Football workouts to get underway Monday

By Donnie A. Lucas

Summer football workouts for the Albany Lions are slated to start Monday, Aug. 2 at the field house.

All the uncertainty of last August due to the coronavirus has cleared into a “regular” start for the program, including typical August weather.

“After having a fairly mild summer, the forecast calls for 100-degree temperatures next week,” head coach Denney Faith said. “We need the guys to be hydrating well this week in preparation, continuing when workouts start.”

Faith said that he and his staff will keep an eye on the players and the temperatures once practices start, but drinking plenty of fluids is very important.

The coach added that he is expecting around 45 players for both varsity and JV to show up for two-a-days.

The first session is slated for 8:00 a.m. on Monday, and each player must turn in paperwork signed by a parent as required by the school and UIL before stepping on the practice field.

Equipment will also be issued, followed by the first practice for the high school players.

Morning practices will continue through the week starting at 8:00 a.m. Practice times starting the week of Aug. 9 will vary due to teacher in-service.

Faith said that a large senior class will lead the team this year.

“We have big expectations for this group this year,” he said. “I think the guys are really excited to get started.”

Faith stressed that each player must have a current  physical exam completed either in May at the school or on their own during the summer.

The district offered free physical exams at the end of the last school year, but any students who missed the exams must have one conducted on their own time and at their own expense.

Both local clinics will also will conduct physical exams, but a fee is charged and an appointment required. Students should take the required form which can be obtained at the school or on the school website with them to the exam.

Albany will again compete in District 8-2A this season, which includes Meridian, Hico, Ranger, Santo, and Cross Plains.

The first scrimmage of the season is set for Friday, Aug. 13 in Coleman, followed by a second scrimmage against Hawley at Robert Nail Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 19. 

The varsity Lions will open the season on the road in Colorado City starting at 7:00 p.m. All games this season are set for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff.

Other non-district opponents include Dublin, Haskell, Anson, and Olney.

Individual and team pictures to be used in the program and the newspaper have been set for Friday, Aug. 6 at 1:30 p.m.

Junior high players will not start practice until the first day of classes on Wednesday, Aug. 18. 

Paperwork including physical exams must be turned in on the first day of classes for both seventh and eighth graders.