The Albany State Golden Rams have been road warriors to start the 2023 football season.  Once again, the Golden Rams were on the road as they faced the Kentucky State Thorobreds on Saturday afternoon in Frankfort, Kentucky.  After a hot start, the Golden Rams escaped Frankfort with a (33-27) conference win against the Thorobreds.  It was the Golden Rams 4^th game on the road this season. 
 
With the win, the Golden Rams improved to (3-2) overall and (3-0) in the SIAC.  The Thorobreds fell to (1-4) overall and (0-4) in the conference. 
 
In the 1^st quarter, Javion Jackson caught a 41 yard touchdown pass from Isaiah Knowles to give the Golden Rams a (7-0) lead.  The drive covered 65 yards in 8 plays.
 
The Golden Rams "Dirty Blue" defense forced a fumble that was recovered by Jalen Pugh who rumbled 23 yards for a Golden Rams touchdown to extend the lead to (13-0).  The 2-point conversion attempt failed.
  
Later in the 1^st quarter, the Thorobreds Mason Molique kicked a 23 yard field goal to cut the Golden Rams lead to (13-3).  The drive covered 59 yards in 10 plays.
 
With 2:28 left in the 1^st quarter, Ralph Lovett caught a 9 yard touchdown pass from Isaiah Knowles to increase the Golden Rams lead to (20-3).  The touchdown drive covered 75 yards in 10 plays.
 
In the 2^nd quarter, Navy Curry scored on a 5 yard run to cut the Golden Rams lead to (20-10).  The drive covered 68 yards in 12 plays.
 
With 7:55 left in the 1^st half, Javion Jackson scored on a 35 yard pass from Isaiah Knowles to increase the Golden Rams lead to (27-10).  The drive covered 60 yards in 6 plays.
 
The Thorobreds scored again in the 2^nd quarter when Mason Molique connected on a 24-yard field goal with 37 seconds remaining in the half.  Molique's field goal cut the Golden Rams lead to (27-13).
 
In the 3^rd quarter, William McDonald scored on a 17 yard pass from Isaiah Knowles to give the Golden Rams a commanding (33-13) lead.  The drive covered 71 yards in 12 plays.  The 2-point conversion attempt failed.
 
In the 4^th quarter, the Thorobreds scored 2 touchdowns to make things interesting.  With 10:56 left in the game, Markel Cotton scored on a 15 yard touchdown pass from Denim Johnson to cut the Golden Rams lead to (33-20).  The drive covered 71 yards in 12 plays.
 
With 8:13 left in the 4^th quarter, Denim Johnson scored on a 77 yard run to cut the Golden Rams lead to (33-27).
 
But, the Golden Rams "Dirty Blue" defense got a crucial stop late to secure their 3^rd win in a row.
 
Offensively, the Golden Rams finished with 19 first downs and 366 yards in total offense.  The Golden Rams had 152 yards rushing and 214 yards passing. 
 
Isaiah Knowles finished 14/19 for 208 yards and 4 touchdowns.  Knowles also rushed for 77 yards.  Frederick Gaines rushed 18 times for 96 yards to lead the Golden Rams.  Javion Jackson led the Golden Rams with 5 catches for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns. 
 
Defensively, Jalen Mitchell led the Golden Rams with 11 total tackles.  Mitchell also finished with 2 tackles for a loss.  Derrick Drayton finished with 2 tackles for a loss and 1 sack.  Eric Price had 1.5 sacks.  Ronald Robinson, Maurice McDonald and Anthony Harvey all finished with .5 sacks.  Eric Price and Anthony Harvey both had a forced fumble.
 
Gilbert Brown continues to impress on special teams.  Brown had 1 punt for 59 yards.
 
The Thorobreds finished with 22 first downs and 432 yards in total offense.  The Thorobreds rushed for 207 yards and passed for 225 yards.
 
Denim Johnson was 17/23 with 206 yards and 1 touchdown.  Johnson also finished with 112 yards rushing and 1 touchdown.  Jude Santana caught 6 passes for 87 yards.
 
Jeremiah Owens and Trevon Pope led the Thorobreds with 8 total tackles.  Donta Broadnax and Bryce BobyHayes had a sack for the Thorobreds.
 
The Golden Rams will be back in action against Central State University at 4:00 pm on Saturday, October 7, in Albany, Georgia.
 
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