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After losing to the Huskies 61-0 earlier this season, the Dogs knew they had their work cut out for them in the first round of the section playoffs. But they also knew that when you play hard and don't make mistakes, good things will happen.

Albany, the #3 seed, took the first drive of the game 65 yards in less than three minutes, and things seemed all too familiar from the first meeting.

But the Bulldogs' offense responded with a 15-play, 72-yard drive that took over eight minutes. The offense did not score, failing to convert on fourth down, and the Huskies took over on downs.

On the ensuing drive, Albany scored on an 11-yard pass play to take a 14-0 lead.

The offense for the Bulldogs again failed to convert on fourth down against the tough Huskies defense, and Albany once again took over on downs.

With less than a minute remaining in the half, the Huskies were ready to put the game away, but Grabmeier fumbled on the goal line and the Bulldogs recovered. Freshman quarterback Jamie Paul took a knee to end the first half.

The Huskies came out in the second half and dominated the Bulldogs on both sides of the ball, scoring 21 points in the third quarter to put the game out of reach. Albany's Curt Grabmeier scored three times on touchdown runs in the third quarter. For the game, he scored four touchdowns and rushed for 171 yards.

"We played our hearts out tonight, and we have nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone gave everything they had, and that's all you can ask for as a coach," said head coach Kyle Nehowig.

Albany also eliminated the Bulldogs from the section playoffs last year, defeating the Bulldogs 54-6 in the section semifinals.

"It was tough to go out with a loss, but we all played really hard. I know that none of us will ever forget this season, especially the seniors. I had the time of my life," said senior Brad Person.

The Bulldogs end their season with a mark of 3-6.

Albany beat Staples-Motley in the section semifinals and will host Sauk Centre on Friday for the section championship.

Paynesville--	0	0	0	0	-- 0
Albany--	7	7	21	0	-- 35

Scoring Summary
First Quarter
Alb-Curt Grabmeier 6 run (Adam Utsch kick);
Second Quarter
Alb-Josh Harrison 11 pass from Matt Meyer (Utsch kick);
Third Quarter
Alb-Grabmeier 4 run (Utsch kick);
Alb-Grabmeier 35 run (Utsch kick);
Alb-Grabmeier 6 run (Utsch kick);
Fourth Quarter No scoring.

Individual Statistics
Rushing (attempts-yards-TDs): Milan Virant 24-72; Kevin Mehr 5-58; Michael Mueller 9-29; Chris Fuchs 8-24;
Passing (completions-attempts-yards-INTs): Jamie Paul 1-6-8; Mehr 0-1-1;
Receiving (receptions-yards): Virant 1-8;
Sacks: Eric Frank 1; Ryan Wendlandt 1.