Albany State Dominates Shorter 37-14 to Secure Winning Season and Historic Streak

Albany State defeated Shorter University 37-14 in Rome, Georgia, on Saturday afternoon, securing a winning record for the 2026 season.

The victory extends HBCU football’s longest football winning season streak to 25 seasons. The Golden Rams have not had a losing gridiron campaign since 2001.

Albany State finished the 2026 season with a 6-5 record. Head Coach David Bowser secured his first winning season at the Golden Ram helm.

“I am proud of the team collectively. Once again, all phases hit (for us),” explained ASU Head Coach David Bowser.

“We were able to run the ball today and I thought JD Davis did a good job of managing the offense. The defense was outstanding as the points came at the end when we started subbing. Our special teams again shined. Coach Schultz did an outstanding job of having those guys prepare and be ready to roll.”

The Golden Rams put points on the scoreboard five different ways during the game. Quarterback Jeffery Davis connected with tight end Omarion Dupree from 4 yards for the first touchdown following a 70-yard opening drive. Freshman Nigel Pittman then blocked a Shorter punt and picked it up at the 6-yard line for the touchdown and quick 14-0 lead in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Rodrick McCrary ran in a 17-yard rush. Elijah Watson intercepted a pass and rambled down the sideline 35 yards for the team’s fourth score.

Davis threw a 29-yard scoring strike to Jaquan Graham in the third quarter. Jonathan Rodriguez added a 24-yard field goal as the fifth different scoring variety.

The Ram defense held the Hawks to 71 yards rushing on 29 carries and 234 total yards on 54 plays, with 112 of those yards coming in the fourth quarter.

The Golden Rams accumulated 336 yards of total offense on 61 plays. Davis completed 17 of 24 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 26 rushing yards on five carries.

Albany State (GA) vs. Shorter – 2026 DII Football – Week 11 — CollegeSport

McCrary led the ground game with 47 yards on eight totes and one touchdown. Graham caught four passes for 67 yards and a score.

Defensively, De’Avary Weeks recorded a season-best nine tackles, five solo, with a QB hurry. Derrick Drayton had six tackles and Kyle Williams five stops. Evan Wynn and Quentis Adams each recorded a sack.

Rodriguez made 4 of 5 points after attempts, converted a 24-yard field goal, and averaged 39.2 yards on four punts. He also recorded seven kick-offs with a 63.7-yard average.

The win gives Albany State a 3-game win streak to close the year, following an 86-14 combined scoring margin across its final two contests, which included a 49-0 victory over Fort Valley State.

“It’s exciting to get the 3-game win streak to close out the season. That’s big as it goes into our recruiting (for next year). We also have a lot of guys coming back, who were starters this year,” exclaims Bowser. “Just gets us excited for what’s ahead,” Bowser said.

Shorter finished its season with a 3-8 record. Albany State moves to 3-0 all-time against Shorter.

The Golden Rams head into the offseason looking to ride the 3-game win streak finish into a return to the 2027 SIAC Championship Game and NCAA Division II playoffs.