Trevor Dugan
The UAlbany Great Danes offense continued to thrive Saturday as they defeated the CCSU Blue Devils 45-26, earning their first victory of the year. They are now 1-3 on the season.
It was another monster day for running back Todd Sibley as he rushed for 196 yards and a score. On the first play from scrimmage for Albany, Sibley took it 97 yards to the house. It was the longest play of his collegiate career, and gave the Danes an immediate 7-0 lead.
It was a back and forth affair in the first half. CCSU answered Sibley's TD with a score of their own on their first drive, tying the game at seven. Backup quarterback Joey Carino would take the lead right back on Albany’s next possession with a direct snap rushing TD to finish their quick, five play, 75-yard drive. It was Carino’s first TD of the season.
A field goal by John Opalko at the start of the second quarter made it 17-6 Albany. CCSU receiver Erik Surratt cut the lead to five with his 17-yard TD reception midway through the second quarter. The Blue Devil two point conversion attempt came up short thanks to a great play by Albany linebacker AJ Mistler.
Just before halftime, Albany extended their lead to 24-12 on another rushing TD by Carino. It marked their second straight week scoring 24 points in the first half.
CCSU got the ball to start the second half, and attempted to go for it on fourth down in Great Dane terrirtory. The attempt was thwarted when Albany DL Elijah Hills sacked Blue Devils QB Shonn Mitchell, forcing a fumble. The ball was recovered by Joseph Greaney, who took it 77 yards for the scoop and score TD. It was the first defensive touchdown for Albany this season, and extended their lead to 31-12.
The Great Danes kept their foot on the gas and continued to score in the second half. Tight End Thomas Greaney scored the final two TDs for the Great Danes. He continues to be QB Reese Poffenbargers favorite target in the early portion of the season, as he leads the Great Danes with 20 receptions and 305 yards through four games. Greaney would finish the day with six catches for 87 yards and two TDs.
Despite their 1-3 record, there are definitely reasons to be excited about this year's Albany squad. New OC Jared Ambrose has the offense firing on all cylinders, with Albany scoring 45 points in back to back weeks.
Transfer QB Poffenbarger is a star, throwing for 1,083 yards and 8 TDs in his first four games, with zero interceptions. Sibley is seemingly unstoppable at times, and Greaney has looked fantastic. Albany fans should be excited about the rest of the season.
The Great Danes return to action Saturday, October 8th, when they travel to New Jersey for a matchup with the conference rival Monmouth Hawks.
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