VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com)  – For the first time since 2012, the Valley City Hi-Liner football team is headed to the Class AA state semifinals with a 22-14 win over Hazen in the quarterfinals.

The Hi-Liners fumbled on the opening play of the game and gave Hazen the ball at the 32-yard line. However, what would be come the theme of the day the Valley City defense made a stand and got the ball back on downs. The offense took the field and marched right down for the games first score.

Tate Sufficool hit Avery Bennefeld with a 17-yard touchdown in the right corner of the end zone. It was the only first half scoring play as the defenses ruled the day early.

Hazen scored on their opening drive of the half to tie the game at seven.

A great punt from Sufficool pinned the Bison back inside the two-yard line on the ensuing drive. A two players later, Bennefeld picked off a pass and returned it to the two-yard line. The Hi-Liners retook the lead a short Mitchel Taylor touchdown run to push the lead to 13-7.

Hazen took their first lead moments later at 14-13. Valley City got a big catch and run from Austyn Thorton to set up a field goal attempt from the same player. He nailed a 35-yarder on what proved to be the game-winning score in the 4th quarter.

Valley City will play at Beulah on Saturday in the semifinals.