The Albany Lions rolled to a 54-0 victory over the Winters Blizzards Friday night at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium, delivering what head coach Denney Faith called the team’s “best performance all the way through” this season.

Albany’s offense and defense worked in perfect sync, overwhelming Winters on both sides of the ball. The Lions outgained the Blizzards 366 yards to 31 and limited the visitors to just two first downs. Winters managed only 22 rushing yards and 9 passing yards, while Albany tallied 197 on the ground and 169 through the air.

The Albany Lady Lions fell to Hawley in three sets Saturday, losing 5-25, 16-25, 18-25. With the victory, Hawley clinched the district championship, while Albany secured the number-one seed for small schools heading into postseason play.

Despite the loss, the Lady Lions’ playoff position remains unchanged. Head coach MJ Reneau said the team is locked into first place among the small schools in their district, regardless of this weekend’s results.

Search Me, Try Me

In the heart of Albany once stood a beacon of hospitality and modernity—the McLemore Hotel. Erected in 1926 by Ada McLemore, wife of Shackelford County pioneer ranchman Wade McLemore, this establishment was more than just a place to rest one’s head; it was a testament to ambition and progress in a burgeoning oil community.

The Albany Ragin’ Red Band received an overall Division II rating Monday, Oct. 20, at the UIL Region 6 Marching Contest at Shotwell Stadium in Abilene. 

The 40-member band, directed by Jessica Watkins with assistance from Riley Lusk, performed its 2025 show titled Ancient World, composed by Carol Brittin Chambers. The production explores the culture and music of the Byzantine Empire, featuring props that help bring the theme to life on the field.

Early on the morning of Oct. 16, multiple suspects attempted to rob the Clear Fork Bank drive-through ATM in Albany. According to local authorities, several individuals and vehicles were involved in the incident, which occurred before daylight hours.

Multiple concerned citizens contacted 911 after noticing suspicious activity at the bank, alerting law enforcement to the situation. Deputies from the Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office arrived within minutes and arrested two Venezuelan nationals. Additional individuals believed to be involved fled the area before officers arrived.

The Albany City Council approved a new ordinance Monday night establishing strict regulations for recreational vehicle parks within city limits, a move aimed at managing rapid growth and maintaining local standards as nearby development accelerates.

The Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a series of burglaries that occurred at local hunting camps throughout September, with several suspects now in custody following a multi-county investigation. Authorities say the crimes, which took place across rural parts of the county, appear to have been carefully coordinated and involved the theft of high-value equipment from remote locations.

The Albany Lions opened district play in dominant fashion Friday night, defeating the Miles Bulldogs 48–0 on the road. The trip—a two-hour bus ride for the Lions—ended with one of the team’s most complete performances of the season, combining a stifling defense with a powerful offensive showing that totaled 529 yards.

The Albany cross country teams competed Wednesday, Oct. 8, at the district meet in Haskell, with strong performances across all levels, highlighted by Chance Stewart’s first place finish that earns him a spot at the regional meet in Arlington on Oct. 20.