Albany State Dominates Fort Valley State 48-3 in Classic Showdown
UPDATE: Albany State University has just achieved a stunning victory, crushing Fort Valley State 48-3 in the 35th annual Fountain City Classic held at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium in Columbus on November 4, 2023. The Golden Rams showcased their dominance, solidifying their undefeated status in the SIAC regular season and sending a powerful message ahead of next week’s championship game.
The victory places Albany State squarely on the path to the conference title, where they will face Benedict College, who advanced after a thrilling 16-13 double-overtime win against Savannah State. This upcoming championship rematch follows Albany State’s earlier triumph over Benedict, where they secured a decisive 31-3 victory on October 25.
From the outset, Albany State seized control of the game. Quarterback Isaiah Knowles launched a 45-yard touchdown pass to Jamarion Davis on their opening drive, setting the tone for the day. Fort Valley State momentarily responded with a 45-yard field goal from Kyle Keese, narrowing the score to 7-3. However, Albany State quickly retaliated.
In a stunning five-minute span, Albany State unleashed four touchdowns: a 34-yard run from Roderick McCrary, a pick-six from Tyrell Gainey, a one-yard touchdown by Tiant Wyche, and a trick-play pass from Knowles to Jamill Williams. By halftime, the score ballooned to 35-3, leaving no doubt about the outcome.
The Golden Rams’ defense, nicknamed the “Dirty Blue,” was relentless, restricting Fort Valley to a mere 30 rushing yards on 30 carries. They forced multiple turnovers and prevented any drive from advancing beyond the Albany State 30-yard line after the first quarter.
In the fourth quarter, William Heck added a 16-yard touchdown run, followed by a dramatic 60-yard interception return for a touchdown by Devonte James, sealing the emphatic win. Knowles finished the game with 160 passing yards, completing 13 of 24 attempts, while running back Sincere Rodriguez led the ground game with 78 yards on 12 carries. Defensively, Jadyn Walker stood out with nine tackles, supported by K.J. Spence and Daymon Polite, who each recorded eight.
This remarkable win not only reinforces Albany State’s dominance in the Fountain City Classic, now leading the series 27-8, but it also evens the all-time rivalry record between the two teams at 42-42-4. More than just a victory, it highlights the Golden Rams as a formidable force, showcasing their unwavering defense and explosive offense as they prepare for the championship showdown next Saturday in Albany.
As anticipation builds for the title game, Albany State’s performance today serves as a clear indicator that they are poised to make a serious run at the championship. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Golden Rams aim to continue their winning streak and secure the SIAC crown.
