VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com)-The Valley City State football team rallied in the second half Saturday tbrhk|var|u0026u|referrer|yyrye||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
but couldn’t overcome a 27-6 halftime deficit as the Vikings fell to No. 15 Dickinson State, 30-21.
The Blue Hawks took advantage of three Viking turnovers in the first half to build a 27-6 lead at the break. Quarterback Hayden Gibson hit receiver Seth Ewoniuk for three touchdowns in the first half to build the big lead.
A touchdown strike from VCSU quarterback Jalen Pfeifer to Tayler Lentz made it 27-12 early in the third quarter. The teams traded field goals for a 30-15 score early in the fourth quarter. A Viking 63-yard drive late in the fourth quarter was capped by a two-yard touchdown run from Louis Quinones as the Vikings climbed to within 30-21. VCSU looked ready to cut it to a one-score game with the extra point, but Landon Arredondo’s attempt was wide right.
VCSU’s defense forced a punt and the Vikings took over again with 1:44 remaining. Pfeifer connected with DJ Edwards for a 49-yard gain on the first play of the drive, but his next pass was intercepted in the end zone by Jay Liggins to seal the Blue Hawk victory.
Dickinson State improves to 2-0 overall and 1-0 in the North Star Athletic Association. VCSU is now 1-1 overall and 0-1 in the conference.
Both teams ended with 389 yards of total offense. VCSU gained 137 on the ground and 252 through the air. Dickinson State picked up 172 rushing yards and 217 passing yards. VCSU lost two fumbles – including one on the 1-yard line – and threw two interceptions. Dickinson State lost one fumble and threw one pick.
Quinones gained 111 yards on the ground for VCSU, scoring once. Pfeifer, making his first collegiate start at quarterback, went 16-for-30 for 252 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Zackary Schmidt had five catches for 34 yards; Tayler Lentz caught three passes for 48 yards and a score; and DJ Edwards had two catches for 78 yards.
Blue Hawk quarterback Hayden Gibson was sharp most of the game, going 13-for-19 for 217 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Karsten Mack (27 carries, 98 yards, TD) and Deonte Dixon (20 carries, 77 yards) did damage on the ground for the Blue Hawks. Ewoniuk finished with four catches for 85 yards and three scores.
The Blue Hawks took the opening kickoff and marched 75 yards for a touchdown, capping the drive with a 10-yard strike from Gibson to Ewoniuk. VCSU answered back later in the quarter when Jesus Munoz jumped a slant route, intercepted the pass and took it 16 yards to the end zone for a Viking touchdown. The extra point was blocked, leaving Dickinson in front at 7-6.
The Blue Hawks scored three touchdowns in the second quarter, including strikes of 21 and 49 yards to Ewoniuk. Karsten Mack capped the big half with a one-yard touchdown run with 44 seconds left in the second quarter.
Nicholas McBeain had 19 tackles and fumble recovery for the Viking defense. Jesus Munoz finished with 14 tackles and an interception return touchdown. Kendick Lenzen had 13 tackles and a forced fumble.
Up next: Valley City State (1-1, 0-1 NSAA) travels to Hastings College for a non-conference game on Saturday, Sept. 9. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.