History and Mission

Golden Rams

Albany State University
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Wildcats

Fort Valley State University
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VS.

The football rivalry between Fort Valley State University and Albany State University is almost a century old, dating back to 1924, and in 1989, the Fountain City Classic was birthed to celebrate this historical matchup.  Columbus, Georgia, was chosen as the host site for the Fountain City Classic, as both schools have many alumni in the area and Columbus is centrally located.  State Representative Calvin Smyre, a Fort Valley State College alumnus, has been at the helm as Chairman of the Fountain City Classic for over 30 years. 

The rivalry began in 1945, although 2022 is just the 32nd meeting of the two teams since it became officially known as the Fountain City Classic in 1990. FVSU leads the series 33-31-3.

The first meeting of the two schools was in 1945, when FVSU beat ASU, 27-21. The two schools did not play each other in 1946, 1947, and 2020. While the rivalry between the two teams spans more than half a century, FCC officials moved the game to Columbus in 1990 to attract more corporate support.

The driving force behind the Fountain City Classic has always been to create opportunities, connections, and financial support for students interested in attending these historically black universities. 

The Fountain City Classic also has a significant impact on the economy of the Columbus area, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to the region each year to enjoy the festivities.  The FCC committee has also sought to give back to the Columbus community through health fairs, college recruitment, networking events, and continued economic development. 

The Classic, which has grown to include more than just the football game itself, has become a much-anticipated, must-attend event in the region. 

History of the Matchup

Year Albany State Fort Valley State Series
1990 Albany State 35 Fort Valley 0 ASU 1–0
1991 Albany State 20 Fort Valley 22 FVSU 1-1
1992 Albany State 29 Fort Valley 10 ASU 2–1
1993 Albany State 14 Fort Valley State 0 ASU 3–1
1994 Albany State 47 Fort Valley State 14 ASU 4-1
1995 Albany State 12 Fort Valley State 16 FVSU 4-2
1996 Albany State 21 Fort Valley State 7 ASU 5-2
1997 Albany State 12 Fort Valley State 7 ASU 6-2
1998 Albany State 14 Fort Valley State 17 FVSU 6-3
1999 Albany State 24 Fort Valley State 21 ASU 7-3
2000 Albany State 21 Fort Valley State 14 ASU 8-3
2001 Albany State 7 Fort Valley State 45 FVSU 8-4
2002 Albany State 31 Fort Valley State 7 ASU 9-4
2003 Albany State 27 Fort Valley State 17 ASU 10-4
2004 Albany State 20 Fort Valley State 19 ASU 11-4
2005 Albany State 41 Fort Valley State 23 ASU 12-4
2006 Albany State 21 Fort Valley State 3 ASU 13-4
2007 Albany State 32 Fort Valley State 27 ASU 14-4
2008 Albany State 31 Fort Valley State 7 ASU 15-4
2009 Albany State 13 Fort Valley State 35 FVSU 15-5
2010 Albany State 12 Fort Valley State 7 ASU 16-5
2011 Albany State 38 Fort Valley State 29 ASU 17-5
2012 Albany State 20 Fort Valley State 38 FVSU 17-6
2013 Albany State 19 Fort Valley State 10 ASU 18-6
2014 Albany State 32 Fort Valley State 21 ASU 19-6
2015 Albany State 21 Fort Valley State 17 ASU 20-6
2016 Albany State 17 Fort Valley State 21 FVSU 20-7
2017 Albany State 34 Fort Valley State 9 ASU 21-7
2018 Albany State 40 Fort Valley State 6 ASU 22-7
2019 Albany State 42 Fort Valley State 6 ASU 23-7
2020 Albany State No Game Fort Valley State No Game ASU 23-7
2021 Albany State 57 Fort Valley State 0 ASU 24-7
2022 Albany State 13 Fort Valley State 19 ASU 24-8