Returning to the confines of historic Hugh Mills Stadium for the first time in over ten years, Albany State won its fifth game in row by rolling over Clark-Atlanta 36-3 in ASU’s homecoming game.
It was the Albany State special teams that got things going for the Golden Rams. A blocked punt on the first possession of the game by Antonio Leroy set the Albany State offense up at the CAU 19 yard line. Two plays for losses pushed ASU back and they ultimately would have to settle for a 40-yard Gabriel Ballinas field goal to go up 3-0. The ASU special teams were not done ; their second punt block of the day came from Tori Sapp as the Panthers faced a 4th and 26 deep in their own territory. Branda Rawlings brought down Clark-Atlanta punter Ty Woods in the end zone for the safety, putting the Golden Rams up 5-0.
The blocked kick party was not over yet. After a fumble by ASU quarterback Kelias Williams gave the ball to the Panthers at the Albany State 25, a 38-yard field goal attempt was blocked. Calvin Williams caught the football and took it 90-yards to the house to put ASU up 12-0 with the completed PAT.
Ballinas would kick a 48-yard field goal, his longest of the season, to put Albany State up 15-0. Kelias Williams would score from three yards out later the second to extend the Golden Rams’ lead to 22-0 at halftime.
Halfway through the third quarter, Clark-Atlanta would score their only points of the game when a Ty Woods kick didn’t get blocked and he connected on a 38-yard field goal.
Tracy Scott’s 30-yard touchdown scamper at the end of the quarter would put ASU up 29-3 after three periods. Kelan Fraise’s 1-yard run would not only finish off a 7 play, 72 yard drive, but also the game’s scoring at 36-3.
The win now improves Albany State to 5-3 overall with their 4-0 record in the SIAC, putting them out in front of the Conference’s Eastern Division. The loss drop the Clark-Atlanta Panthers to 2-6 overall and 1-3 within the SIAC.
The Panthers will host Miles College next Saturday. Kickoff time is 2 p.m. The Golden Rams head to Columbia South Carolina to take on Benedict College. Kickoff time is 2 p.m. EST.
