The Fountain City Classic may not have officially kicked off until Saturday, but the celebration began early Friday morning at Golden Donuts, where alumni and fans from Fort Valley State University and Albany State University gathered for a sweet start to the weekend.
The lively crowd filled the shop with laughter, music, and reunion hugs as the longtime rivals prepared to meet once again at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium. For many, the early morning fellowship captured the true spirit of the Classic — more than just football, it’s about family, tradition, and community pride.
“Food, fellowship, and fun — when I say fun, I mean a lot of fun,” one supporter said with a grin. “You want to take advantage of everything that’s going on in one day.”
This year’s event marked the 35th anniversary of the Classic, a milestone Executive Director Robbie Branscomb called a moment of “reflection and renewal.” Branscomb said the enduring success of the Classic lies in its dual mission — to celebrate heritage and to invest in education…