As announced by the Texas High School Coaches Association and the Texas Army National Guard, eight members of the Bellville football team were honored with academic all-state distinction on Dec. 10 for their work in the classroom and on the field.

The Brahmas had one land on the first team, five on the second team and had two more honorable mentions following a 10th consecutive bi-district championship and an 8-2 overall record.

Bellville’s first-team representative was senior team manager Jolie Holcomb who also competes on the tennis team. Landing on the second team were linebacker Brett Heintschel, wide receiver Colby Lange, outside linebacker Garrett Babylon, lineman Jacob Kolwes and defensive back Nelson Udsteun. Earning honorable mentions were wide receivers and defensive backs Brandt Okonski and Kip Kruse.

Babylon and Okonski also earned all-district honors on the football field with the former earning first-team distinction after leading the team with 137 total tackles in addition to eight tackles for a loss as well as a half-sack. Okonski made the first-team defense with three interceptions for 25 return yards, five passes defended, 54 total tackles and a tackle for loss. He was also named to the second-team offense after he recorded a team second-best 137 receiving yards and scored a touchdown.

Heintschel registered 51 tackles, one sack and one quarterback hurry. Udsteun finished the season with 18 tackles over five games. Lange hauled in an eight-yard reception and Kruse compiled four tackles as well as a tackle for loss.