The Albany State Golden Rams’ magical 2025 football season has come to a disappointing end, following a 31-24 loss in the Regional Final of the Division II Football Playoffs against Newberry.
This loss marks Albany State’s first against a Division II opponent this year while also snapping a 10-game win streak overall. It also snapped an 11-game win streak on their home field dating back to September 2024.
The Golden Rams entered this game without SIAC Offensive Player of the Year and star quarterback Isaiah Knowles, who was reported to be sitting out with a lower leg injury.
Filling in for Knowles as the starting quarterback was true freshman Zavier Irizarry, stepping on to the field for the first time this season.
Despite the lineup change, Albany State started the game hot, riding a strong run game to a 14-yard touchdown connection from Irizarry to Jamarion Davis on the opening drive.
After limiting Newberry to a field goal in the red zone, the Golden Rams extended their lead to 21-3 before the end of the first quarter, thanks to a pair of rushing touchdowns within a minute by Tiant Wyche.
These touchdowns were broken up by a Newberry turnover, fumbling on a strip sack to set up the Albany State offense outside the red zone.
At the end of the first quarter, Albany State held all the momentum as Newberry faced its most significant deficit of the season.
The second quarter would be the difference in the game, with penalties and a consistent passing attack allowing Newberry to bring the deficit within one score.
The Golden Rams were called for pass interference three times in the period, two of which significantly impacted field position, setting up Newberry touchdowns.
With seven seconds remaining, Albany State held a 21-17 lead, going for a 43-yard field goal to take a touchdown lead.
The attempt would be blocked and returned for a touchdown, putting them down 24-21 at the end of the first half.
This touchdown, in addition to a 34-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter, gave Newberry the cushion it needed to come away with the win.
Albany State’s defense fought valiantly to give the team a chance to win, limiting Newberry to a missed field goal on a red zone drive and forcing an interception to give the offense the ball at midfield.
The offense would eventually get the ball back with a chance to tie or win the game, but a final gasp throw to the end zone fell incomplete as time expired.
Albany State finishes the season with a 12-2 overall record, setting a new school record for wins in a season.
