Second Half Surge Lifts West Georgia Past Albany State 45-21

ALBANY, Georgia -- The University of West Georgia rallied from behind to capture a 45-21 win over Albany State University Saturday evening at ASU Coliseum.

With the win the Wolves, ranked #10 in the latest AFCA poll, improve to 3-0 on the season. Their offense ended the night with a balanced attack including 269 yards on the ground, an overall total of 505.

Following some inspired play by the Golden Rams, the Wolves found themselves staring at 21-10 deficit late in the second quarter. ASU's first score, a 42-yard touchdown run from Tracy Scott, tied the game at 7-7 with 1:38 left in the opening quarter. On their next possession, West Georgia would move back in front by three when Omar Cervantes connected on a 24-yard field goal.

With 9:01 left in the first half, Kelias Williams called his own number from 6 yards out, capping a 6-play, 79 yard drive for a 14-10 ASU lead. On the Wolves ensuing drive, Terry Compton forced a fumble that was recovered by Tyler Scott and returned 53 yards to the visitor's 12 yard line. Five plays later Williams' second rushing TD of the game gave ASU a 21-10 advantage with 3:41 remaining in the first half.

West Georgia struck back, orchestrating an efficiently quick 5-play, 75 yard drive. Willie Candler connected on a 27 yard strike to Shannon Smith to pull the Wolves within four, 21-17 at the intermission.

BOX SCORE

That score would prove to be the first of 35 unanswered points from UWG.

The momentum and lead would permanently shift in favor of the Wolves when LaPerion Perry went goal line to goal line, taking the second half kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. The third quarter would yield two more scores for West Georgia; 22 yard TD reception courtesy of KJ Parmer and later Candler scampered to the end zone from 29 yards out to give the Wolves a 38-21 lead. Candler would finish the night with three passing TDs, 236 yards on 15-20 passing and chipped in 86 yards rushing.

The Golden Rams' Stephan Pierre led all defenders with 10 tackles on the night.

Albany State (0-3) will open up conference play next Saturday when they travel to Jackson, Tennessee to face off against Lane College. Game time is scheduled for 2pm.

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