Hard-fought rematch expected against Hamlin
Clawing back from a 14-point deficit, the Lions mounted a second-half assault that steamed rolled over the Wheeler Mustangs, 48-27, in the regional playoff in Vernon last Friday to set up a quarterfinal rematch.
Albany (8-5) will face off for the second time this season against the Hamlin Pied Pipers (12-1) for the quarterfinal at Shotwell Stadium in Abilene. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. with the Lions serving as the home team. Tickets are $5 per person, with the usual passes honored.
The Lions defeated Hamlin 34-27 in the regular season finale to clinch the District 7-2A championship, handing the Pipers their lone loss of the season.
“It is always challenging to play a team twice in the same season,” Lion head coach Denney Faith said. “We have done it a couple of times in the past and both teams are very familiar with each other by the second game.”
The coach said the Lions will make some changes for the game.
“We have been working on doing some things different on both offense and defense, and I am sure they are too,” Faith said. “The trick is to do it without trying to do too much or you can mess yourself up.”
The coach said he is expecting nothing less than a hard-fought quarterfinal game, similar to when the two teams played in district.
“They are coming off a big win against Wellington and will be sky high for this game,” he said. “Plus they will have the added motivation of losing to us in district. It’s going to be important to match intensity from beginning to end.”
The coach thanked the fans who have supported the Lions.
“We are certainly going to need all the people we can get this week,” he said. “Both teams are close to Abilene, so we really need to get everyone out.”
The winner of the bout will move on to the semifinal playoff to face the winner of the Stratford vs. Gruver game.
The Lions opened the season with five non-district losses to primarily larger teams.
“It was a tough preseason, but I think that adversity is paying off both mentally and physically for us,” Faith said. “I’m proud of the way the kids handled those losses. They could have folded, but they learned from it.”
The Lions got off to a slow start against Wheeler, letting the Mustangs get two scores ahead.
“We let them jump on us and catch us off guard,” Faith said. “We came in flat, but we took care of that at the half and played much better in the second half.”
The game had several momentum shifts, but the Lions got a big lift with a touchdown just before the half to trail 21-14.
“We had a lack of consistency at first, which is something we have had a problem with,” Faith said. “We get a drive going and hurt ourselves with a turnover or a penalty. Luckily, we came up with some big, explosive plays that we scored on to keep up until we pulled it together.”
The coach commended Ben West’s passing game, which accounted for four touchdowns. He also said both Cameron Dacus and Blaine Kayga had some big receptions.
“Wheeler did some things on defense that put stress on our offensive line to provide protection,” he said. “They sent a lot of people using different looks, but we were able to counter with our screen game.”
The coach also commended the defense for picking up two touchdowns in the second half.
“Scoring twice on defense obviously gives you an advantage,” he said. “Blaine ran back a fumble and Cameron returned an interception. Our defense played so much better, more physical and much faster in the second half, and that enthusiasm and energy carried us.”
Scoring Summary
Wheeler – Gustavo Andrade passes to Logan Harris for 16 yard touchdown. PAT kick by Andrade is good. 1st quarter – 10:05. Score 0-7.
Wheeler – Hesston Marshall runs for 47-yard touchdown. Point after kick by Andrade is good. 1st quarter – 1:52. 0-14.
Albany – Ben West pass complete to Blaine Kayga for 7-yard touchdown. PAT kick by Ryan Hill good. 1st quarter – 0:22. 7-14.
Wheeler – Andrade scores on 1-yard run, then kicks the PAT. 2nd quarter – 3:29. 7-21.
Albany – West completes 32-yard touchdown pass to Cameron Dacus. Hill kicks PAT. 2nd quarter – 0:08. Score 14-21.
Albany – Dacus scores on 20-yard pass reception from West. Kick fails. 3rd quarter – 9:31. Score 20-21.
Albany – Dacus intercepts Andrade pass at the Albany 34 yard line and returns it 66 yards for a touchdown. Point after kick by Hill good. 3rd quarter – 7:12. Score 27-21.
Wheeler – Andrade passes to Harris for 34-yard touchdown. PAT kick fails. 3rd quarter – 3:42. Score 27-27.
Albany – Kayga recovers a Wheeler fumble near the Wheeler goal line and runs it in for an Albany score. PAT kick by Hill good. 3rd quarter – 1:12. Score 34-27.
Albany – 13-yard pass from West to Kayga complete for a score. Hill kick is good. 4th quarter – 11:54. Score 41-27.
Albany – Cutter Edgar runs 47 yards for touchdown. Hill’s kick is good. 4th quarter – 7:38. Score 48-27.
