MAYVILLE, ND  (NewsDakota.com)  It was another long day for the Vikings Saturday in Mayville.

Valley City State failed to capitalize on a blocked punt early in the game, allowed a blocked punt for touchdown in the third, and ran just 39 plays to Mayville State’s 73 in a 16-10 loss to the Comets at Jerome Berg Field.

A game plan that was heavy on the run did not produce, with the Vikings held to just eight first downs in the game.  Valley City State showed reluctance to test their passing game, waiting till the final quarter to enter a substantive passing attack.

Meanwhile, Mayville State rushed for 246 yards, and were continuously aided by Viking penalties.  A field goal drive was the culmination of a roughing the punter penalty deep in Comet territory, keeping the drive alive.  The Comets converted a third-and-ten on their lone touchdown drive, and a fourth-and-seven on their field on their field goal drive just before half.

Avery Thorsgard scored the lone Viking touchdown on a three-yard scamper two plays after a 61-yard run by Laggarius Marshall.  Marshall carried three times in the game.

Noah Chambers entered the game at quarterback in the fourth quarter after taking a snap in the first half, a pass that was intercepted by the Comets.  He finished 6-16 for 66 yards and threw a second interception in the fourth quarter.

A Yzan Lorenzo field goal of 47 yards with 3:07 to go cut the lead to 16-10, but the Vikings would not get the ball back until the 57 second mark.  A quarterback sack would effectively end the game.

Gavin Gerhardt led the Viking defensive effort with 15 tackles.  Loke Ieze added 12, including five solo efforts.

The Vikings are now 1-3, 0-2 in NSAA play, and travel to Dickinson Saturday.