Courtesy of Dr. Earnest Brown, Albany State Athletics
After a furious 4th quarter rally, the Albany State University Golden Rams came up short against the Valdosta State University Blazers on Saturday evening at the ASU Coliseum. With the loss, the Golden Rams fell to (0-2) record while the Blazers improved to (2-0).
In the 1st quarter, the Blazers took a (7-0) lead when Isaiah Flowers scored on a 2-yard run with 10:39 left in the opening stanza. The touchdown capped an 8-play drive that covered 74 yards.
In the 2nd quarter, the Golden Rams responded with a field goal by Eli Mashburn to cut the Blazers lead to (7-3) with a 13-play drive that covered 68 yards.
With 23 seconds left in the 2nd quarter, Dionte Bonneau hit Rashad Jordan for a 23-yard touchdown that gave the Golden Rams a (10-7) lead at the half.
The Blazers scored 2-touchdowns in the 3rd quarter that gave them a (21-10) cushion. With 7:53 left in the 3rd quarter, Isaiah Flowers scored on a 1-yard run that capped a 9-play drive that covered 69 yards. The drive lasted 5 minutes and 17 seconds. The Blazers’ Eric Watts also scored on a 58-yard run that capped a 90 yard drive.
In the 4th quarter, Isaiah Knowles hit Rashad Jordanfor a 28-yard touchdown that cut the Blazers lead to (21-16). The Golden Rams 2-point try was off target.
After a defensive stop, the Golden Rams offense had one last attempt for the win over the Blazers. The Golden Rams drove down the field and were within striking distance for the win. But, an incompletion and sack to end the game shattered the Golden Rams hopes of a comeback win in their home opener.
The Golden Rams finished with 268 total yards on offense. The Golden Rams rushed for 71 yards and passed for 197 yards.
Isaiah Knowles was 7/14 for 102 yards with 1 touchdown. Dionte Bonneau was 9/15 for 95 yards with a touchdown. Aljhanod Thomas led the Golden Rams in rushing. Thomas rushed 10 times for 43 yards. Rashad Jordan had a stellar night receiving the ball. Jordan finished with 6 catches for 116 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Defensively, Marlon Pollock led the Golden Rams with 10 total tackles while Jalen Mitchell contributed with 9 tackles. Pollock and Ronald Robinson both had 2 tackles for a loss.
The Blazers finished with 364 yards of total offense. The Blazers rushed for 285 yards and passed for 79 yards.
Sammy Edwards was 10/16 for 79 yards and 1 interception. Eric Watts led the Blazers with 124 yards rushing while Isaiah Flowers finished with 97 yards on the ground. B.K. Smith led the Blazers with 3 receptions and 26 yards.
Defensively, the Blazers were led by Terrell Dudley, who finished with 9 total tackles. Sammy Edwards contributed with 6 tackles.
