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MONTANA (NewsDakota.com) On a windy day at Nelson Stadium on the campus of Carroll College, the Fighting Saints eliminated the Valley City State Vikings from the postseason with a 49-0 victory in the opening round of the NAIA National Football Playoffs.

The top ranked Fighting Saints started off fast and never slowed down. They forced the Vikings to three and out on the opening drive then proceeded to march the ball 50 yards in four minutes for the games opening score.  Carroll Colleges first touchdown came on a 4 yard run from Dustin Rinker. The Frontier Conferences leading rusher would find his way into the end zone twice more while rushing past the Vikings for a game high 153 yards.

On the defensive side of the ball the stubborn Saints combined with a strong Montana wind held the Vikings to just 47 yards of total offense in the game. The Fighting Saints had one interception and two fumble recoveries. The Vikings were unable to force any turnovers against the home team.

Valley City State’s Nick McBeain and Eathen Preston led all defensive players with 18 and 14 tackles.

When the Saints weren’t turning to Rinker and the run game, it was their quarterback Mac Roche who was forcing the Vikings defense to stay on the field. With 133 passing yards, 31 rushing yards and a touchdown both in the air and on the ground, Roche made it clear to the country the Fighting Saints have more then just a good running game.

The loss ends the Vikings season at 9-2 overall. The Saints also halted the second longest winning streak in the country at eight games. Carroll College holds the longest winning streak in the country currently at 10 games.

Despite the tough loss to the top team in the NAIA, the Vikings end the 2014 season 14th in the nation and stand alone as the North Stat Athletic Association champions with a perfect 6-0 conference record.