Lions expect Haskell’s best effort
By Donnie A. Lucas
The Lions posted a 41-13 win in Cross Plains last Friday as District 7-2A DII play continues, scoring 41 by early in the fourth quarter before the Buffaloes came up with a couple of touchdowns late in the game.
Albany will host the Haskell Indians on Friday in the final home game of the season, which will also serve as senior night. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at Robert Nail Stadium.
Senior players and cheerleaders will be presented on the field with their parents prior to the start of the district game at 6:40 p.m. Parents are asked to gather at the west end of the field at 6:30 p.m.
Haskell (3-6, 1-2) currently holds the fourth place playoff spot in district with a win over Roscoe and losses to Cross Plains and Hamlin.
“They have a good quarterback and a couple of dangerous receivers,” coach Denney Faith said. “They will be fighting to hold onto a playoff spot, so we are expecting their best effort.”
Lions Beat Buffaloes
Emotions ran high on the Cross Plains side of the field by the fourth quarter with the Lions leading 41-0. A call by the referees against the Buffaloes shortly after the Lions’ last tally resulted in the Cross Plains chain gang, a coach, and the announcer all being tossed out of the game.
Playing largely against the Albany bench, the Buffs were able to score twice in the final minutes of the game.
“It is always an intense battle against Cross Plains, especially at their place,” Faith said. “The kids on both sides played hard, and this was an important win for us.”
The coach was pleased with the balance the Lions had on offense.
“We had over 440 yards of offense and were able to stay balanced with 226 yards passing and 218 running,” Faith said. “While we feel good about the almost 50-50 ratio, we had way too many penalties, especially for this late in the season. A couple of penalties took big plays away from us. We are going to have to play smarter.”
Overall, the coach said he was happy with how the Lions carried the ball, along with hitting some big plays in the passing game.
“Jaheim Newton and Robert Bailey both ran really well for us, and B.J. Morris and Dillon Hindman had a couple of big receptions,” the coach said. “Quarterback Ben West ran the ball well, which sparked up in the second half.”
Faith said that the defense played a good game as well.
“The defense came up with some big stops when we needed them and also caused a couple of turnovers that resulted in touchdowns for us,” he said. “Cross Plains has good players at the skilled positions and you have got to stay in your gap, or they can burn you. For the most part, we played sound defense in the game.”
The coach named B.J. Morris as a defensive standout at linebacker, along with defensive tackles Zion Belisle, Wesley Estridge, and Tyler Beard.
The coach commended the special teams, noting a recovery on a kickoff that directly resulted in another score. He also praised Colby Hargett for kicking five out of six PATs.
Two Lions suffered injuries during the game, including Morris with a collar bone injury and Blaine with a rolled ankle. The seriousness of the injuries had not been determined as of press time.
Scoring Summary
Albany – 1st quarter – 4:22. Robert Bailey scores on 19-yard run. Colby Hargett kicks PAT. Score 7-0.
Albany – 1st quarter – 1:23. Jaheim Newton runs for 9-yard touchdown. Hargett kicks PAT. Score 14-0.
Albany – 2nd quarter - 0:03. Ben West completes touchdown pass to Newton to 1-yard line, Fumble, recovered by Coby Knight in end zone for touchdown. Hargett kicks the PAT. Score 21-0.
Albany – 3rd quarter - 11:02. Newton scores on 8-yard run. Hargett kicks PAT. Score 28-0.
Albany – 3rd quarter – 10:38. West runs for 32-yard keeper for touchdown. Hargett kicks PAT. Score 35-0.
Albany – 4th quarter – 8:41. West completes pass to Dillon Hindman for 8-yard touchdown. Hargett’s PAT attempt fails. Score 41-0.
Cross Plains – 4th quarter – 8:17. Corey Proctor runs 72 yards for touchdown. PAT attempt by Keegan Tillery blocked. Score 41-6.
Cross Plains – 4th quarter – 1:48. Caleb Hernandez runs for 36 yards and touchdown. Tillery kicks PAT. Score 41-13.
