The Albany State Golden Rams used a strong 2^nd half defensively to defeat the Mississippi Choctaws (28-14) on opening day at the Albany State Coliseum.
 
The Choctaws received the opening kickoff and marched down the field using the triple-option attack to score on the Golden Rams.  After a 55-yard run by Marcus Williams, quarterback DeAnte Smith-Moore scored a touchdown from the 1-yard line to give the Choctaws a (7-0) lead. 
 
The Golden Rams didn't panic as they responded with a scoring drive led by Dionte Bonneau who was voted the Offensive Preseason Player of the Year in the SIAC.  Bonneau connected with Joe Shorter on a 40-yard touchdown to tie the score (7-7).
 
The run-heavy Choctaws, who aren't known for their passing attack, scored on a 29-yard pass to Sam Wilder to give Mississippi College a (14-7) advantage over the Golden Rams.
 
The Golden Rams tied the score (14-14) on an 8-yard run by Kam Ward.  The Golden Rams and Choctaws ended the 1^st half tied at (14-14). 
 
The score would remain tied until the 4^th quarter when Marcuis Fulks scored on a 6-yard run to cap an 8-play drive that covered 80 yards with 10:58 remaining in the game.
 
The Golden Rams scored a defensive touchdown on the next possession when Jeree Turner rumbled 52-yards after grabbing the pitch intended for the Choctaws running back on an option play.  That would give the Golden Rams a commanding (28-14) lead.  After an interception by Brandarius Rawlings, the Golden Rams ran out the clock to secure the victory.
 
Dionte Bonneau completed 13 passes in 22 attempts for 161 yards with 1 touchdown.  Marcuis Fulks led the Golden Rams in rushing with 16 carries for 115 yards and 1 touchdown.  Kam Ward had 12 carries for 72 yards and 1 touchdown.  Joe Shorter led the Golden Rams in receiving with 2 receptions for 72 yards and 1 touchdown.
 
Defensively, Stephan Pierre led the Golden Rams with 11 total tackles.  Ty Glenn finished with 7 total tackles.  Pierre, Glenn and Jalen Pugh recorded a sack for the Golden Rams "Dirty Blue" defense. 
 
The Golden Rams will travel to Tallahassee, Florida to play the FAMU Rattlers at 6:00 pm on Saturday, September 10.
 
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