Defense shines during Albany State’s spring football game

ALBANY — The “Dirty Blue” defense of the Albany State Golden Rams rocked the offensive unit Saturday during the annual Blue and Gold game at Albany State Coliseum in an intrasquad game that concluded the spring season.

Albany State quarterback Isaiah Knowles connected with wide receiver Tabious Clemmons for a 60-yard gain on the first play of the game, but the offense ended up settling for a 30-yard field goal kicked by Kyle Wright after the defense kept the Golden Rams’ offense from getting across the goal line.

Wright, a kicker from Lithonia, put in good work with three first-half field goals.

Albany State’s quarterbacks included Knowles, Jamari Jones and Asante Daniel. All three had moments of success throwing the ball against the defense, but the run game was almost non-existent, at least in the first half. One exception was an impressive 20-yard-plus touchdown run by Sincere Rodriguez from Ft. Lauderdale.

The defense built a 56-28 lead by scoring points each time the defense forced a three-and-out. The defense also got a touchdown when Caleb Wiley, a defensive back from Albany’s Sherwood Christian, picked off a pass and raced 50 yards for a pick-six.

Football season will begin anew this summer in advance of the season-opener against Valdosta State on Aug. 31 in Valdosta. The Golden Rams’ first home game will follow on Sept. 5 against Shaw University from Raleigh, North Carolina.

Season ticket renewals for ASU’s 2024 football season are active. Fans may visit or call Al McKendrick at (229) 500-2852 to renew for the upcoming fall. The priority deadline for renewals is May 1.

By Joe Whitfield
Sports EditorJoeWhitfield[email protected]
By Joe Whitfield
Sports EditorJoeWhitfield[email protected]