Lions outscore Coleman in first scrimmage
By Donnie A. Lucas
The 2019 Lion football team got the first taste of “live” action during a scrimmage last Friday in Coleman.
Albany will host the Anson Tigers for a second and final scrimmage on Thursday (today) starting at 6:00 p.m. with the junior varsity. The varsity squad will follow at about 6:45 p.m.
There will not be an official gate price for the local scrimmage, but fans will be asked to help support the Texas High School Coaches Association’s “Our Day to Shine” benevolence fundraiser by donating at the gate.
Proceeds go to the THCA’s statewide fund to help coaches and players in need due to serious injuries or illness.
“We have participated in this fundraiser for several years,” head coach Denney Faith said. “I hope our fans will continue to support this like they have in the past.”
The Lions will open the regular season on the road on Friday, Aug. 30 in Colorado City. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
Faith said that he was happy with the Lions’ performance against Coleman.
“For a first scrimmage, I think they played pretty well,” Faith said. “There are always things to work on, especially this early in the season. There are things we saw on the film that we need to correct.”
The coach said that the defense didn’t tackle at times like they should have.
“We weren’t as crisp as we need to be, especially against good quarterbacks and running backs,” Faith said.
He added that on offense the receivers need to block better downfield, and the backs need to execute fakes better.
“I was pleased with the effort, but we have to keep working,” said Faith.
The coach said that the team is doing well with timing on the offense.
“Our timing was pretty good, the line is coming off the ball hard, and the running backs are hitting the holes,” he said. “The quarterbacks executed well, but there is still a timing issue to work out with the receivers in our passing game.”
The coach said that the team will improve as they have more opportunities for “live” action against another squad.
Overall, the varsity scored six touchdowns to Coleman’s two during the scrimmage.
Robert Bailey scored on a 61-yard run, Dillon Hindman scored on a 56-yard pass, and Jaheim Newman scored on plays of 70 yards and 28 yards. Jeb Becker caught a 15-yard pass in the end zone, and B.J. Morris punched a two-yard play over the goal.
Brooks Neece suffered a contusion just above the knee and Wesley Estridge had a ankle sprain. Both are expected to recover quickly.
“We still haven’t filled every spot so far,” Faith said. “We will use this week’s scrimmage to evaluate kids and move people around to get a look at different combinations.”
The coach said that the Tigers will pose a big test for the Lions.
“Anson has a really good team that will be a challenge,” he said.
The JV Lions lost to Coleman two to one in their scrimmage last week. Caden Price scored on a run set up by a big reception by Luke Ivy from Cole Chapman.
