Lions to face Rocksprings at bi-district
Everyone at Robert Nail Stadium last Friday got their money’s worth.
In what was called an upset by some, the AlbanyLion football team jumped out to an early lead and held on for a 34-27 win over the previously undefeated Hamlin Pied Pipers to secure an 11th straight district championship.
The Lions (5-5, 5-0) move to the bi-district playoff round tonight at San Angelo’s Bobcat Stadium against the Rocksprings Angoras (5-5, 2-3). Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m.
Ticket prices for the game are $5 for adults and $3 for students, with Albany serving as the home team. District, local, and coaches’ passes will be accepted. The stadium is located at 1789 Knickerbocker Road.
The Lions finished first in District 7-2A with a perfect 5-0 mark, while Rocksprings was fourth in District 8-2A with a 2-3 district record.
“They are a very big and physical team,” coach Denney Faith said. “They are probably the biggest team we have faced this year and they are especially big on the interior line.”
The coach said the Angoras also have a versatile quarterback who will be a dual threat, both running and throwing the ball well.
Game Details
Albany players were on unfamiliar ground going into Friday’s regular season finale, with Hamlin picked to take the title based on their 9-0 record.
Playing what arguably was their best performance so far this season, the Lions racked up a 21-0 lead by the half. The momentum shifted for awhile when the Pipers ran back the second half opening kickoff to get on the board.
The Lions had to battle an invigorated Piper team in the second half, resulting in a 27-27 tie in the fourth.
Albany ate up about half of the last quarter marching deep into Hamlin territory, scoring with two and half minutes remaining in the game to seal the win.
Senior Cameron Dacus further insured the win by intercepting a Hamlin pass on their first play from scrimmage after Albany’s go-ahead score.
“It was a really good time for us to come up with our best effort of the season,” Faith said. “The guys knew what was at stake and stepped up to keep tradition alive. We had a string of district championships going and our seniors especially didn’t want it to end with them.”
The coach commended all five seniors for their level of play and the leadership they provided.
“The kids responded really well, with our seniors taking the lead,” he said. “The momentum shifted when Hamlin scored to open the second half, which is where we have lost our composure at times in the past. But we kept it together and were able to hit a big touchdown at the end to go ahead.”
The coach applauded his staff for preparing the team for the game.
Faith said that the Lions’ 374 yards on offense was impressive against a team as good as Hamlin.
“We were particularly effective in the first half to be up by three touchdowns,” he said. “But what was more important is that we didn’t shoot ourselves in the foot like we did in earlier games by getting to the red zone and not scoring.”
He praised quarterback Ben West for a good game throwing the ball, along with Cutter Edgar for running the ball well. Receivers Cameron Dacus, Ryan Hill, Blaine Kayga, and Dillon Hindman were all credited with important catches.
Both Dacus and Hill made tricky one-handed catches at crucial times, Hill’s on a touchdown that earned him area play-of-the-week honors and Dacus on the interception at the end of the game.
The Lion defense held the Pipers to just 207 yards of total offense.
“That was an outstanding effort by our defense,” Faith said. “Our guys played fast, played with energy and stayed enthusiastic by continuing to swarm to the ball. We put a lot of pressure on the quarterback which other teams haven’t been able to do.”
The coach credited Hill and Payne Hebel with several sacks in the game.
Scoring Summary
Albany – Ben West pass complete to Ryan Hill for 11-yard touchdown. Hill kicks PAT. 2nd quarter – 11:54. Score 7-0.
Albany – Hill runs for three-yard touchdown. Hill kicks PAT. 2nd quarter – 8:09. Score 14-0.
Albany – West pass complete to Hill for four-yard touchdown. Hill kicks PAT. 2nd quarter – 1:52. Score 21-0.
Hamlin – Jevon Williams returns kickoff 88 yards for touchdown. Braydin Warner kicks PAT. 3rd quarter – 11:45. Score 21-7.
Albany – West pass for 32 yards to Cameron Dacus for touchdown. Hill PAT fails. 3rd quarter – 10:18. Score 27-7.
Hamlin – Jackson Sepeda runs three yards for touchdown. PAT by Warner is good. 3rd quarter – 8:00. Score 27-14.
Hamlin – Sepeda scores on one-yard run. Warner PAT good. 4th quarter – 9:49. Score 27-21.
Hamlin – Warner pass to Cutter Martin for 36-yard touchdown. Warner’s PAT fails. 4th quarter – 7:59. Score 27-27.
Albany – West pass complete to Blaine Kayga for 19-yard touchdown. Hill PAT good. 4th quarter – 2:45. Score 34-27.
