Hawks show no quit in 46-20 loss to Albia

We were able to do good stuff in all facets of the game, I thought. Hats off to Albia, they had a good game plan against us. We just have to make better reads.”

- Chuck Banks, Central Lee Head Coach

DONNELLSON — Central Lee was down 21 points to Albia and the first quarter wasn’t even close to being over.
But coach Chuck Banks had one request of his team.
“Don’t quit,” he said during a timeout.
The Hawks didn’t.
Their 46-20 loss on Friday night may not have looked it from the score, but it was another step in the improvement of the Hawks (1-2), who might have let a game like this get ugly in the past.
“We’re getting better,” Banks said. “The guys have no quit in them, and I really appreciate that.”
Albia (2-1) scored quickly, getting a touchdown on the second play of its opening possession when Justin Keller threw a 25-yard pass to Lance Helm for a 7-0 lead.
Keller threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Landen Simpson on the next possession, then Albia got another score on a 4-yard run from Gage Oddo after an interception.
“Albia got shut out last week, and they came in with a lot of fire,” Banks said.
This is when it could have gotten out of hand, but the Hawks responded to Banks’ request.
Cory Jones intercepted Keller midway through the second quarter, returning it 28 yards for a touchdown to cut the lead to 21-6. But Albia answered right away, with Wyatt Beckwith taking the ensuing kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown and a 27-6 halftime lead.
Jones’ 1-yard touchdown run to open the third quarter got the Hawks back within 27-12, but again Albia answered when Oddo scored on a 5-yard run. Oddo’s 1-yard touchdown run on the next possession boosted the lead to 40-12.
It was 46-12 in the closing minutes when Central Lee got its last points. Corbin Pohren scored on a 10-yard run, then added the two-point conversion running the same play.
“That was exciting, and that was a good way for us to end the game,” Banks said.
Oddo rushed for 156 yards to lead Albia.
“We were able to do good stuff in all facets of the game, I thought,” Banks said. “Hats off to Albia, they had a good game plan against us. We just have to make better reads.”
Hunter Gregory rushed for 39 yards to lead Central Lee. Chase Johnson rushed for 35 yards.
“A lot of our linemen were banged up,  but I thought we moved the ball well,” Banks said. “We were able to move some younger guys into position, which is good varsity experience for them.”
Central Lee plays host to top-ranked Williamsburg next Friday.
“It’s an opportunity for us to play one of the best teams in the state,” Banks said. “It’s going to be a challenge for us, but it’s a chance for us to get better.”