DICKINSON, N.D. — Penalties plagued Valley City in a 21-14 loss to the Dickinson Midgets, with the Hi-Liners amassing over 100 yards in penalties.

Both teams traded defensive stands early, as Dickinson halted Valley City’s offense despite a key interception by Jamison Mutschler at midfield. The Hi-Liners squandered multiple chances, with four drives stalling in Dickinson territory without any points.

Dickinson capitalized on momentum, taking a 6-0 lead after a short touchdown run by Shayden Jackson-Zietz. Valley City’s Bryson Heck connected with Derek Shape, who had over 100 receiving yards, but the Hi-Liners would advance no further entering halftime down 6-0 after their defense stopped Dickinson late in the second quarter.

In the third quarter, another long pass from Heck to Shape moved the ball into Dickinson territory, but penalties and miscommunication forced Valley City to punt. Dickinson responded with a drive that extended their lead to 14-0.

Valley City’s next drive was particularly frustrating, as multiple penalties turned a first-and-goal from the six-yard line into a fourth-and-goal from the 27. Dickinson added another touchdown, pushing the score to 21-0, with quarterback Nathan Stevenson rushing for over 100 yards.

Late touchdowns from Leighton Hendrickson and Koltyn Grebel narrowed the gap to 21-14. However, an apparent onside kick recovery by Valley City was negated by an illegal procedure penalty. Dickinson recovered the re-kick and ran out the clock to seal the win.

Valley City will face Minot North next Friday in the season finale, with the top seed in the west on the line. Catch the game at 7:00 PM on 1490 AM/96.3 FM KOVC.