Lions, Tigers face off in new district lineup
By Donnie A. Lucas
The Lion football team knocked the stinger off the visiting Meridian Yellowjackets early in the district opener for the two teams last Friday, racking up a 60-0 win over the visitors.
The Lions will travel to Hico this Friday as the District 8-2A race continues, with Albany facing the Tigers (1-5, 0-1) in a 7:00 p.m. bout at Tiger Field.
Tickets for the visitors side have to be be reserved by calling the Albany superintendent’s office to be placed on a list, according to athletic director Ryder Peacock.
There is no charge for admittance, but spectators’ names must be on the list at the gate, said Peacock.
This is the first time that anyone, including the current coaching staff, is aware of Albany playing football in Hico. The stadium is located at the high school at 901 Cedar Street on the north side of town.
The Tigers won their first game of the season against Texas Wind, dropping the next five, including their district opener against Cross Plains, 33-12.
“We know very little about them,” head coach Denney Faith said. “They seem to run the option, but we don’t have any kind of history against them.”
District Opener
The Lions didn’t have any experience against the Meridian Yellowjackets to open district either, but it didn’t take long to make some.
“The kids gave good effort and were really trying hard,” Faith said. “I was disappointed in the number of penalties we had. That is something we have to clean up.”
The coach said the penalties are not something the Lions can afford against competitive teams later in the season.
“Some of our penalties were caused by them having a defensive call at the line, which threw us off,” he said. “But we have to get better and not be drawn off.”
The coach praised the Lions for putting together 468 yards of offense while holding Meridian to -49 yards.
“We didn’t pass much, but we were seven of nine for 88 yards,” Faith said. “We had a lot of skill guys carry the ball for almost 400 yards rushing. Getting that many involved will help us down the road.”
The coach also commended the offensive line for blocking well.
The coach said that the Lion defense only allowed two first downs, both on penalties.
“Our defense spent a lot of their time on Meridian’s side of the line, with 15 tackles for a loss,” he said.
The coach was also pleased with his coverage teams during the game.
“We need to get more consistent with our PATs, but that will improve with a little more time,” he said.
The Lions still have Ranger, Santo, and Cross Plains on the district schedule, with an open date prior to the first playoff round in November.
Scoring Summary
Albany – Barrett Beal pass complete to Brooks Neece for 5 yard touchdown. PAT kick by Ryder Wilkins is good. 1st quarter - 8:48. Score 7-0.
Albany – Jaheim Newton runs for 7 yard touchdown. PAT kick by Wilkins is blocked. 1st quarter - 2:34. Score 13-0.
Albany – Beal completes 24 yard pass to Coy Lefevre for touchdown. PAT kicked by Wilkins. 2nd quarter - 8:55. Score 20-0.
Albany – Neece runs for 5 yard touchdown. PAT kicked by Wilkins. 2nd quarter - 6:05. Score 27-0.
Albany – Beal pass complete to Robert Bailey for 4 yard touchdown. PAT kicked by Wilkins. 2nd quarter - 4:32. Score 34-0.
Albany – Isaiah Dockins runs 35 yards for touchdown. PAT attempt by Wilkins fails. 2nd quarter - 0:34. Score 40-0.
Albany – Dockins runs 1 yard for touchdown. PAT by Wilkins is good. 3rd quarter - 8:40. Score 47-0.
Albany – Dockins runs 6 yards for touchdown. PAT attempt by Wilkins fails. 3rd quarter - 1:15. Score 53-0.
Albany – Dockins runs 1 yard for touchdown. PAT kick by Wilkins is good. 4th quarter - 4:30. Score 60-0.
