ABERDEEN, S.D. (VCSUVikings.com)– Valley City State’s football team closed the 2018 season with a convincing victory Saturday night, rolling to a 49-21 victory at Presentation College.
Tied 14-14 late in the second quarter, the Vikings scored the next 28 points to break the game wide open. Valley City State finishes the season with a 6-4 overall record and a 5-2 mark in conference play. VCSU ends the season tied with Waldorf for second in the NSAA standings, one game back of conference champion Dickinson State (8-2, 6-1 NSAA).
The Viking defense forced five turnovers in the game, picking off four passes – including three in the first quarter – and recovering one fumble. Travon Smithhad two of those first-quarter interceptions, picking off both at the goal line on third-down passes by the Saints. Andrew Hanretty and Riley Fredrickson also had interceptions for the Vikings.
Running back Louis Quinones and quarterback Jalen Pfeifer both had big games to lead VCSU’s offensive outburst.
Quinones racked up 159 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. Pfeifer passed for 243 yards and two touchdowns, and also rushed for 41 yards and two more scores. Raymonte Maynard gave the Vikings 61 yards rushing and a late touchdown.
Eight different Vikings caught passes in the game. Jake Peterson had three catches for 23 yards, two of which went for touchdowns. Tyler Howell had two catches for 69 yards, and Caid Combs totaled two catches for 57 yards. Quinones, Kellen Kessler and Tyler Ukestad each had two catches, while Jacob Gottenborg and Eli Luna each had one reception.
The Vikings totaled 486 yards of total offense, gaining 243 yards on both the ground and through the air. VCSU’s defense limited Presentation College to just 294 yards, including only 71 yards on the ground.
Travon Smith totaled 11 tackles (8 solo) and those two interceptions to lead the defense. Senior Riley Fredrickson had a big game to end his career, totaling eight tackles, one sack, one interception and a forced fumble that was recovered by teammate Tyler Masat. Arron Martin finished with eight tackles, one sack and a forced fumble. Sal Avila totaled eight tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Masat had six tackles and a fumble recovery.
VCSU kicker Landon Arredondo was a perfect 7-for-7 on extra points.
Of VCSU’s seven touchdown drives, six were sustained drives of six plays or more covering 59 yards or more. The Vikings won the time of possession battle, holding the ball for 32 minutes and 41 seconds compared to just 23 minutes and 45 seconds for the Saints.