Albany scores big win in first district game
By Donnie A. Lucas
The Lions opened District 7-2A competition last Friday with a decisive 49-0 shutout against the visiting Roscoe Plowboys, scoring four times in the second quarter alone.
Albany (5-2, 1-0) is on the road this Friday, traveling to Cross Plains for a 7:00 p.m. game against the Buffaloes (6-1, 1-0).
The Buffs, who edged out Haskell 25-22 in their first district game two weeks ago, are coming off an open week.
“They have some really good players at the skill positions,” coach Denney Faith said. “Their quarterback can run and throw the ball well, and they have two or three good running backs.”
Faith added that Cross Plains doesn’t have a lot of size this year.
“They are going to be a typical Cross Plains team that plays really hard,” he said. “While they aren’t that big, they play bigger than they are and give great effort.”
The Lions will return to Robert Nail Stadium next week for the home finale against Haskell then will travel to Hamlin on Nov. 8 for the final regular season game in what has long been anticipated as the battle for the district championship.
Lions Played Well
Faith said that he was pleased with how well the Lions played in all three phases of the game against Roscoe.
“On offense, we ran the ball well to come up with 227 yards on the ground,” the coach said. “Jaheim Newton and Robert Bailey both carried the ball a lot and the offensive line blocked well.”
Newton ran the ball nine times for 128 yards to top the list, followed by Bailey with 53 yards.
“We were very efficient throwing the ball too,” Faith said. “Ben (West) was six of eight for 130 yards passing including two touchdowns. Blaine (Kayga) and Cade (Neve) both had outstanding catches.”
The coach said that the defense tackled better in this game, playing with a lot of aggression.
“We defended against their run well,” Faith said. “Their plan was to slow the game down by running the ball and keep us away from the ball, but our defense did a great job getting the ball in the hands of the offense.”
Named as standouts for defense were Gregori Mikeska and Parker Henry at defensive end, along with Jeb Becker at corner and Brooks Neece at linebacker.
Faith was also pleased with the special teams, especially the coverage teams.
“The coverage teams set the tone for the game,” he said. “They really proved how important that aspect of the game can be.”
For a second week in a row, Faith was able to substitute in most of his players.
“Playing that many kids keeps people fresh and allows some of the other players to gain valuable experience in game situations that will prove valuable later in the season,” said Faith.
The coach said that the roster was back at full strength and no new injuries were reported.
“That is especially important when you are starting the district portion of the schedule,” he said.
Scoring Summary
Albany – 1st quarter – 4:49. Ben West completes 12-yard touchdown pass to Cade Neve for score. Colby Hargett kicks PAT. Score 7-0.
Albany – 1st quarter – 2:56. B.J. Morris runs in 2-yard carry for touchdown. Hargett kicks PAT. Score 14-0.
Albany – 2nd quarter – 10:45. West runs in 23-yard touchdown. Hargett kicks PAT. Score 21-0.
Albany – 2nd quarter – 8:13. Jaheim Newton runs for 28-yard touchdown. Kick by Hargett is good. Score – 28-0.
Albany – 2nd quarter – 4:37. Robert Bailey 1-yard run for touchdown. Hargett kicks PAT. Score – 35-0.
Albany – 2nd quarter - 0:51. Newton runs 28 yards for touchdown. PAT by Hargett good. Score 42-0.
Albany – 3rd quarter – 9:52. West completes 28-yard pass play to Neve for score. Kick by Hargett is good. Score 49-0.
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