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 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

Registration deadline is Friday, Nov. 19 for fifth and sixth grade boys and girls wanting to play in the local youth basketball league.

Organizer Clint Chapman said the teams will begin practicing after Thanksgiving.

“We’re going to start just as soon as we can,” he said.

Games will start Jan. 15 and continue on Saturdays through Feb. 5. The teams will compete in one-day tournaments against teams from Eula, Merkel, Jim Ned, and Hawley. Most games will be played out of town, though Chapman expects Albany to host one tournament on Jan. 29.

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 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.

Photo packages of local flag football teams and individuals have been printed and are now available.

Parents who paid in advance or who have valid accounts can pick up their packages at The Albany News office.

Others can be ordered when they are paid.

By Sam Waller

All seven players on the Moran volleyball team were honored with inclusion on the All-District 6-2A team.

Johnnie Hise was voted to the first team with Hannah Rogers being named to the second team.

Receiving honorable mention were Emily Murk, Harmony Slaughter, Alli Scott, Alyssa Allred, and Hannah Noble.

Hise and Rogers also earned academic all-district honors.

Lady Bulldog Action

The Moran Lady Bulldogs tipped off their basketball season Friday with a 39-27 home loss to Strawn.

By Sam Waller

Moran High School’s senior class presented a Veterans Day program last Thursday with each class member performing a separate part.

“We had two veterans attend and some family of other veterans attend,” principal Jo Hise said. “There were about 10 special guests.”

Thanksgiving Break

Moran Independent School District will dismiss classes for the Thanksgiving holiday on Friday.

School will be closed from Monday, Nov. 22, through Friday, Nov. 26. Classes will resume at the regular time on Monday, Nov. 29.

Tammi Taggart  Titsworth of Lubbock, age 60, died Nov. 6, 2021 at her home. A memorial service will be held at the Moran Community Center on Nov. 21 at 1:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to help celebrate the life of Tammi Taggart Titsworth. 

She was born June 23, 1961 in Toronto, Ohio to Harold Wayne Taggart and Gwen Burton-Gates. She married Paul Titsworth June 16, 2002 in Eastland, TX.

She graduated from Moran High School and worked for The Albany News. She also played on The Albany News softball team for several years.

By Donnie A. Lucas

A sure sign that the holiday season is near, the annual bazaar hosted at Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church is set for Saturday after a one-year lapse due to the pandemic.

The event has a storied history originating in 1900, missing fewer than a handful of years due to wars and pandemics.

The longtime tradition unofficially marks the beginning of the holiday season in Albany.

The doors will open at 10:00 a.m. to the Country Store, with the turkey and dressing lunch starting at 11:00 a.m.