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N.D. (VCSUVikings.com)-Valley City State hung tough with the No. 21-ranked team in the country Saturday, but couldn’t finish the job in the second half as they dropped a 35-20 conference game at Dickinson State.
The Vikings scored early in the third quarter to get within one point at 14-13, but Dickinson State scored three touchdowns the rest of the way to hold off the Vikings.
The teams were fairly even statistically, but the Blue Hawks took advantage of great field position to score all three of its second half touchdowns.
VCSU drops to 2-4 overall and 1-3 in the North Star Athletic Association. Dickinson State moves to 5-1 overall and 4-0 in conference play.
Viking quarterback Jalen Pfeifer hooked up with DJ Edwards for an 8-yard score early in the third quarter as the Vikings trailed by just one, 14-13 with 10:33 left in the third. VCSU’s defense forced a quick three-and-out and the Vikings took over at their own 23. But on the second play of the drive, Una Masaniai intercepted a pass by Pfeifer and returned it to the 4-yard line. Three plays later Dickinson State quarterback Hayden Gibson scrambled in a for a touchdown and a 21-13 lead.
After being pinned deep after the kickoff, VCSU’s offense went three-and-out and a short punt gave the Blue Hawks great field position at the Viking 33-yard line. On the very next play Gibson hit Randy Ivey for a 33-yard touchdown and a 28-13 lead, capping 14 points in 91 seconds.
The Vikings would eventually answer when Pfeifer hit Edwards for another score early in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 28-20. The Viking defense forced a punt, but Dickinson’s defense pinned VCSU deep and forced a three-and-out. Dickinson State took over at the Viking 45 and three plays later Gibson connected with Dylan Skabo on a 39-yard touchdown that made it 35-20 with 5:47 remaining.
VCSU gained 340 yards of offense including 178 passing and 162 rushing. Dickinson State rushed for 124 yards and passed for 222 as the Blue Hawks gained 346 total yards. Each team had two interceptions and Dickinson State lost a fumble.
Louis Quinones rushed for 115 yards on 23 carries to lead the Viking rushing attack. Anthony Logan had 24 yards on nine carries.
Pfeifer went 15-for-36 for 178 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Quinones had three reception for 57 yards. Tayler Lentz caught two passes for 42 yards, and DJ Edwards had a big day with five catches for 38 yards and two touchdowns.
Gibson had a hand in all five Blue Hawk touchdowns on the day. He rushed for one and then passed for 222 yards and four scores. Dylan Skabo and Randy Ivey each had two touchdown receptions.
Kendrick Lenzen led the Viking defense with nine total tackles. The Vikings played the game without injured middle linebacker Nicholas McBeain, who leads the NAIA in tackles per game. Austin Erickson added six stops and Gavin Kolden had five tackles.
Travon Smith intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble. Andrew Hanretty also had an interception.
Up next: Valley City State is back home for homecoming, hosting Mayville State University for a 2 p.m. game on Saturday, Oct. 14.