Lions control field in 62-0 win over Haskell
By Sam Waller
For the second week in a row, the Albany Lions needed just one score to secure a victory. And for the second week in a row, the Lions were not content to reach the end zone just once.
Seven Albany players scored touchdowns, and the defense turned in another dominating performance last Friday as the Lions won their home opener 62-0 over the Haskell Indians at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.
Facing Anson
The Lions continue their three-game homestand at 7:30 p.m. when the Anson Tigers visit Nail Stadium, with the time moved because of a shortage of referees. The game refs will be coming straight from Moran’s 5:00 p.m. game.
The Tigers (2-2) are coming off a 54-7 victory over Hamlin. Anson has also played Coleman and Dublin, both of whom Albany has seen in scrimmages or games.
Anson has been forced to use three quarterbacks this season because of injuries.
“We don’t know which quarterback we’re going to see this week,” Faith said. “We’ve prepared for all three of them.”
Despite the personnel situation, Faith said, he expects a stiff test from the Tigers.
“It’s a rivalry game,” he said. “We know all their kids and they’re going to be ready to play.”
Haskell Details
Lions head coach Denney Faith credits the defense with setting the tone against Haskell.
“As I said last week, any time you get a shutout, you feel good about the way you played defensively,” Faith said. “To hold an opponent to less than 100 yards of total offense and only two first downs, that’s a pretty formidable night defensively.”
Albany (3-0) rolled up 580 total yards, scoring on nine of 15 possessions, while holding Haskell (1-3) to 64. In some aspects, the Lions were even more dominant than in their 50-0 victory on Sept. 10 at Hamlin. The Indians never converted a third down, punting on 11 of 14 possessions. Haskell’s other three series ended on downs.
Brooks Neece, Samuel Rosas, and Koy Cauble were each credited with five tackles to share the team lead. Taren Farmer had 4.5 tackles.
Albany defensive lineman Bryce Asher credits defensive coordinator Jimmy Fuentes’ game plan with helping keep the Indians contained.
“Coach Fuentes always comes up with good defensive schemes,” said Asher. “We’re always physical, and we love destroying the backfield.”
Haskell’s biggest gain was an 11-yard completion in the first quarter, and Albany recorded 10 tackles for loss.
Faith said Albany was able to mix in different defensive looks against the Indians.
“I was pleased with our adjustments defensively, especially our onfield adjustments by the kids,” he said. “We mixed up some different coverages with some man and zone plus a nickel look. We were able to get in and out of those quickly and pretty efficiently without having any blown coverages.”
The Indians’ best opportunity came late in the third quarter with Albany leading 55-0 when Trevor Henry blocked a punt that Haskell recovered at the Lion 24-yard line. Four plays later, Albany took over on downs at the 25.
The sequence highlighted the one area of the game that concerned Faith – special teams.
“We gave up a blocked punt, missed a couple of extra points, and gave up a lot of field position on our kicking game and their kicking game,” he said. “We’ll spend a lot more time this week with our special teams.”
Faith noted that the Lions had almost 600 yards on offense.
“Plenty of people are touching the ball right now and being productive,” he said. “As long as we can keep that going and stay balanced, it really puts pressure on defenses to decide what you’re trying to do.”
After early misfires in their first two games, the Lions wasted no time in lighting up the scoreboard against Haskell. Newton put Albany ahead to stay with a 42-yard touchdown run on the Lions’ second snap of the night.
“The line blocks really great for us, and our coaches call good plays,” said Newton, who added a 47-yard score in the second quarter. “Our defense is good too, and I hope that we can just build on that and keep momentum going. You never know when it’s going to be your last game.”
Faith said Haskell’s defensive scheme often left Albany receivers with only one defender to beat.
“We were getting an eight-man box, which opened up our passing game to the outside and let us throw quick passes,” he said. “They wanted to stop the run game and we were able to take advantage of that.”
Despite facing a stacked defense, the Lions were still able to rush for 332 yards, averaging 10.1 yards per carry.
“I was really pleased with our offensive line,” Faith said. “Even with an eight-man box, we were still opening up some holes and the backs were running hard.”
Ticket Info
Reserved-seat season tickets are still available through the Albany High School office.
Season tickets are $24 each for the remaining four home games.
Single-game tickets will be sold at the gate. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students.
For more information, contact ticket manager Ann Riley, 325-762-3964.
