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Lions regroup after tough pre-district loss to Hamlin

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By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lion offense didn’t have many chances to score against the visiting Hamlin Pipers last Friday because Hamlin’s defense was just too much for Albany to handle, giving the Lions their first loss of the season 42-6.

Albany (2-1) will play their first road game this Friday, making the trip to Haskell to play the Indians (1-2) with a 7:00 p.m. kickoff.

Albany fans are able to purchase tickets online in advance by using the TicketLeap website (haskell-cisd.ticketleap.com/haskellsports). Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $3 for students.

A maximum of 290 tickets are available for the visitors bleachers due to COVID-19 restrictions that limit those attending to 50 percent capacity.

Fans who buy tickets can either show the verification on their smart phone or a printed copy of the ticket sale.

Tickets could possibly be purchased at the visitors gate on the east side of the field, but those seats will be based on availability.

Fans can stand along the fences or bring lawn chairs and sit at the north end of the field.

Masks or shields are recommended in the stadium, and fans will be screened at the gates by answering questions concerning exposure to anyone who has tested positive for the virus.

The reality of the coronavirus hit home for the Lions last weekend, with one of the varsity players testing positive. Varsity players are now required to wear masks throughout the school day until the end of next week, along with having temperature checks twice each day.

Faith Comments on Hamlin Game

Head football coach Denney Faith said that the Lions didn’t play their best game against the state-ranked Pipers. Hamlin was ranked second in Class 2A-Div. II prior to the game, while Albany was ranked sixth.

“We didn’t play well,” Faith said. “We couldn’t generate much offense because our defense was on the field too much, which had a big impact on the game.”

The coach said that the Pipers have a very good defense that forced the Lions to make a number of mistakes.

“They have 14 returning seniors off last year’s state appearance team, and they have a lot of experience since most of them have played on varsity for four years,” the coach said.

Faith explained that the Lions had too many turnovers and made other mistakes that kept them from sustaining a drive or getting into a rhythm.

Pressure by the Hamlin defense resulted in the Pipers picking off four Albany passes.

Faith said the Albany defense played well in the first part of the game.

“Wesley Estridge had his best game so far,” Faith said, “but since our offense couldn’t move the ball, our defense got worn down. We are going to have to tackle better in the open field.”

Devan Henson and Cade Neve returned to the line-up from the injured list for the game. However, Luke Ivy is still dealing with a concussion protocol.

Scoring Summary

Hamlin – Jackson Sepeda runs for 19-yard touchdown. PAT kick by Braydin Warner is good. 1st quarter - 4:00. Score 0-7

Hamlin – Sepeda runs 11 yards for touchdown. PAT by Warner is good. 1st quarter-0:00. Score 14-0.

Hamlin – Braydin Warner pass complete to Manuel De La Cruz for 18-yard touchdown. PAT by Warner is good. 2nd quarter-5:55. Score 21-0.

Hamlin – Warner runs for 4-yard touchdown. PAT kick by Warner is good. 2nd quarter-2:48. Score 0-28.

Hamlin – Sepeda runs for 2-yard touchdown. PAT by Warner is good. 3rd quarter-8:29. Score 35-0.

Hamlin – Warner  9-yard pass to De La Cruz for touchdown. Warner kicks PAT. 4th quarter-11:17. Score 42-0.

Albany – Barrett Beal runs for 11-yard touchdown. Wilkins’ PAT kick no good. 4th quarter-5:31. Score 42-6.