By Kathy Thomson

The junior high Bulldog football team closed out the 2019 season with a 50-0 win over the Gorillas in Trent on Friday, Nov. 8.

The middle school boys ended with a 4-3 season record, and were 2-1 in district with a loss to Blackwell on Oct. 25, and victories over Loraine on Nov. 1 and Trent last Friday.

“Everyone played really well, and I am proud of them all,” said coach Matthew Hise. “I really hate seeing the football season end, but I am looking forward to basketball season with these young men.”

Junior High Game

By Donnie A. Lucas

Scrimmage action for the Lady Lions basketball team started this week, with the regular season set to start next week, pitting the JV girls against Graham on Nov. 12 and the varsity against Newcastle Nov. 16.

On the boys side, action will be limited due to the football playoffs, but a team combined with some JV and a few varsity players will open the season at the Woodson Tournament scheduled to start Nov. 22.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany junior high football teams split games with Haskell last Thursday in a pair of low-scoring contests.

The Cubs will finish out the season at home on Thursday (today) with the seventh grade hosting a rematch with Haskell starting at 4:00 p.m. The eighth graders will take the field at about 5:15 p.m. against a combined Hamlin junior high team. The JV Lions will face the Hamlin JV at about 6:30 p.m. in their season finale.

The seventh grade Cubs edged out Haskell 14-8, scoring twice late in the game to seal the win.

By Kathy Thomson

The Moran Bulldogs lost their final home game to Loraine 54-6 on Friday, Nov. 1 falling to 4-5 on the season and 0-2 in district with one game remaining.

“After seeing the opening kickoff go back for a touchdown, it only got worse for us,” said head coach John Hughes. 

Four sacks by Loraine held the ’Dawgs to 34 yards on the ground and 35 yards passing.

Meanwhile, Loraine racked up 117 rushing and 127 in the air. The visitors also intercepted the football twice for 29 yards and a touchdown. 

By Kathy Thomson

Moran alumus and current Hardin-Simmons University senior Sydney TenCate recently won gold at the American Southwest Conference 2019 Cross Country Championships, breaking an HSU women’s 6K record that she set just last month and earning a spot for her and her team at the NCAA Division III South/Southeast Regional Championships in Memphis, Tennessee on Nov. 16.

By Kathy Thomson

The Lady Bulldogs volleyball season ended last Tuesday, Oct. 29, when a loss to the Woodson Cowgirls blocked hopes of a spot in the District 6 1A playoff bracket.

Moran fell in three sets 17-25, 20-25, 14-25.

“We struggled with our serves,” said coach Jo Hise.

Hise said that she enjoyed working with the players this season.

“It was my honor and privilege to coach this great group of young ladies,” Hise said. “I learned so much from them this year.”

The coach is expecting all but one team member to return next year.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The long-awaited showdown for the District 7-2A title has arrived, with the Albany Lions traveling to Hamlin Friday night to battle for Albany’s 12th straight  district championship.

The team will be looking for the AISD program’s 700th win, and the Lions will also be on the hunt for their 67th consecutive district win, a statistic going back over 12 years.

 Kickoff at Piper Stadium is set for 7:00 p.m.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany Lady Lions finished the district race in second place and now advance to the area round of the playoffs Saturday in Eastland.

Albany (20-12, 10-2) is facing Miles (22-8) for the fourth straight year in the second round after receiving a bye in the first round.

Game time at the Eastland Mavericks’ gym is set for 5:00 p.m., with the Lady Lions serving as the home team. Ticket prices will be $5 for adults and $3 for students.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The JV Lions kept their winning streak alive with a 40-0 win over the Haskell Indians last Thursday.

The Lions will host Hamlin this week for the season finale. Kickoff will follow two junior high games at about 6:30 p.m.

The Lions moved the ball at will in Haskell, according to coach David Fairchild.

“We had three touchdown runs by Samuel Rosas and two by Caden Price,” the coach said. “Malachi Gueldner had a four-yard reception from Cole Chapman for a touchdown.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lions posted a 41-13 win in Cross Plains last Friday as District 7-2A DII play continues, scoring 41 by early in the fourth quarter before the Buffaloes came up with a couple of touchdowns late in the game.

Albany will host the Haskell Indians on Friday in the final home game of the season, which will also serve as senior night. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at Robert Nail Stadium.