Courtesy of Albany State Athletics
he Albany State Golden Rams opened the 2025 football season in commanding fashion, defeating Shaw University 51-7 at Durham County Memorial Stadium. With the win, the Golden Rams break the series tie and now hold a 3-2 all-time lead over the Bears. The victory also came with a touch of history, as it marked exactly 17 years since ASU’s 27-10 win over Shaw on August 30, 2008.
The Golden Rams wasted no time setting the tone. On the opening drive, Albany State jumped out to a 3-0 lead before veteran quarterback Isaiah Knowlespowered into the endzone for the first touchdown of the season.
The Dirty Blue Defense quickly made its presence felt, forcing the Bears into a three-and-out before Jakobe Heggs snagged the game’s first interception. Special teams added to the momentum, as Cam Watts electrified the crowd with a 90-yard punt return touchdown, giving ASU a commanding 31-7 lead at halftime.
At the break, Knowles had already rushed for 52 yards and one touchdown while passing for 153 yards. Corey Petty paced the receivers with two catches for 54 yards, and Tiant Wyche powered the ground attack with 82 yards and a touchdown. Watts totaled 115 all-purpose yards and one touchdown, while defensive leader Aydin Henningham anchored the Dirty Blue Defense with five tackles, a sack, and a tackle for loss.
The second half brought more of the same dominance. The defense forced another three-and-out to open the third quarter, and Knowles capped the ensuing drive with his second rushing touchdown to extend the lead to 38-7. Wyche broke through the line for another score late in the third, pushing the advantage to 44-7. Newcomer Roderick McCrary added the final touchdown, sealing the Golden Rams’ emphatic 51-7 victory.
With the win, Albany State not only secured its first victory of the season but also made a strong statement to open 2025.
Up Next: The Golden Rams remain on the road to begin SIAC play, traveling to Frankfort, Ky., to face Kentucky State on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 1:00 p.m. CT.
