Sept. 21, 2013

Final Stats

ALBANY, GA- The Albany State University Golden Rams picked up their first win of the season with a 34-13 victory over Elizabeth City State University Saturday night at Albany State University Coliseum.

After combining for 73 points in the first two games of the season the Vikings, struggled to score on Saturday. ECSU totaled only 285 yards of total offense which included 214 yards through the air.

The first half appeared to be the makings of a defensive battle. It appeared that the game would go to the intermission 0-0 until the Golden Rams (facing 4th and 9 with 20 seconds to go) faked a punt and Devonta Osborne scampered to the end zone from 22 yards out. Maliek Wright blocked the extra point attempt and Albany State took a 6-0 lead into locker room.

With 8:05 left in the third quarter the Golden Rams struck again on a short field with a 5 play 36 yard drive ended with a 1-yard rushing touchdown for a 13-0 advantage.

On the Vikings' ensuing possession Tavarius Washington picked off a Casey Turner pass and raced 65 yards for another score and 20-0 lead.

Facing 4th and 7, the Vikings finally got on the scoreboard when Turner found Keith Strickland for a 35-yard touchdown with 4:22 left in the third.

The Rams added two touchdowns in the final quarter; a 13-yard passing score from Frank Rivers to Jaquan Williams and a Adrian Anderson 14 yard rushing score to push the lead to 34-7.

As time expired, the last play of evening came when backup signal caller Tyrell Houghton found Strickland for his second receiving TD of the game from 3 yards out. Josh Dawkins was the game's high man defensively with 13 tackles (9 solo).

ECSU (0-3) will open up conference play next weekend at the 16th Annual Down East Viking Football Classic. They will face Fayetteville State University at 4pm at the Rocky Mount Athletic Complex. For more information on ECSU Athletics, visit www.ecsuvikings.com and follow on Twitter @ECSUVikings.