After a strong first half, it looked like Valley City may run away with the win over the Fargo South Bruins. But after the Bruins pushed the Hi-Liners to their limit, several defensive series helped seal Valley City’s first win of the season.

The first half went about as well as Valley City could hope for. Bryson heckled and connected on a pair of touchdown throws, one of them an 80-yard catch-and-run to Corbyn Powell. Caden Amann punched in a touchdown just before the end of the half. The defense was also stout, holding the Bruins to only one touchdown. At the halftime whistle, Valley City led 24-7.

The second half started about as poorly as it could’ve for the Hi-Liners, as an intentional grounding caused by a high snap cut the margin to 15. Then, after missing out on several sacks, the Bruins connected for a red zone touchdown and a two-point conversion, and with less than four minutes gone in the quarter, it was only a 24-17 Valley City lead.

A goal-line stand by Valley City saw them stonewall the Bruins four times from inside their five-yard line to force a critical turnover on downs. Caden Amann recorded a late interception in the fourth quarter, which set the table for Valley City to kick a field goal to take a 27-17 lead. The Bruins marched down the field but had to settle for a field goal of their own to make it a 27-20 game.

After a failed onside kick, the Hi-Liners ran it three times, forcing Fargo South to use all their timeouts. The Bruins got the ball back on their own 30-yard line with just over one and a half minutes to play. A deep pass play put the Bruins inside the Valley City 15-yard line, but the Hi-Liner defense forced a fourth and two with only 19 seconds to go.

An illegal forward pass would finally end the game, turning the ball over on downs and giving the Hi-Liners their first win. Next up for Valley City will be the Jamestown Blue Jays in Jamestown.

That game can be heard on 1490 AM/ 96.3 FM KOVC and online at NewsDakota.com.