DICKINSON, ND (NewsDakota.com) The Vikings’ hope for a conference title came up short at Dickinson State Saturday, with the Bluehawks claiming the North Star Athletic Association title.

Quarterback Will Madler threw for 239 yards on 15-21 passing, and Braden Zuroff rushed for 94 yards and two touchdowns in a 48-17 win for the Bluehawks over Valley City State at the Biesiot Activity Center in Dickinson.

Dickinson State scored on three of their four first-half possessions, including a 73-yard touchdown pass from Madler to Cameron Shepperd with 2:15 left in the half, building a 20-3 advantage at the break.

Zuroff scored early in the third quarter following a Viking turnover on their opening second half possession. Noah Chambers entered the game, but Dickinson State Jayden Heartwell greeted him with a one-handed interception, returned 34 yards for a touchdown. The Bluehawks would tack on additional touchdown passes to Noah Sickler and Colin Bowdon.

The Vikings highlights included Mason Yoshino catching seven passes for 75 yards, and Faaris Amegankpwe, hampered by injury all season, catching his first touchdown ball of the year.

Viking quarterback Avery Thorsgard finished 12-24 for 97 yards. He also rushed 12 times for 21 yards and a touchdown. Chambers finished 8-17 for 121 yards, a score, and an interception.

The Vikings finish their season with a conference matchup next Saturday, hosting Waldorf, IA at 1:00 PM