Albany State looks to remain unbeaten

By ANDY JOHNSTON

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

An update on the HBCUs in the state:

Albany State (3-0, 2-0 SIAC)

Next game: vs. Benedict, 2 p.m. Saturday

Albany State, No. 12 in NCAA Division II, had a week off to prepare for homecoming opponent Benedict, which defeated the Rams 13-10 in 2008. . . . The Rams lead the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in scoring (38.3 points), points allowed (9.7), rushing defense (43 yards) and total defense (177.3). . . . Coach Mike White said QB A.J. McKenna, DE Develle Miller (Jones County), DL Josh Ingram (Baldwin) and C Mike Mavromichalis (Windsor Forest), who have been battling injuries, should play Saturday.

Clark Atlanta (3-1, 3-1 SIAC)

Next game: vs. Miles, 6 p.m. Saturday

Junior LB William Hollis was the SIAC co-newcomer of the week after his performance in a 31-21 loss at Tuskegee. Hollis had 11 tackles (six solo), an interception, forced a fumble and recovered another one. He transferred from El Camino Community College. . . . Former DE Jonathan Hamm, who is from Riverdale and played basketball at Lovejoy High, plays fictional New York Giants player Quantrell Bishop in the movie "Big Fan," which premiered last week. Hamm was all-SIAC at Clark in 2006.

Fort Valley State (2-2, 2-2 SIAC)

Next game: vs. Edward Waters at Brunswick, 2:30 p.m. Saturday

QB Nathaniel Samas (Americus-Sumter) was the SIAC co-offensive player of the week after going 15-for-29 for 263 yards and two TDs in a 53-20 victory against Lane. He also ran for a score. Trevonn Williams (Lithonia) was the co-offensive lineman of the week. . . . The Wildcats, who lead the SIAC with 238.5 yards passing a game, will play Edward Waters in the Stan Lomax Gold Coast Classic.

Morehouse (3-1, 2-1 SIAC)

Next game: vs. Stillman, 7 p.m. Oct. 3

Charlie Wilson had 11 tackles (seven solo), two for losses, recovered a fumble and had a sack in a 38-0 victory against Lincoln (Mo.) to be chosen the SIAC co-defensive player of the week. Ian Mullen was the conference specialist of the week after averaging 42 yards on four punts, having one downed inside the 20, kicking a 24-yard field goal and going 5-for-5 on PATs. It was Morehouse's first shutout since 1993.

Savannah State (1-2)

Next game: vs. Concordia College at Augusta, 4 p.m. Saturday

The Tigers were held to nine first downs and crossed midfield only three times in a 56-0 loss to McNeese State on Saturday. Justin Babb (Westlake), who was leading Division I-AA in rushing, was held to 23 yards on 10 carries. Babb entered the game with 307 yards in two games. . . . Saturday's game is part of the Southern Georgia Heritage Classic at Augusta's Laney Stadium.