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