The Tigers’ Marching Band of Distinction marched into Lakewood Stadium like they were on a business trip. They wanted the fans in the stadium to see them come in and not be heard because they knew their Benedict Tigers Football Team would do all the talking during the game.
The Albany State Marching Rams Show Band was getting the mood set for what they expected would happen in the game. Letting the crowd know the Golden Rams were coming to put on a show in the SIAC Championship football game.
Benedict College’s offense turned the ball over in their opening drive when Aeneas Dennis threw a deflected pass that was intercepted by Albany State. The Tiger’s defense kept Albany State’s offense from converting the turnover into points.
The Tigers jumped out to an early 17-0 lead behind two touchdown passes thrown by Quarterback Aeneas Dennis to Caden High who caught 9 passes for 156 yards and Reginald Harden who caught 2 passes for 82 yards. Benedict College Quarterback Aeneas Dennis showed his ability to be a dual threat in this game rushing for 95 yards on 7 attempts for a touchdown.
The Albany State Golden Rams slightly led the time of possession in the game 30:02 to 29:58. The Golden Rams were able to get on the scoreboard right before the half kicking a field goal making the score 17-3.
The Golden Rams were set to receive the 2nd half kick, but the returner slipped, and his knee touched the ground on the Golden Rams 2-yard line. From that point in the game, the Golden Tigers were fighting an uphill battle to move the ball on offense and score points in the game. The Golden Rams Quarterback Dionte Bonneau was able to find his way into the end zone on a rushing touchdown.
Coach Berry and the Benedict Tigers are now back-to-back SIAC Championships and will move on to play in the Division II playoffs.