By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions were handed their biggest challenge of the season last Thursday by the Olney Cubs in their Class 2A Division II area playoff at Graham.

The Lions responded with a strong second half to pull away for a 32-10 victory over a team it pummeled 55-6 seven weeks earlier.

Regional Playoff

Albany, ranked fourth in the state, gets an even bigger test in the third round, taking on No. 2 Muenster at Porcupine Field in Springtown Friday at 2:00 p.m. The Hornets (12-0) advanced with a 63-24 victory over Seymour.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions placed eight players on the All-District 6-2A volleyball team, including four superlative awards.

The team was selected by a vote of the district coaches.

Sarah Cotter was named district MVP with Tristen Brown selected Offensive MVP, Robin Lucas Defensive MVP, and Clara Holson Outstanding Setter.

Ansleigh Garcia and Kiana Roberson were elected to the first team with Ashlyn Holson and Gracie Price earning second team honors.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions and Lady Lions basketball teams cancelled Tuesday games at Eula because of Albany’s involvement in the volleyball and football playoffs.

Also cancelled is Albany’s participation in the Randal Murry Classic in Seymour. The Lady Lions were originally to play all three days of the Nov. 18-20 tourney, but the varsity will now open their season when they host Guthrie at 6:00 p.m. Monday. Varsity and JV will visit Comanche on Tuesday before taking off for the Thanksgiving weekend.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions fell short in their quest to reach the state volleyball tournament, falling to Wink 20-25, 18-25, 25-27 in the semifinals of the Region-I-2A Tournament on Friday at San Angelo.

“I’m happy that the girls got to experience the real regional tournament this year,” Lady Lions coach M.J. Reneau said. “They set high goals for themselves this season and continued to get closer each day.”

Albany ended its season with a 32-6 record.

Reneau said falling behind early, even if just by a few points, made the difference against Wink.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions took the first step forward in the Class 2A Division II football playoffs last Thursday with a 68-0 bi-district victory over the Era Hornets at Iowa Park’s Hawk Stadium.

The margin of victory was the largest in Albany’s postseason history, surpassing 57-point bi-district victories against Ranger (64-7 in 1989) and Rotan (70-13 in 2008).

By Sam Waller

The Moran Bulldogs closed out their football season in a big way last Thursday, defeating the Rochelle JV 50-0 at Mullin.

Moran scored 30 points in the second quarter to take a 44-0 halftime lead and ended the game with a touchdown in the third quarter.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything better,” Bulldogs coach John Hughes said. “We got a win and sent my lone senior (Arren Hawley) out on a winning note.”

Moran (2-7) rushed for 252 of its 262 total yards.

By Sam Waller

The Packers and Chiefs won their age division championships Monday night as the Albany NFL Flag Football League concluded its season this week with its Super Bowl week at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.

The Packers won the Kindergarten-First Grade group, while the Chiefs won the Fourth-Sixth Grade division.

The Second-Third Grade division played Tuesday night, with Texas Tech winning the championship.

The league played its final regular season games Saturday at the Albany High School baseball field

Kindergarten-

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions junior varsity football team closed out its season last Thursday with a 54-16 victory against the Seymour Panthers at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.

Albany finished the season 8-0.

“This has been a great season for these young men,” coach David Fair­child said. “I appreciate all their dedication and hard work.   I’m looking forward to a bright future for this group.”

Ashton Bailey and Cason Fairchild each scored three touchdowns, while Lute Wheeler passed for two TDs and two conversions.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Junior High Cubs football teams combined efforts last Thursday to finish off their season with a 42-0 victory against Cross Plains at Robeert Bail Memorial Stadium.

“What a great season for these young men, going 8-0,” eighth grade coach David Fairchild said. “We’re looking for big things down the road.”

Eighth grade quarterback Brody Oliver passed for two touchdowns, ran for a third, and completed three conversion passes.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions and Lady Lions basketball teams are in wait-and-see mode as several players are busy participating in the football and volleyball playoffs.

Under UIL rules, girls were allowed to begin playing games last Friday with boys allowed to start this Friday. However, player availability will be an issue for Albany teams until the fall sports conclude their seasons.