By Sam WallerThe Albany Junior High volleyball teams split a pair of matches against Hawley Oct. 18 with the seventh grade Lady Cubs wrapping up their season.The eighth graders played their final match on Tuesday against Strawn. Results will be reported next week.

By Sam WallerTom Dibbern has transferred the success he enjoyed as an Albany athlete into a stellar coaching career in the college ranks.A 1996 Albany graduate, Dibbern is in his sixth year as head track and field coach for the Angelo State men’s and women’s teams.

By Sam WallerThe foursome of James Waters, Randy Walker, Rodney Barton, and Charles Barrett took a one-stroke victory in the 9th annual Albany Masonic Lodge Scholarship Golf Tournament Oct. 23, shooting a 12-under round of 59 in a competitive field of 32 players at the Albany Golf Course.

The Albany Junior High Cubs football teams will play different opponents in different locations Thursday (today).The eighth grade team (7-0) will join the junior varsity for a doubleheader at Santo. The eighth grade game will start at 5:00 p.m.

By Sam WallerHannah Rogers and Arren Hawley were crowned Homecoming Queen and King last Saturday during halftime of the Bulldogs’ football game with Lueders-Avoca.Others in the homecoming court were queen nominees Harmony Slaughter and Johnnie Hise.

By Sam WallerThe Moran Bulldogs suffered a 58-12 homecoming loss last Saturday against Lueders-Avoca, falling to to 1-6 overall and 1-2 in District 9-1A Division II. Lueders-Avoca (1-5, 1-1) picked up its first win.“We’re trying to get better, like always,” Bulldogs coach John Hughes said.

By Sam WallerQuail hunting season opens Saturday across the state with seasons for white-tailed deer and Turkey to start Nov. 6.Game Warden Jacob Mort said the outlook for quail is average to slightly below average in Shackelford County.“There are some birds around,” Mort said.

By Sam WallerThe Albany NFL Flag Football League began the second half of its season Saturday, Oct. 23 with all three division races still undecided.Games are played at the high school baseball field.The league has two more weeks of play remaining before conducting its Super Bowl week Nov. 8-11.

By Sam WallerMoran’s football playoff hopes took a hit last Friday with a 60-14 loss at Woodson.Moran (1-5 overall, 1-1 District 9-1A Division II) fell behind 26-0 in the first quarter, but played closer over the next two. Woodson (3-3, 1-0) ended the game with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

By Sam WallerContests, prizes and themed days will be featured throughout next week as Albany ISD students participate in the 2021 Red Ribbon Campaign.The campaign educates students and the general public about drug and alcohol abuse. This year’s program will run Oct. 25-29.