Big Country Game of the Week: Albany (8-5) vs. Hamlin (12-1), Part II

Stephen Garcia

Not often in the high-school ranks do teams meet twice in the same season. It means a rematch in the playoffs, and it's even better when the two are district opponents.

Add in a rivalry, and it's sure to be a good time.

I'm expecting nothing less Thursday night, when Albany and Hamlin meet again in our Big Country Game of the Week. This time, a trip to the Class 2A Division II state semifinals is on the line at 7 p.m. at Shotwell Stadium.

The Lions got the best of the Pied Pipers in the first matchup, a 34-27 decision in the regular-season finale at Albany's Robert Nail Memorial Stadium. Lions quarterback Ben West connected with Blaine Kayga with less than three minutes remaining to win the district championship.

Albany had to rally late after the Pipers overcame a 21-0 halftime deficit to tie the game.

More:Late TD pass lifts Albany football past Hamlin in wild district championship

Hamlin's challenges

Both teams have been on a tear since that Nov. 9 game, culminating in the showdown for a region crown.

Albany (8-5) is the hottest team in the Big Country, overcoming an uncharacteristic 0-5 start. If the Lions were under the radar entering their Week 11 contest against Hamlin, they are not now.

Albany's Cutter Edgar (21) is the main ball carrier in the Lions backfield.

The Pied Pipers (12-1) may have overlooked Albany at the time, but the loss certainly got their attention. Hamlin has played inspired football in the playoffs, none more so than its effort in upending No. 2 Wellington last week. The Pipers used four takeaways to stun the region-favorite Skyrockets 21-18 to set up the much-awaited rematch.

Hamlin won despite being out-gained 379-134 in total yards, which included minus-5 rushing yards. The Pipers similarly struggled in Round 1 against the Lions. Hamlin netted 216 yards of offense against Albany.

The Lions' leading tackler, Ryan Hill (146 total, 22 for loss, seven sacks) was disruptive all night, twice sacking quarterback Braydin Warner. Linebacker Payne Hebel also recorded two sacks as Albany held the Pipers to 95 rushing yards. Hebel had a team-high 11 tackles that night. 

Dynamic slot receiver Jevon Williams did not have a catch in the game, but totaled 46 rushing yards. His 88-yard kickoff return TD to open the second half sparked the Pipers' surge, and getting him involved Thursday could be a difference maker.

Hamlin's Jevon Williams (1) could be a key player in Thursday's rematch against Albany.

The speedy junior showed his playmaking ability in the second round against Windthorst, finishing with four TDs. Williams caught four passes for 119 yards and two scores, adding 92 yards and two more TDs on the ground.

Albany also did a good job up front in slowing the running game. The Lions held Hamlin to a 3.8 yards-per-carry average. The Pipers offense is tough to deal with when Jackson Sepeda is complementing the passing of Warner, so look for Albany to try and recreate its defensive success.

Sepeda was limited to 13 rushing yards against Wellington, but the sophomore is just two weeks removed from a 188-yard output. He also scored a defensive TD for a second-straight game Friday.

More:Pipers vs. Lions playoff battle a matter of faith for Hamlin, Albany

How Albany counters

Sepeda, Williams and sophomore Cutter Martin will be in the secondary trying to keep Albany's West in check. A junior, he was 21 of 30 passing for 249 yards and four TDs in the teams' first meeting, although he tossed a pair of interceptions.

West has weapons at his disposal, including the 6-foot-3 Hill and 6-2 Cameron Dacus. Hill had two receiving TDs — three total — while Dacus totaled eight catches for 129 yards and a score against Hamlin.

Cutter Edgar, a senior, is Albany's bell cow in the backfield. He carried the ball 26 times in the district championship, totaling 109 yards. Edgar ran for 105 yards and a score last week in a 48-27 win over Wheeler, and he'll likely be heavily involved in the game plan against the Pipers.

Hamlin's Austin Lozano (15) will be part of a defensive front hoping to slow down Albany.

Leading tackler Jacob Perez (107) and fellow linebacker Jared Woods (51, nine for loss) will be part of the front seven tasked with defending Edgar. The defensive line will be led by Ethan Byerly (56, four sacks) and Austin Lozano (44, 11 for loss), who is listed at 6-1, 295 pounds. Lozano also makes for a big target at tight end.

So, who's going to win?

I'm not always right with my predictions, but I know one thing for sure: On Thursday night, Abilene will play host to a phenomenal football game. The first meeting was one of the best I attended this year, and the rematch could surpass it.

I saw two evenly matched teams when they met four weeks ago. I expect much of the same this time around. It's a true coin-flip game, but I think the Pipers avenge their earlier loss in a nail-biter.

PREDICTION: Hamlin 29, Albany 28

Keep your eyes on:

► San Saba (13-0) vs. De Leon (9-4); PICK: San Saba by 14

► Strawn (11-2) vs. Oakwood (10-3); PICK: Strawn by 16

► Follett (11-2) vs. Jayton (9-3); PICK: Follett by 6