Albany players earn post-season honors

By Sam Waller

Seven members of the Albany Lions football team received recognition on the All-Big Country Preps football team after helping Albany advance to the Class 2A Division II state semifinals.

Running back Jaheim Newton, offensive lineman Zane Waggoner, and defensive lineman Taren Farmer were all named to the website’s second team. Quarterback Cole Chapman, offensive lineman Monte Cauble, and linebacker Brooks Neece were honorable mention.

Offensive lineman Bryce Asher was named to the True Grit team, while Waggoner was also honored with a spot on the Rising Stars team.

Newton topped 1,000 yards for the third consecutive season, rushing for 1,628 yards and 21 touchdowns on 156 carries.

A big part of Newton’s production could be attributed to the trio of linemen, who helped Albany rush for more than 4,000 yards as a team in 2021.

Waggoner, a tackle, graded out at 96 percent with 38 pancakes.

Cauble graded out at 94 percent with 29 pancakes.

Chapman completed 134 of 224 passes for 2,314 yards with 32 TDs. He also rushed for 745 and nine TDs.

Farmer was selected as a utility player on defense after recording 73 solo tackles, 65 assists, 28 tackles for loss, 8½ sacks, eight quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and an interception.

Neece was another defensive mainstay with 56 solo tackles, 96 assists, 21 tackles for loss, one sack, five QB hurries, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, an interception, and five pass breakups.

Asher was honored for exemplifying the character traits football coaches want throughout their rosters.

“Bryce was one of our team leaders, a kid that left everything on the field and was always positive with his teammates,” Lions head coach Denney Faith said on the website. “He’s a hard worker who would inspire the rest of the team to do the same and was always looking for ways to get better.”