Here are the Big Country’s passing leaders through Week 5:
Category: Albany Lions
CAPITAL FARM CREDIT/BCP PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Snyder’s Benitez takes the top spot
Defensive specialists seldom get the attention they deserve in volleyball. Not unlike offensive linemen in football, who do the dirty work behind the scenes that enables the glamour positions to shine.
That isn’t the case at Big Country Preps, where we take pride in giving credit to those willing to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty.
Snyder libero Abby Benitez, perhaps the best defender in the entire Big Country, fits that mold and has captured our Capital Farm Credit/Big Country Preps Player of the Week award for the week ending Sept. 25.
District 8-2A Div. II Week 5 Report: Santo rallies to knock off 3A Millsap 36-33
Santo 36, Millsap 33 — Moving up a division to take on the Bulldogs, the Wildcats stayed unbeaten with a come-from-behind victory.
Trailing 20-13 at halftime, Santo (5-0) outscored Millsap 16-6 in the third quarter to take the lead and held on down the stretch to escape with the victory.
The Wildcats overcame a 457-409 deficit in total yardage, getting big offensive days from quarterback Case Procter (4-6-0—80 passing; 21-115, 2 TDs rushing) and running back Sam Henderson (13-125, 2 TDs rushing). Jake Bryan (6-54 rushing) also had a touchdown for Santo, which allowed 395 passing yards but came up with two big interceptions.
BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Jim Ned, Snyder clash in battle of unbeatens (w/ Evan Ren’s Big Country picks)
LAST WEEK: 36-16, .692
OVERALL: 163-46, .779
After four straight weeks of picking 80 percent or better, the USS Ren ran aground last Friday, bottoming out with a season-low .692 percentage and dropping my season tally to .779.
I generally like to be above 80 percent by midseason, so last Friday served as a wakeup call. Actually, it was more of a gut punch. But I’ll get over it.
This week’s Big Country Preps Game of the Week will see me traveling to Snyder, where the unbeaten Class 4A Tigers will play host to 3A DI state champion Jim Ned in what should be an absolutely electric atmosphere.
You all set? Let’s dive in to this week’s picks.
Big Country Volleyball Statistical Leaders (through Sept. 21)
Big Country Preps is publishing area volleyball statistical leaders each Tuesday at 7 p.m.
This database will be continually updated for our subscribers throughout the remainder of the season, using only those statistics submitted by area coaches.
We will continually update the database throughout the regular season.
CAPITAL FARM CREDIT/BCP PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Stephenville QB takes the top spot
When you combine our two key factors in selecting our Capital Farm Credit/BCP Player of the Week — quality of numbers and level of difficulty — nobody outperformed Stephenville quarterback Ryder Lambert last week in SHS’ 37-7 rout of Class 5A Abilene Wylie.
Lambert connected on 22 of 28 throws for 458 yards and five scores to help push the Yellow Jackets to 4-0.
Just four weeks in and the ‘Jackets are looking like they could win Texas’ most difficult 4A district (5-4A DI), despite having road dates with Waco La Vega and Midlothian Heritage.
District 8-2A Div. II Week 4 Report: Hico gets defensive in win over Junction
Hico 24, Junction 7 — The Tigers snapped a two-game losing streak with a three-score win over a previously unbeaten Eagles team in Bangs.
Hico (2-2) only had 190 yards of total offense, but the Tigers held Junction to 59 yards on 41 snaps and forced a pair of turnovers.
Angel Gonzalez led HHS with 85 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, while Jaydon Qualls rushed for 43 yards on three attempts.
BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Improved Lions to pay visit to Brady (w/ Evan Ren’s Big Country Picks)
LAST WEEK: 36-16, .692
OVERALL: 163-46, .779
After four straight weeks of picking 80 percent or better, the USS Ren ran aground last Friday, bottoming out with a season-low .692 percentage and dropping my season tally to .779.
Big Country Volleyball Statistical Leaders (through Sept. 14)
Big Country Preps is publishing area volleyball statistical leaders each Tuesday at 7 p.m.
This database will be continually updated for our subscribers throughout the remainder of the season, using only those statistics submitted by area coaches.
We will continually update the database throughout the regular season.
District 8-2A Div. II Week 3 Report: Santo blasts Itasca to stay perfect at 3-0
Santo 46, Itasca 6 — The Wildcats got out to a fast start, scoring 21 first-quarter points, and never looked back in routing the Wampus Cats.
Coach Devon Mann’s Santo squad (3-0) outgained Itasca 356-145, rushing for all but three of its yards while holding the Wampus Cats to minus-15 rushing yards.
Up 21-0 at halftime, the Wildcats put the game out of reach with three third-quarter touchdowns. Itasca scored late in the fourth quarter to avoid the shutout.
BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Brady cancels, Ren goes scrambling (w/ Evan Ren’s Big Country Picks)
LAST WEEK: 42-9, .823
SEASON TOTAL: 85-21, .801
I was very much looking forward to our Big Country Preps Game of the Week – Coleman (2-0) at Brady (2-0). Unfortunately, COVID intervened by midweek, forcing a cancellation of the contest.
On a positive note, there are several other quality games throughout the area for us to focus on, and (taking a bow) the column is already hitting over 80 percent on picks and we’re only in Week 3.
Numbers of that sort are generally reserved for Weeks 7-10, so I’m feeling pressure to keep the early momentum going.
In the absence of our Game of the Week, I’ll be heading to Cross Plains on Friday, where Haskell will be paying a visit to the Buffaloes (COVID allowing, of course).
Let’s dive in to this week’s picks:
CAPITAL FARM CREDIT/BCP PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Big Spring QB Baeza takes top spot
Much of the Big Country remains unaware of him. But Big Spring senior Gabriel Baeza has begun to post numbers that demand attention, and he’s starting to get it.
His latest effort: 374 yards passing for three touchdowns in a 49-10 win over Lubbock High School to push Big Spring to a 2-0 start.
This week’s Capital Farm Credit/Big Country Preps Player of the Week also rushed 12 times for 56 yards and three additional scores, giving him a direct hand in six TDs.
District 8-2A Div. II Week 2 Report: Albany finds stride in lopsided win over Dublin
Albany 48, Dublin 21 — After having their opener against Colorado City canceled, coach Denney Faith’s Lions pushed through a sluggish start to blow out Dublin in their first game of the year.
AHS didn’t get on the board until the 4:48 mark of the second quarter and led just 14-7 at halftime. But Faith’s squad got going after halftime, outscoring DHS 21-0 in the third quarter to turn a one-score game into a runaway.
CAPITAL FARM CREDIT/BCP PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Dublin’s Chris Teten snags our first award of the school year
Prior to the season, we listed Dublin’s Chris Teten among our Top 10 area quarterbacks to watch in 2021. And he wasted no time in demonstrating why.
Only a junior, Teten threw for 310 yards and five scores in a 43-14 win over area rival De Leon to capture our first Capital Farm Credit/Big Country Preps Player of the Week award for the 2020-21 school year.
Hitting 16 of 26 throws, Teten threw a 69-yard TD pass on the first play from scrimmage, setting the tone for the rest of the evening. With the game in hand, he played a little more than a half before being taken out.
District 8-2A Div. II Week 1 Report: Santo rallies past Rio Vista in opener
Santo 14, Rio Vista 12 — Trailing 12-8 heading into the final quarter, the Wildcats got a five-yard touchdown run from Sam Henderson with a little more than eight minutes remaining in the game to earn a come-from-behind win over the Eagles.
Santo (1-0) was outgained 228-177 and lost the turnover battle 2-1, but the Wildcats were able to make the plays they needed down the stretch to get the victory.
The Wildcats, who rushed for 141 yards on 35 carries, were led by Jake Bryan (8-48 rushing), Hutson Thornton (3-43, 1 TD rushing; 1-36 receiving) and Henderson (7-37, 1 TD rushing). Rio Vista (0-1) gained all but 17 of its yards through the air.
BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Stephenville play host to Sweetwater (w/ Evan Ren’s Big Country Picks)
LAST WEEK: 0-0, .000
SEASON TOTAL 0-0, .000
At last, here we are.
The 2021 football season has arrived, giving us a much-needed diversion every Friday night, in isolated spots all over Central Texas. As always, I will endeavor to pick the winner of all our area games, from Class 1A through Class 6A, with the top matchup serving as our Big Country Preps Game of the Week.
Our first spotlight game should come as no surprise, with long-time Hamlin coach Russell Lucas debuting as the head coach of the Sweetwater Mustangs — one of the most -storied programs in the Big Country.
Their opposition?
The Stephenville Yellow Jackets at Tarleton State’s Memorial Stadium.
With that, let’s dive into the picks, shall we?
BCP Football Preseason Position Rankings: Quarterbacks
After a week of highlighting area playmakers, we wrap up our eight-part preseason position rankings series with the Big Country’s best signal callers.
To complete our look at the area’s top players, we’ve ranked our top 10 quarterbacks with a list of others to watch in 2021.
We hope you enjoy this list and that you’ve enjoyed our position rankings as we get set to kickoff a new season.
BCP Football Preseason Position Rankings: Running Backs
As we wind down our eight-part preseason position rankings series, we arrive finally at the Big Country’s top ball-carriers.
After breaking down this year’s crop of receivers and tight ends Monday, we move now to the area’s top backs, ranking our top 10 with a list of others to watch in 2021. Don’t forget to check in Wednesday night when we conclude our series with the top 10 area quarterbacks.
We hope you enjoy tonight’s list and encourage you to check out the other position groups, which are linked below.
BCP Football Preseason Position Rankings: Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
We’re approaching the final stretch of our eight-part preseason position rankings series, and it’s time to look at the Big Country’s top pass-catchers.
After starting the offensive portion of our series Sunday with the linemen, we now shift our attention to the playmakers on the perimeter, ranking our top 10 wide receivers/tight ends with a list of others to watch in 2021.
We hope you enjoy our list and encourage you to check out the other position groups, which are linked below.
BCP Football Preseason Position Rankings: Offensive Linemen
With the defensive and special teams rankings behind us, it’s time to look at the area’s top offensive players. And we’ll start with the foundation of any productive offense: the offensive line.
For the fifth installment of our eight-part preseason position rankings series, we turn our attention to the trenches, ranking the Big Country’s top 10 offensive linemen with a list of others to watch in 2021.
We hope you enjoy reading through our rankings.
BCP Football Preseason Position Rankings: Kickers/Punters
After recognizing the top defensive players throughout the Big Country over the past three days, it’s time to honor the specialists.
We continue our eight-part preseason position rankings series by naming our top 10 kickers and top three punters to watch this fall.
We hope you enjoy this list and that you have enjoyed our position rankings as we get set to kickoff the 2021 season.
BCP Football Preseason Position Rankings: Defensive Backs
After starting with the linemen and linebackers, we turn to the defensive backfield to complete our look at the top defenders in the Big Country.
For the third installment in our eight-part preseason position rankings series, we shift our focus to the secondary, giving our list of the area’s top-10 defensive backs and others to look out for in 2021.
We hope you enjoy our list.
BCP Football Preseason Position Rankings: Linebackers
After taking a look at the Big Country’s top defensive linemen on Wednesday, it’s now time to examine those who will backing them in 2021.
Continuing with Big Country Preps’ eight-part preseason position rankings series, here’s our top 10 linebackers to watch this fall, as well as a list of the others we’re expecting big things from.
We hope you enjoy our list.
BCP Football Preseason Position Rankings: Defensive Linemen
With the start of football season around the corner, it’s time to take a look at the players who will be making the biggest impact in 2021.
For the first installment in an eight-part series that will cover all position groups, we’ll be taking a look at the area’s top defensive linemen, ranking our top 10 with a list of others to watch this fall.
As with any such list, these rankings are subjective. We hope you enjoy reading through them.
2021 DISTRICT PREDICTIONS: Evan and Daniel make their picks
Without further ado it is time for us to make our Big Country predictions, district-by-district.
This is the culmination of several weeks of research and two solid months of summertime labor, so we’re more than ready to post it.
So dive in and study our take on the upcoming season, along with the more than 80 preseason stories we posted earlier today. Enjoy! We’ll see you on the road.
EVAN REN: The top area games worth traveling to in 2021
Every year, one of the things I look forward to most, is mapping out the upcoming football season — charting the games I believe will have the greatest impact.
First and foremost, it’s a preseason menu for area fans who enjoy driving to some of the Big Country’s best football games on a weekly basis. Call it a football roadmap of sorts.
ALBANY FEATURE: Newton could be on the verge of a big season, but you won’t hear it from him
ALBANY — Combine a gifted, 1,200-yard running back with an experienced offensive line and one doesn’t need to be a psychic to see what’s coming next.
The Albany Lions are expected to contend for a regional title in 2021, and the name of Jaheim Newton figures to be one you’ll hear quite often during that quest.
2021 ALBANY PREVIEW: Lions may produce one of ‘those’ teams in 2021
ALBANY — While the Albany Lions have been quite good in almost every season over the past 30 years, there are enough ingredients in place in 2021 to speculate that AHS may field a “vintage” team.
Texas’ sports media is paying attention, as evidenced by the No. 5 preseason ranking given to the Lions by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine in Class 2A Division II.
COUNTDOWN TO TWO-A-DAYS: Albany Lions
Football is just around the corner, and we at BigCountryPreps.com are committed to bringing you the information you need to prepare for your favorite team’s season.
We’ll be releasing our Big Country Preps Preseason Football Preview, the most comprehensive look at the upcoming Big Country football season anywhere, on Saturday, Aug. 14. But you won’t have to wait until then to sate your gridiron appetite.
Leading up to the first day of fall football practice on Aug. 2, we’ll be spotlighting each 11-man team in the area and posing some of the key questions they’ll face in 2021 as part of our annual “Countdown to Two-a-Days” series.
We continue in Class 2A Division II with the Albany Lions. On Saturday we will take a look at the Cross Plains Buffaloes, followed by the Hico Tigers on Sunday.
PHOTO GALLERY: Albany-New Deal baseball playoff Games 1 and 2 (88 images)
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LINK … GAME STORY: Albany falls in two straight to New Deal
GAME STORY: Albany falls in two straight games to New Deal
SNYDER — New Deal baseball coach Jason Ybarra doesn’t believe in baseball fate. He simply believes in baseball.
And it’s a good thing. Because the superstitious among the New Deal crowd may have believed NDHS was destined to lose after a costly seventh-inning error on a dropped popup with two outs allowed Albany to take a late 4-3 lead in Game 2 of their Region I-2A semifinal series.
An inning later, New Deal (25-3-1) rolled the dice, took the game and the series with a 5-4 win. The victory came on the heels of an 11-4 New Deal victory in Game 1 earlier in the day at Moffett Field.