Title image via Albany State Athletics
In a dominant performance on both sides of the ball, Albany State University took its rival, Fort Valley State, to the woodshed, laying a 48-3 beating on the Wildcats. The Golden Rams’ “dirty blue” defense made it tough on Fort Valley, holding the Wildcats to just 106 yards of total offense ( 76 passing, 30 rushing) and forcing 4 turnovers, which they turned into 14 points and also held FVSU out of the end zone.
Albany State drew first blood on its first offensive possession. Quarterback Isaiah Knowles connected with Jamarion Davis on a 45-yard touchdown pass that capped off a 5-play, 87-yard drive, putting the Golden Rams up 7-0 at the 13:14 mark of the opening frame.
It appeared the Golden Rams were primed to add more points to their tally on their next possession, however, a sensational effort from K. J. Spencer blocked Kyle Wright’s 45-yard field goal attempt, leaving the score at 7-0.
Fort Valley State got on the board early in the second quarter when Kyle Reese converted a 45-yard field goal that brought the count to 7-3 with 13:43 left in the first half.
Albany State got back on the end zone on their subsequent offensive possession when Roderick McCrary scampered in from 34 yards out to extend the ASU lead to 14-3.
The Golden Rams’ next points came via their defense when Tyrell Gaines picked off a Saadiq Teel and took it 22 yards to the house, pushing the ASU lead to 21-3 at the 9:58 mark. On FVSU’s next possession, Donovan Anthony coughed up the football, which was recovered by Albany State’s Aydin Henningham at the Wildcats’ 3-yard line. Tiant Wyche punched it from one yard out, extending the Albany State advantage to 28-3.
Later in the quarter, Cameron Watts’ 28-yard punt return set the Albany State offense up at the Fort Valley 38-yard line. Four plays later Knowles connected with Jamil Williams from 3 yards out to push the count into blowout territory at 35-3 as the game headed to halftime.
The score stood pat in the third quarter, and the game’s next points took place at the 7:56 mark of the period when William Heck burst into the end zone from 16 yards out, adding to the Albany State lead at 42-3. Albany State’s defense would cap the afternoon’s scoring when Devonte James picked off a Jai’que Hart pass and ran it back 60 yards to paydirt. The PAT was unsuccessful, bringing the total to its final count of 48-3.
Isaiah completed 13 of 24 passes for 160 yards and a touchdown. Sincere Rodriguez led the Golden Rams’ run game with 74 yards on 12 carries. Corey Petty pulled in 3 passes for 52 yards.
Up next for the Golden Rams is the SIAC Championship Game, where they will face Benedict for the second time this season. Albany State spanked Benedict 31-6 in their meeting on October 25.
