Time to read
1 minute
Read so far

Albany carries district crown into open week

0 comments

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lion football team ended the regular season with a 35-0 win over the visiting Cross Plains Buffaloes in a game to determine the district champion.

The Lions sewed up the District 8-2A Div. II crown with their fourth shutout against a district foe, ending the regular part of their schedule with an 8-1 record, including 5-0 in district.

Albany is open this week, the final week in regular season action, but will be paired against Chico in the bi-district round of the playoffs to be held on Thursday, Nov. 12 in Graham.

Only online tickets are available for $5, with no passes accepted. Albany will sit on the home side.

The regular season closer against Cross Plains remained scoreless through the first quarter, with the two teams vying for the top two seeds in district.

“It was a hard-fought physical game,” head football coach Denney Faith said. “We played really well on defense, but we just had too many penalties that really hurt us.”

The Lion defense held the Buffaloes to 30 yards rushing and 61 yards passing, which mostly came on one 44-yard reception. 

Cross Plains mustered seven total first downs, two on rushing, three on passing, and two on penalties.

“I feel good about the defense going into the playoffs,” the coach said. “The kids are playing hard and tackling well.”

The coach commended Coy Lefevre, Taren Farmer, and Cooper Fairchild for their defensive play.

Faith was pleased that the Lion offense posted 385 total yards, but qualified it by adding that penalties really hurt the team.

“We did some good things, but kept hurting ourselves with penalties,” he said. “That is something we are going to have to fix. You can’t be consistently working behind the chains.”

The Lions were penalized eight times for a total of 100 yards, while the Buffaloes had eight for 68.

Albany rushed for 236 yards, with Jaheim Newton leading the pack with 132 yards on 19 carries.

Quarterback Barrett Beal completed 11 of 22 passing attempts for 149 yards and one touchdown.

The coach praised the efforts of backs Newton and Coy, and noted that Cole Chapman and Cade Neve made key receptions.

“We didn’t provide enough passing protection, which will have to improve,” the coach said. 

Running back Robert Bailey reinjuried a knee, and Devon Henson wasn’t able to suit up due to a thigh injury. Wesley Estridge was also checking on a thumb injury.

“We are open this week, so we will take some time to heal up,” Faith said. “We will be staying in shape this week and preparing for Chico next week.”

Scoring Summary

Albany – Coy Lefevre runs for 6-yard touchdown. PAT kick by Ryder Wilkins no good. 2nd quarter - 11:25. Score 6-0.

Albany – Brooks Neece runs 2 yards for touchdown.  Two-point conversion pass by Barrett Beal to Cade Neve is good. 3rd quarter - 8:23. Score 14-0.

Albany – Beal 43-yard pass complete to Cole Chapman for touchdown.  PAT kick by Wilkins is good. 3rd quarter - 4:56. Score 21-0.

Albany – Neece 11-yard carry for touchdown.  PAT attempt by Wilkins good. 3rd quarter - 0:53. Score 28-0.

Albany – Lefevre runs 8 yards for touchdown.  PAT attempt by Wilkins good. 4th quarter - 7:50. Score 35-0.