WATFORD CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Hi-Liners made the long journey to Watford City on this Friday night in search of their second win of the season, and would do just that with the 28-6 victory over the Wolves.
Valley City kicked the ball off to start the game. However, they wouldn’t have to wait too long to get the ball back. Aiden Jacobson intercepted a pass from the Watford quarterback to give the Hi-Liners the ball with great field position. Unfortunately Valley City would only gain 3 yards on the offensive series before punting the ball away. After the Valley City defense stopped the Wolves, the Hi-Liners broke the scoreless tie. Ethan Miller ran the ball in from 5-yards out to give Valley City the 7-0 lead with 6:17 left in the first quarter. The Valley City offense was not done there in the first frame. QB Gavin Gerhardt capped off a 52-yard drive by running in from 25-yards out to extend the VC lead to 14-0 with 1:49 left in the 1st quarter.
Valley City wasted no time in padding their lead in the second quarter. QB Gavin Gerhardt with another touchdown rush, this time from 69-yards out to give the Hi-Liners the 21-0 lead with 11:34 remaining in the second quarter, and would take that lead into half time.
Most of the third quarter was pretty quiet for both teams. However, the Wolves were facing a 4th and 4 situation and decided to go for it. Watford City QB Izaak Boekelman hit Rylee Boomer for a 44-yard passing touchdown to finally get on the scoreboard. Broden Muske would block the PAT attempt.
The Hi-Liners did their best to bleed out the clock in the fourth quarter. Midway through the final frame, Valley City dropped the ball for the third time on the night, this time recovered by the Wolves. The Hi-Liners defense would stand tall as they would end the threat from Watford City by stopping their offense on a 4th and 12 play. Getting the ball back, Gerhardt wasted no time in putting the game out of reach, as this time the Valley City QB would scamper 36-yards for his 3rd rushing touchdown on the night. Bryson Heck would tack on the extra point (he was 4/4 in XP’s on the night) to give the Hi-Liners the 28-6 lead with 1:53 left in the ball game.
Valley City quarterback Gavin Gerhardt finished the game with 164 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns in the vitcory.
Hi-Liners improve to 2-5 on the season. Next up for Valley City is their final home game of the season Friday night as they welcome Grand Forks Central to town for a 7pm kick off. You can hear the call of the game on KOVC.