Albany State and Fort Valley will clash Saturday in the 32nd Annual Fountain City Classic. It is always a game of importance for not only the involved schools, as it’s a rivalry game , but this edition Carrie’s even more weight as the winner will potentially take a major step toward claiming a postseason slot.
Fort Valley enters their 78th matchup with the Golden Rams a week removed from a tough loss, 28-24 , to Savannah State in which what appeared was the go-ahead score in the waning moments. However officials ruled that Fraion Warren did complete the catch before tumbling out of the end zone. Two subsequent attempts were denied but a defensive pass interference on fourth down gave the Wildcats one more chance on an untimed down. Kelvin Durham’s attempted pass to Emmanuel Wilson fell incomplete, securing victory for Savannah State.
Albany State enters the game coming off a 31-7 defeat of a game, but overmatched Morehouse ballclub. Running back JaQuez Wiiliams had his second consecutive spectacular performance, running for 240 yards on 23 carries , including scampers of 74 and 65 yards. Sophomore signal caller Jhaydon Sullivan misfired on 9 of his 16 pass attempts but the 7 he did complete went for 162 yards and three scores. The Rams “Dirty Blue” only allowed 179 yards of total offense and was the fourth time this season they had surrendered 7 points or fewer to an opponent.
Albany State has won four consecutive meetings and nine of the last eleven matchups.
Last 11 Scores:
2021 – ASU 57, FVSU 0
2019 – ASU 42, FVSU 6
2018 – ASU 40, FVSU 6
2017 – ASU 34, FVSU 9
2016 – FVSU 21, ASU 17
2015 – ASU 21, FVSU 17
2014 – ASU 32, FVSU 21
2013 – ASU 19, FVSU 10
2012 – FVSU 38, ASU 20
2011 – ASU 38, FVSU 29
2010 – ASU 12, FVSU 7
Over the course of the 78 meetings between the two schools, Albany State holds a 38-36-3 advantage.
Why Fort Valley State can win
Kelvin Durham must play efficient, mistake free football, using his arm, he has thrown for 1796 yards and 15 TD, and his legs when necessary; he has run for 258 yards and another three scores. Emmanuel Wilson will have to run hard and effectively, which means the big boys up front will have to win the battle in the trenches.
Why Albany State can win:
JaQuez Williams will continue to show why he will be the man in the Albany State backfield going forward with another strong game. This will take the pressure off the ASU quarterback, be it Sullivan or Dionte Bonneau, meaning they won’t have to drop back 35 times to try to win the game. The Golden Rams’ defense will physical, smothering unit they have been for most of the season.
Prediction:
At the conclusion of a hard-fought and physical game, Albany State will extend its Fountain City Classic winning streak to 5.
Albany State: 27 Fort Valley State 17
