Dave Campbell's Texas Football: Underdogs no more! Albany stun Mart to win first state championship since 1961

Arlington – In a game where nobody picked Albany to win, the Lions shocked the state by beating the eight-time state champions from Mart, 41-21, in the 2A Division II UIL State Championship on Wednesday at AT&T Stadium.

Albany secured its first state championship since 1961 and helped head coach Denney Faith win his first ever state championship.

Albany smelled the blood in the water early. On Mart’s first drive of the game, London Fuentes snagged an interception to set up Albany’s first touchdown, which was punched in by Coy Lefevre - a sign of things to come for the Lions. Although it wasn’t long until Mart tied things back up with a Jonah Ross pass to Brandon Lundy. 

The second quarter is where Lefevre would complete his hat trick of touchdowns and the Albany defense would start to solidify in the trenches with Wyatt Windham and Tye Edgar who finished with 17 and 12 total tackles respectively, with Windham winning defensive MVP. Lefevre secured an interception to help cap off a first half that had Albany leading 28-14. 

Lefevre was not the only player contributing to the most points allowed by Mart these playoffs as Cole Chapman and Adam Hill racked up the yardage. Chapman had a big dual-threat role as he ran for 129 yards and a touchdown while throwing for 93 yards and an interception. Hill did a lot of work on the ground 102 yards and a touchdown with three receptions for 71 yards. Lefevre would finish with 65 yards and four touchdowns earning him offensive MVP.

Mart’s offense tried its best to stand up to the Albany defense. Je’Deriun Bell rushed for 97 yards and a touchdown while Ross would finish with 138 yards and two touchdowns through the air. Amain target was Lundy who had four receptions for 73 yards and two touchdowns.