Albany State wins SIAC championship at home

ALBANY, Ga. — Albany State defeated Benedict 22-16 to win the SIAC championship and claim the 17th title in school history.

The Golden Rams finished undefeated in conference play during the regular season under coach Quinn Gray, who earned his first SIAC title.

Albany State took an early 7-0 lead when Tiant Wyche scored on a 1-yard run after a 50-yard gain that set up the touchdown inside the Benedict 10-yard line.

The Rams extended their lead to 14-7 in the second quarter on a 59-yard pass from Knowles to Corey Petty on a slant route. Knowles later scored on a rushing touchdown to make it 14-7 at halftime.

Defense secures victory

The Albany State defensive back Tyrell Gaine yintercepted a pass to end the first half, helping the Rams take a 17-7 lead at the break.

In the fourth quarter with Albany State leading by six points, Benedict faced fourth down with under 30 seconds remaining. The Tigers’ final pass attempt was broken up by multiple Albany State defenders to secure the championship.

“It means everything for my guys,” Gray said. “The work that they put in. The trust in each other. And just for them to be able to experience what this feels like is everything.”

Gray said the championship came at the right time after falling short in previous seasons.

“It slipped by us in the first year. Second year, we didn’t get there. But it’s all in God’s timing,” Gray said.

Knowles said the team had been working toward this moment since January.

“We’ve been putting it into work each and every day since January. Out here in the cold rain, doing mat drills, doing conditioning, all that stuff. And you’ve seen it today,” Knowles said.

The championship game was played at Albany State’s home venue, the Coliseum, in front of a packed crowd that included alumni.

Albany State will host a playoff game next Saturday.

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