By Donnie A. LucasThere is still a little time remaining to help a teacher or staff member at Albany Jr./Sr. High strut their stuff next Tuesday with votes by donation in the Turkey Teacher contest.Donations which turn into votes will be accepted until the end of the school day this Friday, Nov. 18.

By Melinda L. LucasA “Christmas Bag” will be available Dec. 8-9 to Shackelford County families who normally get monthly commodity food, according to county justice of the peace James Breeden, who oversees the program.

By Sam WallerMembers of the Albany FFA chapter competed in the Big Country District Leadership Development Event on Monday, Nov. 14 at Cisco.“The students did a great job representing Albany FFA,” chapter adviser Chris Beard said.

By Sam WallerHaving a Thursday game has moved up the schedule for both the Albany Lions and the Albany Athletic Booster Club.The Lions will take on the Muenster Hornets at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17 (tonight) at Graham’s Newton Field in the area round of the Class 2A Division II playoffs.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions took the first step in the Class 2A Division II football playoffs with a 49-13 victory over the Eldorado Eagles on Friday, Nov. 11, at Sweetwater’s Mustang Bowl.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lady Lions claimed eight spots on the All-District 6-2A volleyball team, including three superlative honors.Albany went 24-9 overall and 7-1 in district to share the championship with Hawley.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lady Lions opened their basketball season on a successful note, beating Paint Creek 50-6 on Saturday, Nov. 12, at home.The Lady Lions made their first road trip of the season Tuesday, Nov. 15, with a visit to Gordon, losing 59-12. Details will be reported next week.

By Sam WallerSeedings held up as all three division winners of the Albany NFL Flag Football League claimed their respective Super Bowl titles Saturday, Nov. 12 at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.The Cowboys completed a perfect season in winning the Kindergarten-First Grade division.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Junior High Cubs and Lady Cubs basketball teams opened their seasons Monday, Nov. 14, with games against Abilene Christian.The teams will take on Cisco on Monday, Nov. 21 in their second outings. The girls will play at home with the White team tipping off at 4:00 p.m.

By Melinda L. LucasPhoto packages of flag football players that were ordered last month are now available for pickup at The Albany News, open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Packages that weren’t paid or couldn’t be charged to an existing account can still be purchased and ordered.