By Sam WallerFacing a higher-ranked opponent for the first time this season, the Albany Lions knew they’d have to raise their level of play last Friday against the Muenster Hornets in their Class 2A Division II regional final.

By Sam WallerSix Moran players earned spots on the All-District 9-1A Division II football team, which was announced Monday.The Bulldogs had two players named to the first team with four selected at two positions.Earning first-team spots were Caleb York at wide receiver and Arren Hawley at punter.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Junior High Lady Cubs Red team suffered a 39-21 loss to Cisco on Monday in its first home game of the season.Braylee Clark and Amber Miramontes each scored six points to lead the team in scoring, while Mimi Ivy added four points.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lady Lions got their basketball season off to a belated start Monday with a 52-21 loss to Ballinger.The Lady Lions were originally scheduled to host Guthrie, but coach Tate Thompson said his team gained more by taking on the Class 3A Lady Bearcats.

By Melinda L. LucasTickets for Friday’s regional semifinal football playoff against Muenster, to be played at 2:00 p.m.  in Springtown’s Porcupine Stadium, must be purchased online by going to springtownisd.net/Page/12001 or following the link on the Albany Athletic Booster Club’s Facebook page.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions junior varsity boys basketball team tipped off its season Saturday with a 34-4 home victory over Roby.The game was the only one at the high school level last week for Albany after the Lady Lions pulled out of their tournament.

By Sam WallerThe 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.

By Sam WallerThe 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.

By Sam WallerThe 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.

By Sam WallerThe 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.