Lions claim 41-0 homecoming win
By Donnie A. Lucas
A homecoming crowd at Robert Nail Stadium was on hand to watch the Lions hand the visiting Peaster Greyhounds a 41-0 loss last Friday along with the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen.
Albany (3-2) will be at home again this Friday for the third straight game, hosting the Menard Yellowjackets (1-3) in the final pre-district game of the season. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at the newly dubbed Faith Field.
“Menard is similar to a couple of teams we have played this year, relying on a big, powerful running back and a big offensive line,” head coach Denney Faith said. “They try to beat you by winning at the line of scrimmage, so we are going to have to put a lot of people in the box and stop their running game.”
The coach said that his goal for the Lions this week is to stay balanced on offense, finding success in both the ground game and the passing game.
Albany will be open next Friday, Oct. 11 prior to opening District 7-2A action on Oct. 18 at home against Roscoe.
Lions Move Up in Polls
The Lions moved to No. 2 in Class 2A Div. II this week thanks to the win over 3A Peaster.
“It was a good game, and it is always good to win your homecoming game,” Faith said. “There was a big crowd, and the guys knew that and performed well, especially in the first half.”
The coach was particularly happy with the balance on offense.
“Balance has been one of our top goals for the offense, and they did a lot better with 251 yards passing and 161 yards rushing,” he said. “Much of the success of the running game was due to the offensive line.”
Faith noted that sophomore running back Jaheim Newton ran for over 100 yards last week, and quarterback Ben West hit 11 of 13 passing for two touchdowns.
He also commended receivers Blaine Kayga, Dillon Hindman, and B.J. Morris for catching the ball and for the yardage they picked up after the reception in many cases.
The coach was also happy with the Lions’ defensive performance.
“Anytime you can shut out a team, you know you played good defense,” Faith said. “Peaster got into the red zone a couple of times, and we were able to keep them from scoring.”
In particular, Faith commended Parker Henry for running down the ball carrier on a couple of long runs to thwart a touchdown.
Along with Henry, the coach commended Gregori Mikeska at defensive end.
“We were able to rotate our defensive tackles in during the game, and Jeb Becker also had a good game at corner,” he said. “Our secondary also performed well, including Cade Neve, Robert Bailey and Blaine Kayga.”
He noted that Neve had a 103-yard return on an interception in the end zone that he ran back the length of the field for a touchdown. Robert Bailey also had an interception during the game.
The Lions went four of five on PATs this week, which Faith said was an improvement over early in the season. In addition, he commended Cade Neve for his punts in the game.
Scoring Summary
Albany – 1st quarter – 6:06. Ben West completes 17-yard pass to Blaine Kayga for touchdown. PAT by Colby Hargett is good. Score 7-0.
Albany – 1st quarter - 0.16. West completes 55-yard pass play to Kayga for touchdown. PAT by Hargett is good. Score 14-0.
Albany – 2nd quarter – 6:30. Robert Bailey runs 16 yards for touchdown. PAT attempt by Hargett fails. Score 20-0.
Albany – 2nd quarter – 3:50. Cade Neve intercepts Zane O’Donnell pass in end zone and returns for touchdown. PAT by Hargett is good. Score 27-0.
Albany – 2nd quarter – 1:50. B.J. Morris runs 9 yards for touchdown. PAT by Hargett is good. Score 34-0.
Albany – 3rd quarter – 4:42. Jaheim Newton runs 37 yards for touchdown. PAT by Hargett is good. Score 41-0.
