Second half surge powers Lions past Quanah
The Albany Lions battled through a slow first half and a ball-control strategy from Quanah before surging in the second half to earn a 35 to 15 win Friday night in Holliday. The playoff victory sends Albany into a highly anticipated regional matchup against defending state champion Muenster.
The meeting with Quanah was the first in school history, and it quickly became clear the Indians intended to shorten the game. Using a strict wishbone formation, Quanah snapped the ball with only seconds left on the play clock and pounded out short gains to keep possession away from Albany’s offense.
The Lions ran only 12 offensive plays in the entire first half and trailed 7 to 6 at the break.
“They had a good game plan,” head coach Denney Faith said Saturday morning. “They were trying to keep us from having the ball, and they executed it well early. We only ran 12 offensive plays in the first half. But when we did get chances to move the ball, we were able to score.”
Quanah finished with 298 rushing yards, the most Albany has allowed this season, but managed only 15 points. The Indians’ inability to throw the ball proved costly as the Lions’ second-half adjustments took effect.
“We had to start playing with better technique,” Faith said. “We were playing too high up front, and they were getting two or three yards at a time. We knew they were going to go for it on fourth down. First down was the key, and in the second half we did a much better job. We put them behind the chains and made them do things they weren’t used to.”
The Lions entered the game without senior defensive lineman Tristan Howe, who missed the contest due to concussion protocol. Freshman Jacob Thurman stepped into the starting role and showed steady improvement as the game went on.
“Second half was much better,” Faith said. “He started a little high in the first half, but once he adjusted, he really settled in. For a freshman to step in and do that, that helped us.”
Once Albany gained some rhythm, the offense found its balance. Quarterback Clay Chapman passed for 187 yards and a touchdown on 7 of 8 completions and added 105 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Albany finished with 176 rushing yards, matching its production through the air.
“We wanted to stay balanced,” Faith said. “We knew they would have a hard time stopping our offense, so their whole plan was to keep the ball away from us. But we felt good about what we were doing. We liked running Clay with the defensive looks they were giving us, and we always feel comfortable throwing it to our receivers.”
Senior running back and receiver Shawn Keen delivered one of his best all-around games of the season, stepping into the role normally filled by the injured Breylon Billington and finished with 84 receiving yards, including a 55-yard touchdown.
“Shawn played really well,” Faith said. “He gave us a spark. He made big plays and caught a couple of balls coming out of the backfield, something we haven’t shown much this year.”
Calhan Fairchild added 64 receiving yards, and Jaxson Street picked up 39 on a long catch and run. Woods Peterson and Keen also added touchdowns on the ground, helping Albany score 29 second-half points.
Despite running only 28 plays compared to Quanah’s 70, the Lions outgained the Indians 363 to 312.
The win sets up a compelling regional showdown between two familiar opponents. Albany beat Muenster on the way to its 2022 and 2023 state titles, but Muenster answered last season by winning the 2024 championship and knocking Albany out of the playoffs.
“It is going to be a great football game,” Faith said. “They do all the little things right. They play with discipline, they are physical, and they have an outstanding quarterback. They are coming off a state championship with a lot of kids back. It will be a hard-fought game.”
With no school during Thanksgiving week, the Lions will shift to morning practices instead of their usual afternoon workouts. They will also hold a short session on Thanksgiving morning before releasing players to spend the rest of the holiday with their families.
Albany and Muenster will meet Friday in Graham at 6 p.m.
