Big Country Player of the Week: Albany's Ben West comes up clutch for Lions

As the season has progressed, it seems like Albany junior Ben West has gotten better every game. The quarterback/safety continued to show that on the Lions' biggest stage thus far Thursday in the Region II-2A Division II final.

West accounted for six scores in the state quarterfinal win over district rival Hamlin, and for that he earned Big Country Player of the Week for the week ending Dec. 8.

As a signal-caller, West was nearly perfect throwing the football in Albany's 41-28 victory. He was 16 of 21 passing for 269 yards, five TDs and no interceptions. It marked his first game without an interception since Oct. 19 against Roscoe, and just his second turnover-free contest of the season.

But his biggest play may have been made on defense.

Protecting a six-point lead with less than two minutes remaining, West returned a fumble 43 yards for a score to seal the win. He finished with five tackles (four solo) as well.

West will look to continue his stellar play Thursday night, when the Lions face Gruver (13-1) in the Class 2A Division II semifinals at 6 p.m. in Plainview.

Best of the Rest

1. Cameron Dacus, Albany WR/S

Dacus had a playoff performance worthy of the top honor, but was just edged by the guy getting him the ball. The senior hauled in six catches for 158 yards and three TDs. His two second-half scores were explosive, going for 65 and 44 yards. Dacus also intercepted Hamlin's first pass attempt and finished with four tackles on defense.

2. C'Era Taylor, Haskell post

The senior had a big week, helping the Maidens to a perfect week. Taylor averaged 18.3 points while shooting 76 percent from the field in Haskell's four games, including three at the Archer City Wildcat Classic. She also posted 14.1 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 1.5 assists per game.

3. Chris Cox, De Leon WR

San Saba ended De Leon's season with a 31-17 win, but Cox went out with an impressive performance. The senior had 10 catches for 144 yards and a TD. He added 31 yards on four rushes. Cox also completed his only pass attempt for 5 yards.

4. Jackson Sepeda, Hamlin RB/LB

The sophomore had a great season end at the hands of Albany. Sepeda ran 17 times for 125 yards and two scores, both of which came in the first half. He had the game's first TD on an 8-yard run, and kept Hamlin in it following a 34-yard burst to tie the game just before halftime. Sepeda also had one catch for 4 yards.

5. Leigh Anne Montell, Cisco forward

The senior reached a memorable milestone over the weekend. Montell reached 1,000 career points in helping the Lady Loboes to the championship of the Coleman tournament. Montell secured the achievement in just more than two seasons, after making the varsity squad as a sophomore. She is averaging 13 points and six rebounds per game.

6. Kevin Yeager, De Leon QB

Yeager closed an impressive high school career last week. The senior finished 15 of 27 passing for 290 yards, two TDs and two interceptions. On the ground, Yeager had 26 yards on eight attempts.

7. Payne Hebel, Albany LB

The senior elicited "oohs" from the crowd with a big hit on the game's first play Thursday. Hebel made plenty of plays the rest of the way, totaling 15 tackles (nine solo).

8. Cutter Edgar, Albany RB/LB

Edgar again was the bell cow for Albany. The senior had all but three of the team's rushing attempts, carrying the ball 25 times for 108 yards. He also had one catch for 12 yards. On defense, Edgar finished with 12 tackles (three solo).

9. Ryan Hill, Albany TE/DE

Hill racked up 11 tackles (eight solo), including three for a loss. The senior also had 1.5 sacks. On offense, Hill caught three passes for 37 yards.

10. Braydin Warner, Hamlin QB

The sophomore was 15 of 26 passing for 204 yards, two TDs and an interception. He finished with five yards on four rushes.

Honorable mention: De Leon WR/K Emery Amick had two catches for 76 yards and also kicked a 27-yard field goal; Albany LB Brooks Neece totaled 13 tackles (seven solo), including 2.5 for a loss.

To be considered for Big Country Player of the Week, athletes must be nominated by their coaches. Coaches may submit nominations for all varsity sports to Stephen Garcia at stephen.garcia@reporternews.com, 325-721-9040 or 325-676-6711. The deadline for nominations is noon Monday. Please include the athlete's name, grade level, position and stats for consideration. Big Country Player of the Week recognizes players outside the Abilene city limits who are within the Reporter-News circulation area. Players from Abilene High, Cooper, Wylie and ACHS are not eligible.