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Albemarle faced a 3A football program Friday night at home and did something the Bulldogs had not accomplished in five years to the day: shut out an opponent.

The Bulldogs blanked the Lake Norman Charter Knights 34-0, the first defensive shutout for an Albemarle team since Sept. 22, 2018, when Albemarle shut out Chatham Central.

The 96 points allowed this season by Albemarle is also the fewest points allowed by a Bulldogs team since 2018.

Bulldogs head coach Richard Davis said Friday’s win was not the prettiest of wins.

“It’s a W nonetheless. Our defense played exceptionally, and offensively we were able to take advantage of some good field position to get another win before our bye week and conference play.”

Kaine McLendon led Albemarle (3-2) with 105 rushing yards and a touchdown, while quarterback Ander Artis threw a TD pass to Ja’Zyion Geiger. Geiger finished the game with 53 rushing yards.

Malik Watkins scored on both sides of the ball. He had a rushing touchdown, and on defense he forced a fumble and returned it 41 yards for the score.

Christian Harris rounded out the scoring with a kickoff return for a touchdown.

Defensively, Albemarle’s Tyquan McDonald had three tackles for a loss, and Garrie Rivers led the Bulldogs with nine tackles. Jason Wall intercepted a Lake Norman Charter (3-2) pass as well.

The Bulldogs have a bye week before traveling to Norwood Oct. 6 to open conference play at South Stanly.