By Allen Edmonds The Cass County Democrat-Missourian
Posted: September 16, 2011 - 10:11 PM

If defense is the first component to come together in a rebuilding project, then new Belton head coach Mark Thomas has taken the first step.

The Pirates stifled and frustrated the Raytown Bluejay offense throughout the first half Friday night before giving up a pair of second half touchdowns to drop their fourth game on the season, 13-9.

Belton took advantage of a pair of turnovers to establish a 9-0 halftime lead, after a first quarter Caleb Chevalier field goal and, moments later, a Shawn Norman touchdown run. The Pirates' freshman kicker missed the extra point following Norman's run.

Raytown senior running back Chris Jackson broke loose twice in the second half for touchdowns, clinching the win for the Bluejays.