image via Albany State Football
0
FVS
49
Winner ASU
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FVS | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ASU | 14 | 14 | 14 | 7 | 49 |
COLUMBUS, Ga. — Albany State made a statement in the 36th Fountain City Classic, overwhelming rival Fort Valley State 49-0 on Saturday behind a sensational performance from Cameron Watts.
Watts wasted little time making his mark in his final appearance in a Golden Rams uniform. The senior opened the contest with a 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown before adding a 53-yard interception return for another score just 33 seconds later.
The two touchdowns came within the opening 47 seconds of the game, giving Albany State an immediate 14-0 advantage and setting the tone for a dominant afternoon.
The Golden Rams continued to apply pressure throughout the first half. With 7:57 remaining in the second quarter, Roderick McCrary broke free for a spectacular 95-yard touchdown run, extending Albany State’s lead to 21-0.
Quarterback Jeffery Davis connected with Jaquan Graham on a five-yard touchdown pass with 1:53 remaining before halftime, sending the Golden Rams into the break with a commanding 28-0 advantage.
Albany State showed no signs of slowing down after halftime.
A two-yard touchdown reception by Avery Hall from Davis pushed the advantage to 35-0 early in the third quarter. Watts then recorded his second interception of the afternoon, returning it to the Fort Valley State two-yard line to set up another Golden Rams touchdown.
McCrary finished the drive with a nine-yard scoring run, extending the lead to 42-0.
Sincere Rodriguez added a 22-yard rushing touchdown with 10:37 remaining in the fourth quarter to complete the scoring and seal Albany State’s 49-0 victory.
Watts Takes Home MVP Honors
Watts was named the Fountain City Classic Most Valuable Player after delivering one of the most memorable individual performances in the rivalry’s history.
He finished with four tackles, two interceptions for 88 return yards, including a touchdown, and a 93-yard kickoff return touchdown.
Golden Rams Dominate Both Sides of the Football
Albany State controlled the ground game, finishing with 246 rushing yards on 33 attempts while averaging 7.5 yards per carry.
McCrary led the way with 110 rushing yards on just six carries, averaging 18.3 yards per attempt and scoring twice. His 95-yard touchdown run was the longest scoring play of the afternoon.
Jayden Threatts contributed 58 rushing yards on eight carries, while Rodriguez added a 22-yard touchdown run.
Davis completed 10 of 13 passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns. Graham led the receiving corps with four catches for 32 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, the Golden Rams limited Fort Valley State to 207 total yards, including just 61 rushing yards. Albany State also recorded eight sacks, three interceptions and forced three turnovers.
Rontavion Scott led the defense with eight tackles, including six solo stops. Evan Wynn added five tackles, an interception and a forced fumble, while Hall contributed five tackles, a sack and two tackles for loss.
A Rivalry Streak Continues
The victory improved Albany State to 5-5 overall and 5-3 in SIAC play while extending its streak of non-losing seasons to 25 consecutive years.
The Golden Rams also secured their fourth consecutive Fountain City Classic victory and eighth win in the last nine meetings against Fort Valley State.
Fort Valley State dropped to 2-7 overall and 1-6 in conference play.
Albany State’s dominant performance ensured the Golden Rams would once again leave the Fountain City Classic with bragging rights.
Key Performers
- Cameron Watts: 93-yard kickoff return TD, two interceptions, 88 interception return yards, four tackles; Fountain City Classic MVP.
- Roderick McCrary: 110 rushing yards, two touchdowns.
- Jeffery Davis: 95 passing yards, two touchdowns.
- Jaquan Graham: Four receptions, 32 yards, one touchdown.
- Rontavion Scott: Eight tackles.
- Evan Wynn: Five tackles, one interception, one forced fumble.
- Albany State Defense: Eight sacks and three interceptions.
Source: Albany State Athletics.
