Lions head to Miles to start district slate
The Albany Lions will begin district play this Friday, October 10, with a road matchup against the Miles Bulldogs. The game marks the start of a five-game district schedule following a pre-district slate that tested the Lions against a range of playoff-caliber opponents.
Albany enters with a 3–2 record. The Lions opened the season with three consecutive wins, including victories over rivals Stamford and Hawley. Both games ended with identical 21–7 scores and were marked by strong defensive efforts. The team then traveled to Seymour, where it produced its most dominant performance of the year, defeating the Panthers 69–6 and gaining 500 total yards in the process.
The final two non-district games were more challenging. Albany hosted Coahoma for homecoming and came up short, 15–12, in a game that featured several defensive stands and limited offensive production on both sides. One week later, the Lions traveled to Anson, falling 22–6 in a physical contest that ended a 24-year winning streak over the Tigers.
Following the loss at Anson, the Lions entered their open week with an emphasis on execution and recovery. Through five games, Albany has allowed just 57 total points—an average of 11.4 per game—and has consistently created turnovers and pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Offensively, the Lions showed high-scoring capability in the first three weeks but were held to a combined 18 points in the last two outings.
District Schedule
October 10: @ Miles
This week’s opponent, Miles, enters the game with a 1–4 record. The Bulldogs have faced a mix of classifications in pre-district play with their only win over Sterling City. Albany will travel to Miles for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff Friday.
October 17: Winters
Albany will return home on October 17 to host Winters. The Blizzards are 2–3 entering district and have shown improvement from previous seasons. Winters’ pre-district wins came against Sterling City and Abilene TLCA, while they dropped games to Frost, Munday and Iraan.
October 24:
@ Cross Plains
The Lions will travel to Cross Plains on October 24. The Buffaloes enter district with a 2–3 record. Their wins came against Abilene TLCA and Sterling City, while losses came to Haskell, Hico and Merkel.
October 31: Roscoe
On October 31, Albany will host Roscoe. The Plowboys are 0–5 through the non-district schedule, with losses to Hawley, Coahoma, Era, Stamford and New Home. Though winless, Roscoe’s schedule has included several playoff caliber teams, with most all scores staying somewhat close. This will be Albany’s final regular-season home game.
November 7:
@ Hamlin
Albany will close out district play on November 7 with a road game at Hamlin. The Pied Pipers currently have the strongest non-district record in the district at 4–1, with wins over Seymour, Crosbyton, Munday and Quanah. Their only loss came to Anson in Week 1. With both teams projected to be at the top of the standings, this matchup could end up deciding the district championship.
The next five weeks will determine where Albany stands in the district. With a 3–2 start, a strong defense, and adjustments underway on offense, the Lions will look to find consistency as they begin the push toward November.
