(Courtesy of Jasher Cox, TU Sports Information)
PHENIX CITY, AL-The Tuskegee University Golden Tigers defeated the Albany State Golden Rams 20-0 in the 5th Annual White Water Classic Saturday evening at Garrett-Harrison Stadium.
In a game that featured a combined 22 penalties, it was defensive plays would dictate the outcome of the game. Rorrick Steward claimed Most Valuable Player honors after snagging two interceptions including a 35 yard returned for a touchdown with 12:58 left in the game. TU was only able to rush for a total of 58 yards while the Golden Rams were held to just 91 yards passing.
After a scoreless first quarter, Jamarcus Ezell connected with Chardian Johnson for a 31-yard touchdown pass within the first four minutes of the second quarter. The PAT was blocked by Terry Compton and the Golden Tigers held a 6-0 advantage. With 13 seconds left in first half, Ezell had to have to sit for play after his helmet inadvertently came off. On the ensuing snap, backup quarterback Ahmad Deramus would find Javarrius Cheatham on a 31-yard strike to put the Golden Tigers ahead 13-0 after the PAT and that score held at the intermission.
ASU played a pair of quarterbacks with Kelias Williams and Stephon Masha combining to pass for 91 yards through thr air. Javon Wooten was the leading receiver for the Golden Rams hauling in two catches for 44 yards. TU’s Ezell was an efficient 11-of-15 for 173 yards and one touchdown while reserve QB Deramus completed all four of his attempts for 79 yards and one score.
Albany State’s defense was led by Tyler Scott’s 12 tackles, eight of those were made in the first half. The Golden Rams also notched five sacks on the night.
TU was paced by Davoris Thomas who finished with five stops while MVP Steward contributed three tackles.
Neither team could find the end zone in the third quarter but that would change when Steward scored the game’s only TD of the second half with the 35-yard pick six.
The Golden Rams will host their home opener next Saturday when they welcome West Georgia to ASU Coliseum. Kick off is scheduled for 7pm.
