ASU defeats Wingate, 30-28, advances to quarterfinals of D-II playoffs

ALBANY, Ga.-- Next, please. The Albany State football team is moving on in the NCAA Division II playoffs after beating Wingate, 30-28, on Saturday afternoon in front of a packed house at Albany State University Coliseum.

Stanley Jennings threw two touchdowns, LiRonnie Davis and Rodrick Nabors got it done on the ground and the Rams' "Ditry Blue" defense held off Division II's most prolific offenses en route to the huge win.

In scary news, however, Rams defensive star Justin Blash had to be carted off the field after an injury late in the fourth quarter. There was no immediate word the extent of the injury, but it would be a huge blow to ASU if Blash can't return next week.

Wingate ousted, ends 9-3

ALBANY, Ga. The Wingate Bulldogs mounted a late rally against the Albany State Golden Rams Saturday afternoon, but fell short 30-28. The loss ends the Bulldogs' seven-game winning streak and 2010 season. Wingate finishes 9-3.

Albany State moves to 11-0 overall and will host Delta State (Miss.) next weekend. Albany State quarterback Stanley Jennings completed two touchdown passes for the Golden Rams. Albany State running back LiRonnie Davis (Macon, Ga.) ran nine times for 90 yards and two scores, including a 45-yard run in the fourth quarter that gave the host team a 30-21 advantage.

ASU-WINGATE NOTEBOOK: Rams await word on injured defensive lineman Blash, who was carted off late in 30-28 win Saturday against Wingate

ALBANY, Ga. — There was a scary moment in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game when 6-foot-5, 300-pound sophomore defensive lineman Justin Blash had to be carted off the field at the 4:34 mark after several moments of silent anticipation.

The early diagnosis was a sprained knee, and nothing appeared to be broken, but the coach Mike White said the team will know more Monday. If Blash can’t recover, it’ll be another tough loss for the Rams as they head into the Division II quarterfinals next week against Delta State after a 30-28 win against Wingate on Saturday.

Win-gate? Check.

For only the second time in school history, the Albany State football program is headed to the quarterfinals of the Division II playoffs, this after the Rams hold on to beat Wingate, 30-28, on Saturday afternoon at Albany State University Coliseum.

ALBANY, Ga. — Stanley Jennings is starting to look like he might have a future as a psychic. After guaranteeing earlier in the season that the Albany State football team would win the rest of its regular-season games — which came true — he predicted during practice this week that the “Dirty Blue” Rams defense would contain quarterback Cody Haffly and the explosive Wingate offense.

And that’s exactly what happened Saturday as ASU (11-0) defeated Wingate, 30-28, at home in the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs to advance to the quarterfinals against Delta State (9-3). Delta State defeated North Alabama, 47-24, on the other side of the bracket Saturday.

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Albany State Rams enter Division II playoffs with clean slate

Wingate (9-2) at Albany State (10-0).

2nd round of the NCAA D-II playoffs.

1 p.m. today.

At Albany State University Coliseum.

Local Radio: 98.1 FM.
Updates: twitter.com/AlbHeraldSports.

Wingate U. Audio Broadcast: Audio
Live Video Broadcast: NCAA 1:00 PM Video Broadcast

Ryan Brown, Wayne Shadrick and Tylan Merkerson will bring Wingate Bulldog fans the audio broadcast. The Wingate University Sports Network pre-game show will begin at 12:15 p.m. Kick-off is slated for 1 p.m.

ALBANY, GA — It’s officially a new college football season in Dougherty County. That perfect 10-0 run through the regular season by Albany State? Old news. The NCAA Division II playoffs are here, which means slates are clean, tensions are high and losers go home.

In the Rams’ case, though, it’s lose and stay home as they host Wingate (9-2) in the second round today after the Bulldogs — No. 14 in the nation in total offense — defeated Morehouse, 63-41, in the first round last week, while the Rams had a bye.


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Albany State players, coaches using extra time off wisely

ALBANY, GA — It’s rare that a football team gets almost three weeks off between games, but that’s what happens when your team is a No. 1 seed in the Division II football playoffs and has a bye in the first round.

Albany State earned a much-needed break after defeating Fort Valley, 12-7, in the Fountain City Classic and winning the SIAC championship on Nov. 6, and the Rams are using it wisely.

“It’s just good to have a good break and concentrate on yourself and try to get healthy,” head coach Mike White said. “(We’re going to) concentrate on some of those things that we did not do well coming off that Fort Valley game.” After a couple days off following that game, the team went no pads for the rest of their practices that week.


RAMS NOTEBOOK: ASU punter relives last moments of Classic

ALBANY,GA — Talk about an emotional roller coaster.  Albany State’s 12-7 win against Fort Valley State in the Fountain City Classic on Nov. 6 ended well, but the last part of the game was up-and-down for Rams punter Herndon Burns.

With 46 seconds left in the game and the Rams up 12-7, they had to punt the ball from their own 15-yard line on fourth and 10. Burns sent it 31 yards, but was clobbered after he kicked it.  He was slow to get up and limped off the field trying to milk a penalty from the referees, but started running, jumping and shouting with joy along the sidelines after he saw the flag for running into the kicker. Only ... it wasn’t enough for a first down.

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Albany State Golden Rams win SIAC title in a thriller!

ALBANY, GA (WALB) - It wasn't easy or pretty but Albany State got the job done. The Rams held off Fort Valley State 12-7 in the Fountain City Classic to claim their first SIAC title since 2006. Stanley Jennings connected on 2 touchdown passes to Ronnie Childs in the second half after both teams failed to get on the score board in the first half.

The Rams' defense stepped up big in the 4th quarter with less than a minute left. ASU held Fort Valley out of the end zone after a blocked punt gave the Wildcats possession at the Ram 10 yard line. The win closes out a 10-0 regular season for the Rams.

Rams Edge FVSU for SIAC Title

This year's Fountain City Classic was more than a rivalry game. The SIAC Championship was at stake in Columbus between the 6th ranked undefeated Albany State Rams, and No. 25 Fort Valley State, winners of seven straight.

After battling to a scoreless tie in the first, the Wildcats' Emanuel Williams scooped up a fumble by LiRonnie Davis and took it to the end zone to give FVSU a 7-0 edge. The Rams responded with back-to-back touchdown passes from Stanley Jennings to Ronnie Childs to put Albany State ahead 12-7.



Wrong shade of blue: Fort Valley State falls short against Albany State

COLUMBUS — Tony Reid could only kneel down and watch, listen and stare blankly ahead as fans in blue and gold celebrated. The problem for the junior running back was simple — the wrong fans in the wrong blue and gold were happy.

“We came in and won last year and Albany State looked at it as a fluke, it just so happened we got lucky,” the Fort Valley State running back said. “We knew that it wasn’t luck last year. We had to do it again and make them respect us. We didn’t do that.”

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ATTENDANCE: 23,966


ASU Golden Passionettes 11/6/10

ASU: We pay no mind to VSU trash talk

ALBANY, GA — The verbal rivalry between Albany State and Valdosta State is no secret. Rams and Blazers? They just don’t mix. But despite the fact the two teams haven’t played each other this year — and haven’t faced off since 2007 — the smack talk has been as prevalent as ever this season.

“I have not seen them play this year, but everyone is going to cheer for their team,” said ASU head coach Mike White when told about the anti-Rams talk perpetuated by Valdosta fans over the Internet message boards, and specifically stories written by The Herald about Albany State this season. “We cheer for ours and I’m quite sure they cheer for theirs, so I’m not surprised.”

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Albany State: Nine down, one to go

ALBANY, GA — Rams fans, it’s officially time to start thinking about a 14th conference championship. Albany State cruised to a 44-5 win against Stillman on Saturday to remain undefeated at 9-0 overall and 8-0 in the SIAC on the season, and set up a Fountain City Classic against Fort Valley State (8-1 overall, 7-1 in the SIAC) with a bit more on the line than bragging rights.

“This is championship week,” said senior receiver Ronnie Childs, who finished with four catches for 111 yards and a touchdown. “We’re going to work hard every day, lift weights two or three times a week and let (offensive coordinator Steve) Smith put us in a position to make plays and let our defense carry us. All we have to do is put up some points.”

It didn’t take many points Saturday as the Rams held the Tigers (1-8, 1-7) to just 5 — the lowest of any ASU opponent this season.

ASU-STILLMAN NOTEBOOK: ASU win bittersweet for players, fans

ALBANY, GA — Ronnie Childs Sr. has been to every single one of his son’s football games.

From little league to college, the star wideout’s father did whatever he had to do to give him his support, even if it meant missing work. So it’s no surprise Childs Sr., along with his wife Patissia, were there for the senior’s last regular-season home game, waiting outside the locker room to congratulate him on yet another productive game Saturday following ASU’s 44-5 win vs. Stillman.

“It’s (possibly) the last time I’m gonna see him (here) and I know Ronnie’s gonna miss it,” Childs Sr. said. “(The stadium) seemed like part of us, so I don’t know how to take it. It’s the last one, unless we come back for the playoffs.”

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ASU Rams get SIAC honors, move to No. 6 in poll

ALBANY, GA — It looks like Albany State’s 13-12 win against Morehouse on Saturday was pretty significant.

Not only did the Rams (8-0 overall, 7-0 in the SIAC) move up to No. 6 in the AFCA Division II Coaches Poll, they kicked the Tigers out completely and earned some SIAC awards in the process.
Junior quarterback Stanley Jennings was named Newcomer of the Week, while junior offensive lineman Ricory Green received Offensive Lineman of the Week honors.

Jennings orchestrated ASU’s come-from-behind victory as he completed 19 of 31 passes for 202 yards, including the game-winning five-yard pass with 18 seconds on the clock. The Marietta-native also scored on a 12-yard touchdown rush and led the Rams in rushing with 73 yards on 15 carries.




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Rumor mill: Despite whispers of sellout, tickets are still available for Albany State-Morehouse

Fear not, ASU fans: Tickets are still for sale for this weekend's SIAC clash between Morehouse and Albany State in Atlanta.

ALBANY, GA — Let’s clear something up. The rumors are not true no tickets for the SIAC showdown between the undefeated No. 8 nationally ranked Albany State University Rams and the No. 19 Morehouse College Maroon Tigers, set for Saturday are still available, according to Morehouse College athletic administrators Wednesday.

“The game is not sold out,” Morehouse Athletic Director Andre Pattillo told the ASU sports information office. “We will have enough tickets available for sale at the gate for Albany State fans.”

Rams ready for top 25 showdown at Morehouse

ALBANY, GA - One of the biggest games in Division II football takes place Saturday when 8th ranked Albany State heads to Atlanta to face 19th ranked Morehouse. This game will also play a big role in determining the SIAC champion.

The unbeaten Golden Rams lead Morehouse and Fort Valley State by a game in the conference standings. Morehouse is having one of its best seasons in eighty years. The Maroon Tigers are led by the conference's top rusher in David Carter. Albany State has the best defense in the SIAC at stopping the run.

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No road woes for Rams as ASU breezes by Benedict

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Junior Stanley Jennings knows such a comment will end up on a bulletin board somewhere in Atlanta or Fort Valley. But the confident quarterback said it anyway after leading Albany State to a 27-10 victory at Benedict College on Saturday.

“We’re not losing,” Jennings said of the first-place Rams’ upcoming games against Morehouse and Fort Valley, the two teams chasing them in the SIAC standings. “You can quote that: We aren’t losing.”

Jennings had cause for such optimism. Against Benedict, he watched the Albany State defense play most of the first quarter in its territory but give up no points. The offense produced another big play: a 90-yard scoring strike from Jennings to Ronnie Childs early in the second quarter for the game’s first score.

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Home Sweet Home: Albany State Rams rip Miles College in Homecoming game

ALBANY, GA — There was something special in the air at Albany State University Coliseum on Saturday afternoon. Maybe it was the cloud of smoke rising from the parking lot, where new and old friends laughed and tailgated together to their heart’s content. Maybe it was the blare of trumpets, echoing from ASU’s and Miles’ bands as they competed for pride and the crowd’s attention.

Or maybe it was a little bit of magic emanating from the fingertips of Rams quarterback Stanley Jennings as he hit receivers for touchdowns — again and again. Whatever the reason, it was a homecoming to remember for Albany State fans as the Rams defeated Miles, 34-7, in front of a capacity crowd to move to No. 1 in the SIAC after Morehouse lost to Tuskegee, 31-15.

ASU homecoming parade draws thousands

ALBANY, GA (WALB) – One of the highlights for thousands in town this weekend and locals is the ASU Homecoming Parade. The parade didn't disappoint it had more music, dance, and floats. "This is my first Homecoming in all of these years," said Clano Stephens. Stephens graduated with the class of 1931. This is his first homecoming, he was the grand marshal.

"I'm enjoying this one immensely it's been really good," said Stephens.

Now 98-years-old he is back to help the university celebrate its 107 year history. "Oh everything has changed since then, but we had a good time, and where the president's office is now we built that when I was here," said Stephens. He graduated from what was Georgia Normal and Agricultural College 85-years ago.

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Albany State Rams slay Lane Dragons, 43-13

ALBANY, GA — It’s good to be home. After three long road trips in four games to start the season, the Albany State football team returned to the Albany State University Coliseum on Saturday night, using a fourth-quarter surge to beat a pesky Lane team, 43-13, and improve to 5-0 overall and 4-0 in the SIAC.

It wasn’t as easy as the Rams had hoped, however, as the Dragons (0-5, 0-4) used a blitz all game long that stumped ASU and quarterback Stanley Jennings until the final frame.

“We actually went into the game thinking we could run the ball a lot better than we did,” head coach Mike White said. “The passing game (ended up being) there, (because) they were throwing a lot of people down (at us). So we were able to get them for some big plays.”

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Lane Dragons looking for first win in Burroughs era

The Lane football team received much-needed rest this past week with a bye, but the Dragons will likely need every day of their two-week preparation for No. 18 Albany State. The Dragons (0-4, 0-3) are winless in the first four games of the Derrick Burroughs era, and Burroughs hoped the bye week allowed the team to regain its early-season form.

"A bye week is great to heal some injuries, and we've had our fair share of those," Burroughs said. "The team was ahead of my expectations in the first two games ... but we've regressed in our last two games. "The bye week was about rediscovering our running game, verifying our blocking scheme and staying in our gaps on defense."

ASU FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: ASU WR coach Conner 'pleased' with Rams

ALBANY, GA — Receivers and special teams coach Kenyan Conner is also an assistant baseball coach at Albany State, but he’s been more concerned with pigskin flying through the air than baseballs these days, despite the fact the baseball team is already prepping for the upcoming season.

But he hasn’t had to worry about the receivers too much this year; they’ve already racked up a combined 760 receiving yards and eight touchdowns through four games.

“I’m pleased with some of the things we worked on this summer, like catching the ball at its highest point,” Conner said. “We’ve dropped a (couple) touchdowns (in the end zone the other day), but the same guy caught one later. So we’re trying to work on a level of consistency and get better from where we are now.”

RADIO: 98.1 FM. (Albany)

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Winless SSU falls to D-II Albany State, 28-14

WAYCROSS, GA - Savannah State could not stop the multi-headed offense of Albany State, but the Tigers were able to slow it down on the neutral field of Memorial Stadium.

The NCAA Division II Golden Rams cruised to a 28-14 victory in the "Rumble in the Swamp" behind the running of LiRonnie Davis, Robert Welton and Kareem Hess, and the passing of Stan Jennings.

Albany State had not been held under 30 points in its first three games, nor had anyone scored more than 10 points against the Rams. SSU accomplished both.

ASU doubles up on Savannah State, 28-14, moves to 4-0

WAYCROSS, GA — During football practice last week, Albany State quarterback Stanley Jennings said momentum can change anything in a game. If the “Rumble in the Swamp” was any indication, he’s right.

The Rams defeated Savannah State, 28-14, in Waycross on Saturday in the 60th meeting between the two teams, but they had to hold off freshman quarterback Antonio Bostic from rallying the Tigers in the fourth quarter.

“I was glad with the way we played (overall),” said head coach Mike White, whose team is now 4-0 on the season and 42-16-2 against Savannah State all-time. “(But) I thought we played a better first half. The second half, I was really disappointed.”

ASU-SAVANNAH STATE NOTEBOOK: ASU’s Savannah natives happy to beat their hometown Tigers

WAYCROSS, GA – Arkeen Riley may not be the most well-known Ram, but the defensive lineman definitely had the biggest cheering section in Waycross for Albany State’s game against Savannah State Saturday.

Two dozen friends and family members of the ASU sophomore made the drive from Savannah to see his team grab a big victory against the Tigers, and most of them brought t-shirts sporting his No. 95 on the back. “I’m going to (try to) be at every game,” Riley’s mother said.. “It’s exciting (to see him play). It’s a dream come true.”

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Albany State football players have a special lunch

ALBANY, GA (WALB) – Albany State University football players are known for their toughness, but on Friday they showed a softer side. Nearly a dozen players and coaches visited Albany's Palmyra nursing home for a cookout with the residents.

They enjoyed hot dogs and hamburgers and some good fellowship. It was a chance for the players to give back to some loyal fans. Mike White, the Albany State Football coach said, "it definitely makes us feel good also to come over and do that."

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Albany State Rams rack up awards, land at No. 16 in poll

ALBANY, GA — The Golden Rams are living up to their name these days, and they have the gold to prove it. The Albany State football team racked up some more awards this week, as the SIAC announced Monday that multiple Rams earned honors for their performance in a 34-6 win against Tuskegee Saturday.

Quarterback Stanley Jennings earned Newcomer of the Week after he completed 9 of 15 passes for 136 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 83 yards. Starting center Michael Mavromichalis was also honored, earning Co-Offensive Linemen of the Week with Fort Valley State’s Bobby Young. “Big Mike” and the Rams didn’t allow a sack against the Tigers as the Albany State offense racked up 362 total yards on offense.

Albany State Golden Rams pay back Tuskegee in 34-6 romp

TUSKEGEE, Ala. -- One of the Albany State football team's biggest games of the season is now in its rear-view mirror. The Rams crushed SIAC rival Tuskegee on Saturday in Alabama, 34-6, to move to 3-0 on the season and in the SIAC, offically making the Rams the team to beat for this year's title. The win also avenged last season's 21-19 home loss in which the Tigers ended ASU's undefeated season and went on to win the SIAC title, while the Rams dropped three of their last four to end the season.

Stanley Jennings threw three TD passes -- two to Octavius Staton and one to Ronnie Childs -- and Robert Welton and LiRonnie Davis added rushing scores. The win was also significant because it ended Tuskegee's 24-game win streak at home dating back to 2004. The last team to beat the Tigers before that streak started? Albany State.

Take that, Tuskegee

TUSKEGEE, Ala. — There’s really no better way to describe Albany State’s dominating victory against Tuskegee on Saturday afternoon than to borrow from the song “All I Do is Win,” by D.J. Khaled, which the ASU band plays at the end of every halftime show performance.

ASU (3-0) didn’t do anything but win Saturday, jumping out to a 20-0 halftime lead and cruising to a 34-6 win against Tuskegee (2-1) that snapped the Tigers’ 24-game home win streak dating back to 2004 — not to mention Tuskegee’s eight-game win streak in the process.

“They have a great home-field advantage, but the streak started with us,” said head coach Mike White, referring to the fact Tuskegee’s last home loss came in 2004 to ASU. “We just needed to win and play well.” That they did.



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Perfect start for Albany State Golden Rams

ALBANY, GA — From the moment the two teams got together for the handshake — or lack thereof — it was apparent the game between Albany State and Clark Atlanta at Albany State University Coliseum was going to be ugly. And boy, was it ever.

The Rams defeated the Panthers, 28-13, on Saturday night, but the game was a lot closer than the final score, as both teams dealt with multiple fumbles, interceptions and plays for negative yards.

“Our biggest thing is that we did not complete drives and that we turned the ball over for two touchdowns,” ASU offensive coordinator Steve Smith said. “That puts you behind, and (doesn’t help).” The good news? ASU’s defense didn’t allow any of those 13 Clark points. The better news? ASU is now 2-0 overall and in the SIAC.

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Next Game: Saturday at Tuskegee, 2 p.m.

Lady Rams volleyball lose SIAC opener to Clark Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA — Latrice Lewis led Albany State University with 22 kills and Sabrina Garcia added 14 more, but it was not enough as the Lady Rams volleyball team lost, 3-2, to the Clark Atlanta University Lady Panthers in their SIAC opener Wednesday night in Atlanta.

The Lady Rams dropped to 0-2 on the season and 0-1 in conference play. The Lady Rams won Game 1, 25-21, but dropped the next two games, 25-18, both times. The Lady Rams won Game 4, 25-20, but lost the final game, 15-10. Adrienne Morris led the Lady Rams’ defense with 25 digs, and Priscila Sena recorded 44 assists.

The Lady Rams will be in action on Friday against the Edward Waters Lady Tigers in Jacksonville, Fla.

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Albany State's Quiet leader

ALBANY, GA — Stanley Jennings has always been the strong, silent type. Growing up in the projects of a Miami suburb in Pompano Beach, Fla., one of 10 kids, he never even uttered a word to grown-ups. He kept to himself, motivated himself and — starting at age 7 — learned the game of football himself.

“I didn’t really have (any) help (growing up),” said Jennings, who started at quarterback for Albany State in its season opener — and was subsequently named Player of the Week by both the SIAC and the national HSRN. “Just playing street football as a kid in the projects got me better.”

He started out playing on the offensive line, but his true calling came when he made the move under center at 13 because of a growth spurt. That’s when the long road to Dougherty County began. Jennings played his first couple of years of high school football at Parkway Academy in Miramar, Fla., before moving to Marietta with his guardian for his junior year in 2006.

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After win, ASU to use bye week to fine tune

ALBANY, GA — Ah ... the bye week. It’s the point in the football season where coaches can re-assess their strategy, focus on fixing mistakes and get extra time to prepare for the next game. But when it comes after only one game, is it a positive or a negative? Albany State has a bye this week, but it falls after a 42-12 road win against Kentucky State in the season opener this past Saturday.

The only question is, will the bye benefit the Rams because it’s an early chance to focus on what the team needs to work on, or will it stop their momentum? According to head coach Mike White, it’s a little bit of both.

“It doesn’t stop your momentum, but it is really early in the season, so it’s almost like camp (all over again),” White said. “We gotta get back to the basics and work on what we did in camp and what didn’t go so well in our first game. It gives us time to get those things straightened out.”

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