Augusta, Ga.- Running back Jarvis Small recorded his third consecutive game with 100-plus yards and scored two touchdowns to lead the Albany State Golden Rams to a 17-0 shutout of the Paine College Lions. With the victory, ASU improves to 2-2 overall and 2-0 in the SIAC. Paine slips of 0-5, 0-3.

After forcing Paine into an early fumble that defensive back Fred Holton recovered at the 4-yard line in the first quarter, Albany State used three plays in 1:37 to take a 7-0 lead. Small was the recipient of the touchdown, and Zachary Gayden-Holley added the PAT.

In the second period, the Golden Rams added to their lead. Kicker Stefan Whitehead connected on a 32-yard field goal to complete a 5-play, 58-yard ASU drive at the 1:10 mark. Albany State led 10-0 at intermission.

Adrian Alexander sparked the Golden Rams in the opening moments of the third quarter when he returned the kickoff 54 yards into Lions' territory. Coupled with a personal foul penalty on Paine after his return, ASU needed only two plays to score. Small dashed through the Lions' defense with a 15-yard scamper that gave Albany State a 17-0 after Gayden-Holley's PAT.

Small finished with 129 yards on the ground on 18 carries. Fellow running back Phillip Moore rushed six times for 85 yards. Quarterback Frank Rivers was 12-26 for 115 yards.

Defensively, linebacker Tavarius Washington led the Golden Rams with 12 tackles (seven solo) and 2.5 sacks for a loss of 13 total yards. Grover Stewart had six tackles (five solo) and 1.5 sacks. Larry Whitfield recorded six tackles (four solo) and an interception.

Albany State returns to action on Saturday, October 11^th when it faces the Lane College Dragons at Albany State University Coliseum. Game time is set for 7 p.m.