Faith to accept award May 6

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions generated plenty of excitement during their run to the 2022 Class 2A Division II state football championship, picking up hardware each step of the way.

The program will receive one more item for the trophy case Saturday, May 6 when head coach Denney Faith is presented the Gordon Wood Award at the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Waco.

Faith, Albany superintendent Jonathan Scott, school board president Robert Montgomery, athletic director Ryder Peacock, defensive coordinator Jimmy Fuentes,  and their wives will attend the ceremony to represent the program.

“I’m excited for our football team and our community,” Faith said. “The way the award reads, it’s not only an award for our football team but for our community as a whole with the support they give our athletes.”

The Gordon Wood Award is presented to an especially noteworthy high school football team that displayed good sportsmanship, the ability to overcome challenges, had the support of the community, and achieved success on the field. The Gordon Wood Award is named for legendary Texas high school football coach Gordon Wood who won nine state championships.

In addition, the Hall of Fame will induct nine new members. The 2023 induction class is:

1957 and before – Bert Clark, Wichita Falls High;

1960s – Bobby Wuensch, Houston Jones;

1970s – Patrick Rockett, San Antonio Lee;

1980s – John Henry, Lorena;

1990s – Leonard Davis, Wortham;

2000s – Matthew Stafford, Highland Park;

Dave Campbell Contributor to the Game – Dr. Jesse DeLee, San Antonio;

Eddie Joseph/THSFHOF Coach – Tom Kimbrough and Dennis Alexander.