5 Lions earn TSWA all-state honors

Five Albany Lions earned all-state designation with their inclusion on the Blue Bell/ Texas Sports Writers Association Class 2A team, which was announced Monday, Feb. 12.

The quintet, all seniors, played key roles as the Lions posted a 16-0 record and repeated as Class 2A Division II state champions.

Adam Hill was named Defensive Player of the Year as well as taking a first-team spot as a defensive lineman.

Cason Fairchild was selected at both defensive back (first-team) and wide receiver (second-team).

Also earning recognition were offensive linemen Zane Waggoner and Lanxton Viertel along with linebacker Jaxson Hoel, all on the first team.

Hill recorded 103 total tackles (60 solo) with 29 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks. He also rushed for 2,641 yards and 43 touchdowns on offense.

Waggoner, a tackle, and Viertel, a guard, were the cornerstones of an offensive line that helped the Lions average 407.8 total yards and 43.5 points per game. Waggoner, a three-time all-state pick, graded 96 percent with 64 pancake blocks and no sacks allowed. Viertel graded 95 percent with 61 pancake blocks and didn’t allow a sack.

Hoel led the Lions with 158 tackles, including 80 solo, 10 for loss, and three sacks. He also had five QB hurries, broke up six passes, forced a fumble, and recovered two fumbles.

Fairchild anchored the defensive secondary. He made 57 tackles, including 32 solo, and a team-high six interceptions to go with 11 pass breakups.

On offense, he was Albany’s leading receiver with 70 receptions for1,191yardsand14TDs in addition to rushing for 119 yards and a score on 10 carries.