Lions to host Peaster for homecoming
By Donnie A. Lucas
Despite racking up over 140 yards more in offense, the Lions were plagued by turnovers last Friday allowing the visiting Hawley Bearcats to slip by them 22-20 in a non-district contest.
Albany, now 2-2 on the season, hopes to turn around their mistakes when they host Peaster on Friday before a homecoming crowd at Robert Nail Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
Playing in their first varsity season, the Greyhounds are also 2-2 for the season.
“Their kids have been playing at the JV level the last two years,” said coach Denney Faith. “This is our homecoming, so we have to take care of business and not look past this game.”
Peaster was edged out two weeks ago 14-13, coupled with a loss last week to Southwestern Christian in Ft. Worth. They won their first two games over private Christian schools.
“Their quarterback looks to be very athletic,” Faith said. “And their defensive front is really active.”
Mistakes Rob Lions of Win
Faith said that he thought the Lions played well most of the time against Hawley, especially in the second half.
“The guys did a good job except for the turnovers and missed assignments,” Faith said. “We were in the red zone and in scoring position twice, but we really let turnovers hurt us.”
The coach said that on the defensive side, Albany started out behind.
“We first had to figure out what their offense was doing, but then we matched up with their power running game,” he said. “We did a much better job on defense in the second half.”
Defensive standouts named by Faith were Cade Neve, B.J. Morris, Zion Belisle, Gregori Mikeska, and Jackson Chapman.
“The defense created three turnovers including interceptions by Cade Neve and Robert Bailey,” Faith said. “Gregori Mikeska also had fumble recovery, and Parker Henry forced a fumble.”
On the offensive side, the coach said was pleased except for the turnovers.
“We were much more balanced last week with 130 rushing and 284 yards passing,” the coach said. “We had a good night against a good defense, but turnovers played a big role in the game. We have to take care of the ball.”
The coach named Morris and Dillon Hindman as standouts at receiver and Jaheim Newton at running back.
“Ben West also made some good throws and ran the offense well,” the coach added.
Scoring Summary
Hawley – 1st quarter, 7:00. Xavier Rodela completes a seven-yard pass to Robert Ybarra for a touchdown. Two-yard run by Colton Marshall is good. Score 0-8.
Albany – 1st quarter, 5:58. Ben West completes 57-yard pass to Blaine Kayga for a touchdown. Colby Hargett kicks the PAT. Score 7-8.
Hawley – 1st quarter, 4:05. Marshall runs for five-yard touchdown. Marshall’s two-point run attempt fails. Score 7-14.
Hawley – 1st quarter – 13 seconds. Rodela scores on 77-yard run. Marshall makes two-point run. Score 7-22.
Albany – 3rd quarter, 4:30. West completes 11-yard pass to Dillon Hindman for touchdown. PAT kicked by Hargett. Score 14-22.
Albany – 4th quarter, 10:12. West completes nine-yard pass to Kayga for touchdown. Two-point pass from West to Hindman fails. Score 20-22.
