Rams take over New York; Albany State football wins HBCU NY Classic

Golden Rams defeat Morehouse 24-14

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Albany State defeated Morehouse College 24-14 on Saturday to successfully wrap up the second annual HBCU NY Classic.

It also marked the first win for ASU this season, and the first for new head football coach Quinn Gray.

“It doesn’t matter where you get the win, it’s absolutely a great feeling to win,” Gray said. “I hate losing so much, so it’s a great feeling.”

The Golden Rams offense and defense put on a show Saturday too. Defensively, they finished with seven sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception.

Offensively, they’d go with Isaiah Knowles under center for the first time in his career, and he’d stand out with a three-touchdown performance. He also completed 20 of his 30 passes for 245 yards and two interceptions.

“There’s going to be mistakes, but you got to understand you’ll have mistakes and growing pains,” Gray said. “At the end of the day I stuck with him, and gave him the confidence … to pick this team up and move them down the field, and that’s exactly what he did.”

The HBCU NY Classic was not only a football game, it also marked the unofficial start for homecoming week among all 107 HBCUs. Throughout the week, players and coaches got to explore New York City, watch a step show, take part in a media day, and watch their bans compete in a “battle of the bands”

“My kids had a great time here. Had a chance to see some things they’ve never seen before,” Gray said. “The experiences that this has created for these kids is second to none.”

The Golden Rams will be on the road over the next few weeks where they will take on Savannah State and Kentucky State before coming home on Oct. 7 to host Central State.