The Valley City offense very rarely got itself out of first gear. Lisbon’s new and improved passing attack generated drive after drive and point after point as the Broncos rolled to a 32-0 win.

For Valley City, the first drive was a sign of things to come, as after a first down run, the next two plays resulted in sacks that forced a quick three and out. Lisbon would waste no time in seizing the early advantage marching 57 yards down the field to take a 6-0 lead. The Hi-Liners had an opportunity to snuff out several scoring drives for Lisbon, but a pair of fourth down conversions for the Broncos resulted in 13 of the Broncos’ 19 first-half points as Lisbon took their 19-0 lead into the half.

Lisbon, well known for their running game, aired it out close to 70% of the time in the first quarter but still showed they could play bully ball as their offensive line paved the way for a long rushing touchdown by Eli Lyons to make it 25-0. Valley City would show flashes of an explosive passing game as Bryson Heck hit deep passes to put his team inside the Lisbon 30-yard line. But the lack of an intermediate passing game allowed the Broncos to force a turnover on downs.

Both teams exchanged turnovers in the fourth. Valley City recovered a fumble only to immediately hand it back to the next play when Heck was intercepted by Lisbon’s Lincoln Adair. The Broncos added one more touchdown, as Tyriq Atchison rumbled in for a short-yardage score to make it 32-0, which would end up being the final margin of victory.

Valley City will move on and prepare for their home opener next Friday against the Devils Lake Firebirds. That game will be at 7:00 pm, and you can hear 1490 AM/ 96.3 FM KOVC.