ALBANY — Monday was not the traditional off day for Albany State’s football team.
Instead of taking a break, the Rams cleared the air in a players-only meeting after Saturday’s 35-13 loss against Fort Valley State. Since Albany State is still in the playoffs, hosting West Alabama on Saturday, the Rams felt Monday was the perfect time to change focus.
“The guys talked, it was emotional, intense and it got everybody in check,” Rams receiver Antwan Harris said. “That helped a lot, and we’re ready to move on. Every player wants the other to realize what we have a chance at doing.”
The Rams, who are only 2-10 in the playoffs have lost five postseason games in a row. The past four losses were in the first round.
That was not the only thing that preturbed Albany State, however. It was the loss against Fort Valley State, giving the Wildcats — in the first year under ex-ASU offensive coordinator Donald Pittman — their first win in the rivalry since 2001.
“We’re pretty upset about it,” Rams running back Demetrice Johnson said. “We’re coming to practice, working hard and pushing everybody to have the type of offense we had at the first of the season.”
The Rams averaged just more than 38 points during their first four contests.
Of course, that means little now as Albany State must win or its season is over.
“We’re 0-0 right now and just want to make a run at this thing,” quarterback A.J. McKenna said.

WHAT WAS WRONG?: Johnson only had 10 net rushing yards Saturday, which was by far his lowest rushing total of the season.
A candidate for the Harlon Hill Trophy, Johnson’s chances to win that award were possibly diminished by that performance alone. He had no comment, however, as to what caused the cramping.
“Your guess is as good as mine as to what was wrong with him,” Rams offensive coordinator Steve Smith said. “I don’t have any idea as to what that situation was about. We can’t have those types of situations when it comes down to it.”
Johnson just said he could not wait until Saturday’s chance to redeem himself.
“To only have 10 yards Saturday and not being able to help, I’m pretty mad about it,” Johnson said. “I want to help the others around me get better.”

HARRIS HEALED: Harris said he has recovered from the flu that kept him from practicing last week and limited his action against Fort Valley State.
A 6-foot-6 receiver who often drew double-team coverages, opening up playmaking opportunities for teammates, his presence was missed against the Wildcats.
“I feel 100 percent better,” Harris said. “I was kind of scared at first. It was just the seasonal flu, so I’m 100 percent better from that. It was tough to watch the game from the sidelines.”

CITY SUPPORT: When McKenna visited Albany State as a prospective recruit, one of the things that drew him to the Rams was the city support for the team.
“They’re behind us every football game,” McKenna said. “Playing in front of a home crowd, it’s valuable in a game like this, and I know they will support us Saturday. That’s why we want to win.”