image via Nathan Salley Photography
Benedict College delivered a defensive statement Saturday, shutting out Albany State through the first three quarters on its way to a convincing 29-8 victory over the Golden Rams.
The Tigers controlled the game defensively and capitalized on key opportunities, turning a scoreless first quarter into a commanding halftime lead. Benedict scored 20 points in the second quarter, added a field goal in the third and finished off the victory in the fourth.
Benedict’s Defense Sets the Tone
After a scoreless opening quarter, Benedict broke through with a 53-yard field goal from Zane Spires at 13:36 of the second quarter to take a 3-0 lead.
The Tigers’ defense then delivered a pivotal play. JaHaven Phillips recovered an Albany State fumble and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown, extending Benedict’s advantage to 10-0 following Spires’ extra point.
Benedict continued to build its lead just minutes later when David Smith broke loose for a 50-yard rushing touchdown. Spires added the extra point, giving the Tigers a 17-0 advantage.
With time expiring in the first half, Spires connected on another long field goal, this time from 54 yards, to send Benedict into halftime with a commanding 20-0 lead.
The Tigers continued to keep Albany State off the scoreboard in the third quarter. Spires converted his third field goal of the game, a 48-yarder with 3:17 remaining in the period, pushing Benedict’s lead to 23-0.
Albany State Finds the End Zone Late
Albany State finally broke through in the fourth quarter when Roderick McCrary scored on a 1-yard rushing touchdown with 8:52 remaining. The Golden Rams were unable to convert the subsequent extra-point attempt, leaving the score at 23-6.
Benedict responded with a touchdown of its own. A’chean Durant scored on a 10-yard run with 3:44 remaining, extending the Tigers’ lead to 29-6.
Albany State added two more points on a safety with 2:29 left, accounting for the final 29-8 margin.
Despite the late scoring, the Golden Rams could not overcome Benedict’s defensive performance and second-quarter surge.
Benedict vs. Albany State: Final Score
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| Benedict | 0 | 20 | 3 | 6 | 29 |
| Albany State | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 8 |
Complete Scoring Summary
| Quarter | Time | Scoring Play | Score |
| 2nd | 13:36 | Benedict -Zane Spires 53-yard field goal | BEN 3-0 |
| 2nd | 10:10 | Benedict -JaHaven Phillips 30-yard fumble recovery TD; Spires kick | BEN 10-0 |
| 2nd | 7:27 | Benedict -David Smith 50-yard rushing TD; Spires kick | BEN 17-0 |
| 2nd | 0:00 | Benedict- Zane Spires 54-yard field goal | BEN 20-0 |
| 3rd | 3:17 | Benedict – Zane Spires 48-yard field goal | BEN 23-0 |
| 4th | 8:52 | Albany State Roderick McCrary 1-yard rushing TD | BEN 23-6 |
| 4th | 3:44 | Benedict — A’chean Durant 10-yard rushing TD | BEN 29-6 |
| 4th | 2:29 | Albany State-Safety | BEN 2 |
Final Takeaway
Benedict’s 29-8 victory was built on defensive execution, timely takeaways and a productive second quarter. Phillips’ fumble-return touchdown and Smith’s explosive 50-yard scoring run helped the Tigers seize control, while Spires’ three field goals provided important points.
Albany State managed just eight points, with its only touchdown coming in the fourth quarter, as Benedict maintained control for most of the contest.
Final: Benedict 29, Albany State 8.
