Lions Rally Past Bearcats in opener

Two state-ranked Class 2A teams met at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium Friday night, with the Albany Lions coming away with a big win to open the 2026 season.

Albany, ranked No. 6 in Class 2A Division II, battled back from an early deficit and survived a wild finish to defeat Hawley, ranked No. 11 in Class 2A Division I, 34-27.

Hawley struck first, breaking loose for a long touchdown run only minutes a…