Howe claims Blitz 2A D-II defensive MVP

Albany senior Tristan Howe was named the 2025 Big Country Blitz Class 2A Division II Defensive MVP after a dominant season in the trenches for the Lions.

Howe anchored Albany’s defense throughout the fall, consistently disrupting opposing offenses and setting the tone up front in what was another deep playoff run for the Lions.

Senior Calhan Fairchild was also recognized by the publication as one of the area’s offensive standouts, earning a spot on the Big Country Blitz offensive stars list.

In addition to Howe and Fairchild, 13 Albany players were selected to the magazine’s Best of the Rest list, highlighting the Lions’ depth across the roster. Those players include Breylon Billington, Clay Chapman, Zane Green, Huffman Heatly, Shawn Keen, Bennett Neece, Brody Oliver, Woods Peterson, Jackson Shack, Jaxson Street, Ryan Turner, Adrian Wren and Hollis Yeates.

Big Country Blitz is a new football publication that has quickly become the Big Country’s own version of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. The magazine releases a preseason edition previewing every team in the region and continues to cover high school football throughout the fall season and into the offseason, providing recognition and coverage for programs across the area.