Lions to face Olney in homecoming bout
By Sam Waller
The Albany Lions maintained their momentum last Friday, defeating the Anson Tigers 48-2 at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.
The Lions get one last tuneup before the start of District 8-2A Division II play when they host the Olney Cubs at 7:00 p.m. this Friday for homecoming.
Against Anson, Albany quarterback Cole Chapman passed for four touchdowns. Two of the scores went to London Fuentes, who also scored on a 65-yard punt return.
Running back Jaheim Newton had another 100-yard rushing effort with one touchdown, and Brooks Neece had TDs rushing and receiving.
Lions head coach Denney Faith said the team has made significant progress in the past month after having its season opener cancelled.
“I think we’re getting where we want to be,” Faith said. “Our kids are getting into game shape. We’re not having to worry as much about conditioning right now.”
Albany (4-0) led 33-2 at halftime, scoring on five of six first-half possessions, then put the game away with scores on the first two drives of the third quarter.
“I thought we played a really clean first half,” Faith said. “We got a little sloppy in the second half, which I was disappointed in. We’ll work on that this week, making sure we finish with discipline and doing things right.”
Albany finished with 390 total yards, losing large chunks on a series of wild snaps in the second half. The Lions allowed Anson 144 total yards, forcing six punts and two turnovers.
Anson (2-3) challenged the Lions early, moving into Albany territory on its first three possessions. The first ended when Newton forced a fumble that Adam Hill recovered, setting up a 19-yard TD pass to Neece.
A punt on Anson’s second series led to a safety that cut Albany’s lead to 7-2, but the Tigers were unable to take advantage of good field position after the free kick and punted again. Newton, who rushed for 164 yards on 14 carries, capped the ensuing Albany drive with a 24-yard touchdown as the Lions began pulling away.
“Our defense just played lights-out,” Faith said. “There were a couple of times where Anson started inside our 40, and our defense was able to step up and keep them out of the end zone.”
Albany has not allowed a touchdown in its last three games.
Samuel Rosas led the Lions with 5.5 total tackles, including one for loss. Neece, Taren Farmer, and Koy Cauble each had 3.5 tackles. Luke Ivy had an interception to stop an Anson drive that began on Albany’s side of the 50.
“The coaches were calling different coverages, and we were just executing better than them,” said Rosas, who saw action at cornerback and outside linebacker. “We just run to the ball and don’t let them score.”
Chapman was 12 of 14 passing for 207 yards. Cooper Fairchild had six catches for 91 yards, but was held out of the end zone for the first time this season.
Fuentes, who caught three balls for 72 yards, took advantage with scores of 35 and 22 yards in the second quarter.
“We have plenty of weapons,” said Fuentes, who had another punt return for a score called back. “We have a great quarterback putting
(the ball) right on us. This team is amazing.”
Faith said being able to produce even when an opponent loads up on one facet of Albany’s attack is important with district play looming.
“If they want to take something away, we’re certainly capable of going to another situation where a kid can have his opportunities,” he said. “I say every week that we want to stay balanced offensively, and we were able to do that again.”
Facing Olney
Olney, just the second 2A Division II team Albany has faced this season, poses a unique challenge with its flexbone offense, Faith said.
“It’s going to be a very physical game with the type of offense they run,” he said. “They’re a straight option team, three yards and a cloud of dust, try to keep the ball away from you and play ball control. Those kinds of games are always really physical.”
Olney (2-2) replaced Ranger on the Lions’ schedule after the Bulldogs withdrew from the district to play six-man last season. The Cubs are coming off a 37-21 victory against Westlake Academy.
Homecoming
Faith said the Lions won’t let the numerous homecoming activities distract from preparing for the game.
“We always play well at homecoming,” he said. “Some of our best games have been at homecoming, and that’s because we always preach that our priority is the football game. I want them to have a good time and have fun, but the priority for us is to make sure the football game turns out the way the people coming home want to see.”
Ticket Info
Reserved-seat season tickets are still available through the Albany High School office.
Season tickets are $18 for the remaining three home games.
Single-game tickets will be sold at the gate. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students.
For more ticket information, contact ticket manager Ann Riley at 325-762-3964.
