Season ends with hard-fought regional loss
By Donnie A. Lucas
The 2020 football came to an end for the Albany Lions last Friday in what may have been the most exciting contest of the season despite the loss.
The Lions overcame a first-half 12-0 deficit to take the lead 13-12 late in the game, only to see the Windthorst Trojans come up with a game-winning touchdown in the last minute and a half in the game for a final score of 18-13 in the Region II semifinal playoff in 2A Div. II.
Albany mounted an aerial attack on the last series, but a pair of penalties and the game clock halted the valiant effort.
“I am really proud of the way the guys competed,” head coach Denney Faith said. “They had the opportunity to give up, but they never batted an eye even when some things didn’t go in our favor.”
Faith said that several of the breaks in the game went in favor of the Trojans, speaking specifically about a couple of deflected balls that kept the momentum going in Windthorst’s direction.
“We made a few adjustments at the half and were able to score a couple of times to get back in the game, but there were turnovers that hurt us, including the deflections that went their way.”
The coach credited senior quarterback Barrett Beal with making good decisions, along with the offensive line blocking for the backs and protecting the passing game.
“Cooper Fairchild, Cole Chapman, Brooks Neece, Coy Lefevre, and Cade Neve all had some big receptions, while Jaheim Newton and Coy ran the back really hard,” he said.
The coach said that the defense also played a good game.
“The defense played like they have most of the season with a lot of determination and desire,” he said. “There were just a couple of plays that hurt us.”
The coach thanked the team for another successful season for the Lions, who were undefeated in district and advanced to the third round of the playoffs.
“It was a successful season,” he said. “It hurts now, but when they think back on it later on, they will be proud of what they accomplished.”
The coach also thanked the large senior class.
“This has been a fun group to coach,” he said. “The seniors played well, but the leadership they provided was a big factor this year. They did a really good job.”
Scoring Summary
Windthorst – Ethan Belcher runs 2 yards for a touchdown. PAT kick by Zane Hackley is no good. 2nd quarter - 9:35. Score 6-0.
Windthorst - Cy Belcher runs for a one-yard touchdown. PAT kick by Hackley is no good. 2nd quarter - 0:43. Score 12-0.
Albany – Coy Lefevre runs for a 12-yard touchdown. PAT kick by Ryder Wilkins is good. 3rd quarter - 4:39. Score 12-7.
Albany – Barrett Beal pass complete to Cole Chapman for 15-yard touchdown. PAT attempt by Wilkins is no good. 4th quarter - 3:01. Score 13-12.
Windthorst – Belcher runs for a five-yard touchdown. PAT kick by Hackley is no good. 4th quarter - 1:39. Score 18-13.
