image via Albany State football
Courtesy of Albany State Athletics
14
ALL
57
Winner ASU
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALL | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 14 |
| ASU | 22 | 14 | 14 | 7 | 57 |
Albany, Ga. – In an electrifying display of skill and teamwork, the Golden Rams stormed the field and claimed a resounding 57-14 Family, Friends, and Community Day victory over Allen in their much-anticipated home opener. From the very first snap, the Rams demonstrated their dominance, dazzling the crowd with impressive plays and relentless energy. The win improves ASU to 3-1 overall and 2-0 in SIAC play, while the Yellow Jackets fall to 2-3 overall and 2-1 in SIAC play.
The Good Life City community packed the stands, bringing the energy as Albany State’s offense and defense took control from the opening whistle. Quarterback Isaiah Knowles got the scoring started with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Omari Stewart, followed by a 1-yard plunge from Roderick McCrary. Running back Tiant Wyche added a highlight 34-yard touchdown run to extend the lead before the Rams’ defense forced a safety to cap off a 22-point first quarter. Knowles later added a rushing score, and Aljhanod Thomas broke free for a 36-yard touchdown run as ASU built a commanding 36-7 lead at halftime.
The second half saw backup quarterback Jayden Kinney electrify the crowd with a 66-yard touchdown strike to Jamill Williams, followed by two rushing scores of his own, including a 39-yard dash in the fourth quarter to seal the win. In total, the Rams racked up 572 yards of offense, with 285 yards on the ground and 287 through the air. Wyche led the rushing attack with 104 yards and a touchdown, while Stewart paced the receivers with seven catches for 121 yards and a score.
Defensively, the Golden Rams were relentless, holding Allen to just 141 rushing yards and forcing three turnovers. Albany State finished with five sacks and 10 tackles for loss, highlighted by Chris Cotton and Derrick Drayton, who each recorded a sack and multiple tackles behind the line. Abraham Clinkscales made a momentum-shifting fumble recovery and return, while Jonovan Carr added an interception to stifle the Yellow Jackets’ passing game.
The victory marks the second straight year Albany State has scored 57 points against Allen, just shy of last season’s 57-17 win, and extends ASU’s strong start in conference play.
Up next, the Golden Rams hit the road for another SIAC matchup, traveling to Jackson, Tenn., to face Lane College on Saturday, October 4. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m.
