Lions take break before starting district
By Donnie A. Lucas
The Lion football team found their ground game last Friday, rushing for 270 yards during a 50-6 rout of the visiting Menard Yellowjackets in the final non-district game of the season.
The team is open this week as they prepare for the start of the District 7-2A race against Roscoe next Friday, Oct. 18 at Robert Nail Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. for all district games.
While the varsity Lions will be idle this week, the junior varsity and both junior high teams will host Stamford in a set of three games Thursday (today) starting at 4:00 p.m. The JV game is expected to start at 6:30 p.m.
Coach Denney Faith has been looking for more balance on offense, particularly in the Lions’ running game. Albany racked up 270 yards rushing – by far the most this season – while passing for another 100 yards against Menard.
“This was the most balanced game in all three phases of the game that we have played this season,” Faith said. “I was really happy with the ratio of passing and running the ball this week.”
Jaheim Newton did the Lions’ share of work on the ground, covering 177 yards in 10 carries for two touchdowns. Five other backs combined for the remaining 93 yards, including Robert Bailey with five carries for 77 yards.
“Our running backs did a great job this week,” the coach said. “Jaheim Newton and Robert Bailey really stepped up for us. For us to have that many yards carrying the ball also means our offensive line did an outstanding job.”
Quarterback Ben West threw seven of 11 attempts for 100 yards and three touchdowns on the passing side.
“We didn’t throw as much, but we were very effective when we did,” Faith said. “Ben had a good game with three touchdown passes. That makes us very dangerous if we can stay balanced like that.”
The coach commended the Lion defense for playing with a lot of energy.
He named Parker Henry and Gregori Mikeska as standouts at defensive end, along with Brooks Neece at linebacker and Jackson Chapman and Jeb Becker at corner.
“Our defense was able to keep Menard from playing their usual offensive game, and that was also thanks to our defensive tackles who rotated in,” he said.
The coach was also happy with the Lions’ special teams.
“I was really pleased with our coverage teams,” he said. “Those guys made some big plays and showed a lot of extra effort. When they are doing a good job, our field position is improved.”
The coach was happy that the Lions scored on a punt return, kicked a field goal, and kept penalties to the lowest of the season with only three.
“Playing well in this part of the game becomes really important on down the road,” Faith said. “This was part of the overall balance that was important for us.”
The Lions have an open date this week, but the coach quickly pointed out that it isn’t a week off.
“This open date came a little later than usual, but the timing was good for us,” he said. “It is going to allow the kids a chance to let some bodies heal, as well as getting some guys back from injuries in time for district.”
Faith said that going six games deep in the season before the open week, coupled with hotter than usual weather has taken a toll on the team.
“We will be spending time keeping in shape, but mainly we will be getting some rest both mentally and physically before the district-opener next week against Roscoe,” he said.
The Lions have only four district games remaining in the season after both Roby and Baird dropped to six-man football.
The Lions remained in the No. 2 position in the Dave Campbell state rankings this week for Class 2A Division 2, while district foe Hamlin is in the No. 7 spot.
Scoring Summary
Albany – 1st quarter-11:27. Ben West hits B.J. Morris with 7-yard pass for touchdown. The PAT attempt by Colby Hargett failed. Score 6-0.
Albany – 1st quarter – 10:04. Jaheim Newton runs for 50-yard touchdown. Hargett’s PAT is good. Score 13-0.
Albany – 1st quarter – 4:39. Newton runs 10 yards for touchdown. PAT by Hargett is good. Score 20-0.
Albany – 1st quarter – 1:48. West completes 20-yard pass to Cade Neve for touchdown. PAT by Hargett is good. Score 27-0.
Albany – 2nd quarter – 8:30. Hargett kicks 24-yard field goal. Score 30-0.
Albany – 2nd quarter – 3:11. West completes three-yard pass to Neve for touchdown. Hargett kicks PAT. Score 37-0.
Albany – 3rd quarter – 6:17. Morris scores on one-yard carry. PAT attempt by Hargett fails. Score 43-0.
Menard – 4th quarter – 8:37. Rito Lozano runs seven-yard play for touchdown. Two-point pass attempt fails. Score 43-6.
Albany – 4th quarter – 1:29. Robert Bailey returns punt for 52 yards and a touchdown. Hargett kicks PAT. Score 50-6.
