ASU FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: Rams move up in national D-II poll to No. 13; ex-Monroe star Whitfield honored twice by SIAC

ALBANY — Albany State’s biggest rival, Valdosta State, likely didn’t care too much for the latest AFCA Division II Coaches Poll that was released Monday.

VSU, which beat ASU earlier this season, 30-27, in Albany, suffered its first loss of the year over the weekend against Arkansas-Monticello, dropping the Blazers (4-1) from fourth overall in the nation all the way back to 14th — the same spot ASU (4-1) held a week ago before it moved up Monday to 13th, one spot ahead of their rivals.

The Rams have won twice since losing to VSU, beating Miles two weeks ago before going on the road last weekend and routing Kentucky State, 57-31, in the 28th annual Circle City Classic in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium in front of 36, 831 fans in attendance.

ASU, meanwhile, remained No. 4 in the Boxtorow HBCU Top 10 media and coaches poll, which ranks the nation’s top Historically Black Colleges.

EX-MONROE STAR WHITFIELD HONORED BY SIAC TWICE: Some guys wait an entire season to earn one conference award.

On Monday, Albany State freshman defensive back Larry Whitfield earned two.

Whitfield, a former Monroe star, was named the SIAC’s Player of the Week on defense after he led the “Dirty Blue” defense with 17 total tackles (10 solo) with two for a loss. He also had a 68-yard fumble return for a touchdown in ASU’s 57-31 win against Kentucky State at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indy. Whifield was also named the SIAC Newcomer of the Week for his monster game.

Other Rams receiving honors in the SIAC’s weekly awards list were ASU senior quarterback Stanley Jennings, who has won the POW award twice this season, but only received an honorable mention Monday for his performance — 9-of-27 passing for 180 yards and three passing touchdown passes — against KSU.

ASU sophomore kick returner and receiver Orion Ponder also earned an honorable mention for his game. Ponder had two kickoff returns for a total of 107 yards, including an 89-yard touchdown return. He also had two punt returns for 44 yards and an 11-yard touchdown reception from Jennings.

ASU returns to action this week at Lane College at 2 p.m.