By Sam WallerAfter a week off, the Albany Lions face their biggest test of the season Friday when the Santo Wildcats visit Robert Nail Memorial Stadium in a showdown for first place in District 8-2A Division II.Kickoff is 7:00 p.m.

By Sam WallerAlbany’s Jonathan Coody finished 60th in a field of 111 runners Monday at the Region II-2A cross country meet at Grand Prairie.Coody, a freshman, covered the course at Lynn Creek Park in 21 minutes, 2.93 seconds.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lady Lions made the most of a home court advantage last week, clinching the District 6-2A volleyball championship  on Oct. 19 by sweeping Hawley for the second time this season. They then began preparing for the playoffs by beating Hico on Saturday.

By Sam WallerMoran’s football playoff hopes took a hit last Friday with a 60-14 loss at Woodson.Moran (1-5 overall, 1-1 District 9-1A Division II) fell behind 26-0 in the first quarter, but played closer over the next two. Woodson (3-3, 1-0) ended the game with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

By Sam WallerThe Moran Lady Bulldogs volleyball team kept its playoff hopes alive Saturday with a four-set victory over Rising Star.Entering their Tuesday match at Strawn, the Lady Bulldogs were tied with Newcastle for third place among District 6-2A’s Class 1A members at 4-4.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Junior High eighth grade Lady Cubs defeated Newcastle 25-14, 25-12 on Oct. 12 in last week’s only junior high volleyball match.The Lady Cubs seventh and eighth grade teams played Hawley on Monday. Results were not available at press time and will be reported next week.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Junior High Cubs recorded a pair of road victories last Thursday despite going in different directions.The eighth grade Cubs won 34-0 at Hico, while the seventh grade won 22-21 at Abilene TLCA.Both teams are off this week as the Albany programs take an open date.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions junior varsity football team started quickly and never trailed last Thursday in defeating Hico 46-0 on the road.Cason Fairchild returned the opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown, and Lute Wheeler passed for three touchdowns as Albany improved to 7-0.

By Sam WallerAlbany’s Jonathan Coody qualified for regional competition last week with his performance at the District 10-2A cross country meet at Anson.Coody, a freshman, finished sixth out of 11 runners in the varsity boys race on Oct. 13.

By Sam WallerThe foursome of Randy Walker, James Waters, Charles Barrett, and Rodney Barton scored a one-shot victory last Friday in the 14th annual John Rose & Jim Law Memorial Albany Kiwanis Charity Golf Tournament.