Albemarle wins on senior night versus Union Academy
Published 3:45 pm Monday, October 23, 2023
The Albemarle Bulldogs football team moved their last home game of the 2023 season up 24 hours due to weather concerns.
Hosting Union Academy, the Bulldogs earned a 38-6 win Thursday, moving to 4-5 overall and 2-1 in the Yadkin Valley Conference.
The win improves the Bulldogs’ chances to host a playoff game in the opening round of the 1A state playoffs. According to MaxPreps, Albemarle is ranked 19th in the state 1A rankings, with 64 teams overall going to the postseason.
Albemarle never trailed in the game, leading 7-0 after one quarter and 17-0 at halftime. The Bulldogs outscored the Cardinals (1-8, 0-3) 21-6 in the second half.
Quarterback Ander Artis was 7-of-15 for 68 yards including a touchdown pass to JaZyion Geiger for the host Bulldogs.
Malik Watkins led Albemarle with 94 yards on 10 carries with a touchdown while Kaine McLendon added 67 yards on 12 rushes with a touchdown. Jason Wall also had a rushing touchdown.
TyQuan McDonald led the Albemarle defense with nine tackles, including three for a loss, and had a sack along with Willie Browne. The Bulldogs’ defense also picked off five passes. Garrie Rivers had two interceptions while Geiger, Jaylen Pinkey and Christian Harris also had picks.
The Bulldogs wrap up the regular season Friday at North Stanly (7-2, 3-0).
About Charles Curcio
Charles Curcio has served as the sports editor of the Stanly News & Press for more than 16 years and has written numerous news and feature storeis as well. He was awarded the NCHSAA Tim Stevens Media Representative of the Year and named CNHI Sports Editor of the Year in 2014. He has also won an award from Boone Newspapers, and has won four North Carolina Press Association awards.
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