Coahoma outlasts Lions in close game
In one of the most emotionally charged games of the season, the Albany Lions came up just short against a much larger Class 3A Coahoma team on Friday night, falling 15–12 in front of a packed homecoming crowd.
“It was a great high school football game,” said Head Coach Denney Faith. “Two good football teams played each other, and I think both teams are better because of it.”
Despite the loss, Albany showed grit and determination against a physical opponent, leaning heavily on its defense in a game defined by hard hits, key stops, and mounting tension.
A true defensive
battle
Both teams struggled to move the ball consistently, thanks in large part to strong defensive play. The Lions held Coahoma to just 258 total yards, forced two fumbles, and limited the Bulldogs to only two touchdowns. Albany’s defense held its ground against a larger opponent and kept the game within reach.
Offensively, Albany gained just 163 yards on 44 plays. Clay Chapman completed 7 of 19 passes for 40 yards in his first varsity start under center and added 6 yards rushing. Chapman, stepping in after recovering from an injury, showed confidence and composure.
“Clay showed a lot of poise,” Faith said. “He didn’t hesitate and looked comfortable carrying the ball.”
Running backs Shawn Keen and Bennett Neece combined for 47 rushing yards and a touchdown, but the Lions struggled to convert on third downs, finishing 1-for-10 in those situations.
Injuries and
officiating add to
the drama
Albany played without regular kicker Zane Green, who is recovering from a knee injury. Woods Peterson handled kickoffs in his place.
“Woods did a good job,” Faith said. “He just hadn’t had as much practice, so we’ll work on that this week.”
Tensions rose in the second half following a controversial penalty on a hard tackle after an incomplete pass.
“The call came from an official 40 yards away instead of the one standing right next to the play,” Faith said. “We teach our kids to be physical, and we felt like it was a clean tackle within the rules. That made it frustrating.”
Looking ahead
to Anson
The Lions now turn their attention to Anson, who enter this week’s contest undefeated. The game marks the final non-district matchup before Albany’s open week.
“Anson plays really good defense, and they can score,” Faith said. “It’ll be another hard-fought game. The team that makes the most plays is probably going to come out on top.”
Albany is hopeful that Adrian Wren will return to the field this week. Green’s status remains uncertain as he awaits MRI results and continues to be evaluated for his knee injury.
Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. Friday in Anson.
JV Lions defeat
Coahoma
Albany’s junior varsity team earned a 28–10 win on the road against Coahoma last Thursday. Jakobi Roberson, Sam Tidwell, and Ace Vickers each scored touchdowns, including a pick-six from Vickers. Aiden Vickers threw for two scores—one to Blake Britting and another to Colter Edgar on a two-point conversion. Tidwell also caught a conversion pass.
The JV Lions will host Anson today at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.
