vs. Huntsville 7:00 p.m.
9/18 @ Killeen Ellison 7:00 p.m.
*9/25 vs. Midway 7:00 p.m.
*10/1 @ Harker Heights 7:00 p.m.
*10/16 vs. Temple 7:00 p.m.
*10/23 @ Bryan 7:00 p.m.
*10/30 vs. Chapparal 7:00 p.m.
*11/5 @ Copperas Cove 7:00 p.m.
