VALLEY CITY, ND (NewsDakota.com)  The Vikings led once in the football game.

Never in regulation, but, apparently, that doesn’t count.

A field goal by Andrew Nielsen to start double overtime was the final scoring in the game, delivering the Vikings their only lead of the day, enough for a 24-21 win over Mayville State in the Viking 2023 homecoming game at Lokken Stadium and Shelly Ellig Field.

Avery Thorsgard picked up a first down on fourth-and-ten with the Vikings down seven in the first overtime, then scored a 10-yard touchdown run to tie the game.  The Vikings then clinched on Nielsen’s field goal, and a stop on a wild reverse play by the Comets on fourth-and-two from the Viking seven to end the second overtime.

Thorsgard had to carry the Vikings on a day that saw driving rain before, and during play.  Mayville State held the Vikings to just 48 passing yards in regulation, 56 through the two overtimes.  Thorsgard’s 133 yards rushing was half of the total offensive output on the, and his two touchdowns came at crucial times, including the overtime tying effort.

Riley Gerhardt finished the game with 20 tackles, and Jahidi West netted 19 tackles and an interception.  Emanuel Spiyee forced a key interception on a diving play in the endzone, robbing Comet receiver Javian Davison of a grab that turned away a Comet drive.

But the Comets continued a pattern of teams exposing the Vikings run defense.  Mayville State produced two 100-yard rushers.  Daniel Nevill gained 105 yards on 30 attempts, while Mason Ullman gained 100 yards on 14 carries.

The Vikings are now 3-1 overall, 2-0 in North Star Athletic Association play, and face Dickinson State in Valley City Saturday.