For the second consecutive year, the Lake Belton High School football team is being recognized as a powerhouse off the gridiron and in the classroom.

The Texas High School Coaches Association recently named the team as a finalist for the National Football Foundation National High School Academic Excellence Award. It’s an honor given to high school teams that maintain a 3.0 grade point average or above throughout the regular football season. 

“We stress to our kids every day the importance of showing up and finding a way to ‘rise up’ in the classroom just like they do on the field and in the weight room,” said Brian Cope, the Broncos’ head football coach. “I’m proud of their daily commitment toward their academics and that their 212 effort and hard work is being recognized.”

The award is the first nationwide recognition honoring individual high school football teams for excellence in the classroom. The THSCA honored 53 different high schools this year, with Lake Belton being one of only 13 5A schools to be recognized.  

Athletic Director Sam Skidmore applauded the good work happening at LBHS.

"I am so proud of this team and this program,” he said. “They represent exactly what athletes in Belton ISD are supposed to strive for — academic and athletic success. Our goal is to set them up for a bright future, and these Broncos are well on their way."

The 2022 season — the Broncos’ first UIL-eligible season — ended with an 8-3 record, a tie for second in their district and a trip to the playoffs.

The National Football Foundation will announce a national champion in February.