JAMESTOWN, ND. (NewsDakota.com) – A rivalry unlike any other in North Dakota ended with an overtime walk-off touchdown as the University of Jamestown defeated Valley City State University 27-24 in OT in the 75th edition of the Paint Bucket Game.
The Jimmies took a 14-0 lead into the halftime break as Jamestown scored late in the first quarter when freshman running back Zack Hammett pushed his into the endzone for his first collegiate touchdown. At the end of the second quarter, senior quarterback Cade Torgerson got the ball into the hands of Isaiah Roebuck who danced past a defender for six.
VCSU didn’t go away lightly though as the Vikings opened up the second half with a 12-play drive, lasting 6:30 and ending with a Justice Bice touchdown rush. With the score at 14-7, Jamestown marched down the field and Torgerson hit Javon Bowie-Monteiro to put the Jimmies back up by 14 entering the fourth quarter.
Sophomore quarterback Avery Thorsgard for VCSU played his best football in the fourth quarter, willing the Vikings back into the game after a Taylor Simmons touchdown rush and then an 11-yard scamper by Thorsgard to tie the game at 21.
In overtime, the Vikings were stopped on its initial drive and opted for a 36-yard field goal which freshman Masila Siua converted on a 36-yard attempt to give Valley City State its first lead of the game, 24-21.
Jamestown made the most of its lone overtime possession as Torgerson found junior Micah Madyun on third down and four from the six-yard line to score the game-winning touchdown. For Madyun, it was one of five receptions on the day.
The Jimmies, now 1-0 on the year, will host Dakota Wesleyan to begin conference play on Saturday, September 3rd from Hansen Stadium. For VCSU, the Vikings now prepare for Concordia-Moorehead and the Ag Bowl next Thursday in Valley City.