JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com)- Valley City and Jamestown slugged it out Friday night at Ernie Gates Field. Ultimately it was The Jays who outlasted The Hi-Liners 30-14, putting an end to their 3 game winning streak.
The opening half saw the two go blow for blow. Jamestown forced Valley City to punt on their opening drive and scored 2 plays later on an 8 yard run from Brandon Dallmann. The Hi-Liners came back with a touchdown by Mitchel Taylor to tie the game at 6.
With 2:28 left in the opening quarter, Tommy Falk scored his 1st of 3 touchdowns to put The Blue Jays back on top. Dallmann was able to get the 2 point conversion giving them a 14-6 advantage. The Hi-Liner defense produced their first points of the year when Avery Bennefeld had a pick six from 40 yards out, Taylor’s 2 point run tied the game at 14 with 10 minutes left in the half.
Defense took over the rest of the 2nd quarter, the biggest moment coming when Valley City denied Jamestown on 1st and goal from the 4 yard line.
The score remained even until a special teams miscue,a botched punt inside of The Hi-Liner 20 set up Falk’s second score of the night with 46 seconds to go in the 3rd quarter. In the final period injuries began to catch up with Valley City, they had a couple chances to cut into their deficit including a fumble recovery but they could not convert. The Jays tagged on 8 more points to put the game out of reach.
After the game coach Scott Roehrich was satisfied that his team left it all on the field
Jamestown ended the game with 280 yards of offense. Falk was 6 0f 9 passing with 42 yards, he threw 2 interceptions. On the ground the quarterback rushed for 42 yards and 3 touchdowns. Dallmann had 148 yard on 22 carries. Jeremy Williams had 2 interceptions.
The Hi-Liners collected 138 yards. Tate Sufficool was 7 for 23 passing with 73 yards, he also threw 2 picks. Sam Beierle had 2 catches for 39 yards, he also picked off a Jamestown pass. Sam Payne had 16 carries for 24 yards.
The Blue Jays, who are also 3-3, play at Wahpeton next week. Valley City returns home to play Shanley.
Interview with Scott Roehrich