Using big plays on defense and special teams, Albany State University claimed the 2013 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Centennial Football Championship title with a 17-14 victory over Miles College at Lakewood Stadium on Nov. 16.
The Golden Rams’ win over Miles College was their first in the two team’s last four meetings, including the inaugural SIAC Football Championship game in 2011. The win was Albany State’s first SIAC Championship since 2010, and 15th overall for the school. The game also served as a rematch of a 22-14 win by Miles this past September in Fairfield, Alabama.
The contest between ASU, the East Division Champions and West Division Champion Miles College, was highlighted to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the SIAC as Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed performed the ceremonial coin toss between the two HBCUs.
“As a graduate of a Historically Black College, it’s an honor to help celebrate the SIAC Centennial Football Championship game,” said Mayor Reed. “It’s a wonderful way to help commemorate the SIAC’s 100th anniversary and enjoy a great football game between two worthy competitors.”
Mayor Reed joined SIAC and NFL legends Rayfield Wright, Nick Harper, Frank Walker, Tyrone Poole and Greg Lloyd at midfield for the toss. The group also served as honorary captains for the game. The game was televised on Bounce TV, the nation’s only broadcast television network for African Americans.
Defensive back Dexter Moody of Twin City, Ga., was named the game’s “Most Valuable Player.” The senior All-American blocked a punt and recorded an interception that both proved to be game changers, setting up scoring opportunities for ASU.
Trailing 14-7 late in the 3rd quarter, Moody blocked a punt that eventually led to a 28-yard field goal by Golden Rams kicker Zachery Holley early in the fourth quarter to make it 14-10.
Moody then cut-off an inside route to intercept Miles College quarterback David Thomas’ pass in end zone to set up ASU in good field position for the play of the game.
Fielding a routine fair catch in traffic, Miles’ Darren Fife muffed a punt that was recovered by ASU’s Untayous Benson on the Miles’ 4-yard line. The very next play from scrimmage, Adrian Anders scored the go-ahead touchdown to give the Golden Rams the win.
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