By: Joseph Keyser
ROCHESTER, NY --- At the first annual Frederick Douglass HBCU Football Classic, Albany State University (GA) played Central State University at the Rochester Community Sports Complex. In a defensive battle, Albany State's offense prevailed in second half to put the game away 28-7.
The Frederick Douglass HBCU Football Classic and weekend of hope was put together to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the Rochester community by creating a fun environment for them to interact.
“Today’s events aren’t the first events,” Rochester Chief of Police David Smith said. “The events really started on Thursday when the teams arrived. The main idea behind this is to expose City of Rochester high school students to HBCUs.”
On Friday there were several events that took place, including a women’s leadership brunch, an HBCU experience, where over 400 students got to meet people and see presentations from HBCUs, and an HBCU mixer at the Rochester Red Wings game.
In the first drive of the game, Central State started off with a holding penalty. After the setback, the Marauders went three and out.
The game started out for Albany State very smoothly as Cameron Watts returned the punt 16 yards to the 45-yard line. Albany State drove down the field and scored after quarterback Isaiah Knowles connected with wide receiver Javion Jackson. The rest of the first, it was quiet offensively as both defenses caused punts from each side.
At the start of the second quarter, Central State controlled the ball. The Marauders drove the ball down the field and the drive was capped off when quarterback Kendall Boney threw a 10-yard touchdown to wide receiver Terrell Heath Jr.
Tied 7-7, Albany State started to move the ball downfield. On first and 10 from Central State’s 28-yard line, Knowles dropped back and threw a deep ball to his left, but Marauders’ defensive back TJ Tucker intercepted it on Central State’s 3-yard line. The Marauders did not capitalize on the turnover though as they went three-and-out.
On the first play back on offense for Albany State, Knowles threw the ball again, this time it resulted in a 40-yard touchdown to wide receiver Devon Dorsey. Central State then recovered a fumble and intercepted the ball again but were unable to put points on the board before halftime.
“Offensively we just got to continue to do what we’re trying to do,” Central State head coach Kevin Porter said. “We’re trying to run the ball and manage the clock and not turn the ball over. We’ve got to be able to take advantage of those turnovers and get points.”
In the third quarter, the Golden Rams marched their way down the field, mostly on the ground. Then, Albany State scored on another Knowles passing touchdown, this time 18 yards to Xavier Herndon.
The fourth quarter was another one dominated by defense and ground attacks.
Once again, the Golden Rams marched down the field, using their run game to open the passing game. Knowles went to the air again as he connected with wide receiver Tyant Wyche for 25 yards to end the game.
The rest of the game was dominated by Albany State’s passing defense, until the Golden Rams were able to kneel out the clock.
There's no time and date set yet for the next Frederick Douglass HBCU Classic, but Rochester looks to make this an annual tradition.
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