Courtesy of Dr. Earnest Brown, Albany State Athletics
Quinn Gray, Sr. won his 1st game as the head coach of Albany State University after his Golden Rams defeated the Morehouse Maroon Tigers (24-14) in the 2nd Annual Toyota HBCU New York Classic at MetLife Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Over 18,000 students, fans and alum attended the world’s largest HBCU Homecoming and the unofficial start of HBCU Homecoming week.
With the win, the Golden Rams improved to (1-2) overall and (1-0) in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). The Maroon Tigers fell to (0-3) overall and (0-1) in the SIAC.
The Golden Rams scored on their first possession of the game when Ralph Lovettcaught a 2-yard touchdown from Isaiah Knowles to give the Golden Rams an (8-0) lead after a successful 2-point conversion. The drive consisted of 13 plays for a total of 70 yards. The time of possession was 6:45.
After a stop by the “Dirty Blue” defense, the Golden Rams scored again when Rashad Jordan beat his man for a 58-yard touchdown pass from Isaiah Knowles. After a failed 2-point conversion, the Golden Rams led (14-0).
The score would remain (14-0) until Eli Mashburn connected on a 28-yard field goal with 5:43 left in the half.
With 2:31 left in the 2nd quarter, the Maroon Tigers’ Derrach West connected with Brogan Korta on a 31-yard touchdown to cut the Golden Rams lead to (17-7).
After a scoreless 3rd quarter, the Maroon Tigers scored again in the 4th quarter when Marqueiz Pride caught a 7-yard touchdown from Derrach West to cut the Golden Rams lead to (17-14). The drive covered 5 plays for 44 yards.
But, the Golden Rams responded when Rashad Jordan caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Isaiah Knowles to give the Golden Rams a commanding lead late in the 4th quarter.
The Golden Rams finished with 19 first downs and 335 yards of total offense in the game. As a team, the Golden Rams finished with 90 rushing yards and 245 passing yards.
In hist first start of the season, Isaiah Knowles connected on 20/30 passes for 245 yards. Knowles threw 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Knowles also rushed for 47 yards on 10 attempts. Aljhanod Thomas led the Golden Rams in rushing with 53 yards on 17 attempts. Rashad Jordan caught 5 passes for 112 yards with 2 touchdowns. Ralph Lovett caught 6 passes for 76 yards.
The “Dirty Blue” defense finished with 7 total sacks. Randy Fillingame finished with 8 tackles to lead the Golden Rams. Fillingame also had 2 tackles for a loss and a sack. Anthony Harvey finished with 2 sacks for the Golden Rams. Jacoby Heggs had an interception for the Golden Rams.
The Maroon Tigers’ Derrach West finished 13/35 for 157 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. Zion Bouie led the Maroon Tigers with 92 yards on the ground. Colby Bell caught 4 passes for 52 yards.
