Fall practices set to begin for Lions, Lady Lions
With summer conditioning wrapping up, Albany High School athletes are gearing up for the start of football and volleyball practices in early August, as both programs report strong numbers and solid participation this summer.
Football: Numbers Look Good
Head football coach Denney Faith is currently on vacation, but athletic director Ryder Peacock said coaches are optimistic about the upcoming season.
“I think Coach Faith feels good about the group we have returning,” Peacock said. “There’s a lot of experience, even though there will be some changes in the lineup.”
The football program saw strong participation in this summer’s strength and conditioning program, including multiple football-specific sessions held after the conclusion of 7-on-7 play. Approximately 50 athletes are expected to suit up this fall, with a solid core of returning juniors and seniors leading the roster.
Peacock noted that while success in 7-on-7 isn’t always an indicator for the regular season, it is still a positive sign heading into August.
Head football coach Denney Faith said equipment will be issued the week of July 28. Seniors and returning lettermen will pick up equipment Monday, followed by juniors on Tuesday, sophomores on Wednesday, and freshmen on Thursday. Distribution starts at 9 a.m. each day.
Preseason practices officially begin Monday, Aug. 4. Athletes must have their physicals and UIL paperwork completed before participating.
The Lions will travel for two scrimmages: Friday, Aug. 15, in Coleman and Thursday, Aug. 21, in Early. The season opener is set for Friday, Aug. 29, at home against Stamford, with kickoff at 7 p.m.
Volleyball: Positive Signs
On the volleyball side, head coach M.J. Reneau is also seeing positive signs as preseason workouts approach. With packets already sent out, Reneau said players are eager to get started after a productive summer.
“I’m feeling good about our potential,” Reneau said. “We had hoped to field three teams this year, but since we haven’t heard from a few girls all summer, we’re looking at two really strong teams instead.”
This year’s roster will include two seniors: Mimi Ivy, returning for her third year on varsity, and Madi Parrott, who is expected to return from a summer injury before the first game. Reneau said the group remains young overall but with more varsity experience than last season. Several juniors will round out the varsity lineup.
The Lady Lions will begin official preseason workouts Friday, Aug. 1. Players are reminded to complete physicals and return all required UIL forms before the first practice.
The Lady Lions will scrimmage Benjamin and Breckenridge beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 8, followed by matchups with Woodson and Trent on Saturday, Aug. 9.
A dual match against Aspermont and Merkel is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 12.
The originally scheduled Breckenridge tournament on Aug. 15–16 was cancelled, but Reneau said Breckenridge will instead bring two JV teams to Albany for additional match play on Saturday, Aug. 16.
“We’ll use that to get some younger girls court time, since we’re missing the tournament,” Reneau said.
The Lady Lions’ first official matches will follow shortly after, with the regular season schedule now finalized.
In addition to practices and games, players will also participate in a community service project at Closet Angels during their opening weekend.
Both programs are now focused on final preparations as Albany’s athletes head into the final stretch of summer and look ahead to the start of the 2025–26 school year.
