MORRIS, MINN. – Valley City State racked up 67 points and 533 yards of offense Saturday night as the Viking football team cruised to a 67-7 win at the University of Minnesota-Morris.

The Vikings led 23-0 after the first quarter, 39-0 at halftime and 60-0 after three quarters Saturday.

Valley City State improves to 2-1 overall this season, bouncing back in a big way after suffering their first loss last week. The Vikings now have a bye week before opening conference play Sept. 28 with their homecoming game against Dakota State University.

VCSU's defense was dominant Saturday, allowing just 109 yards of total offense to Minnesota-Morris. Dustin Kasowski had a first-quarter sack for a safety to give the Vikings a 9-0 lead, and Dakota Johnson returned an interception 23 yards for a touchdown to end the first quarter and put VCSU ahead 23-0. The defense finished with two interceptions, two sacks and seven total tackles for loss.

Offensively, the Vikings gained 305 yards on the ground and passed for 228 yards. Louis Quinones, who entered the day leading the NAIA in rushing yards, gained 156 yards on 14 carries and also scored three touchdowns. Starting quarterback Jalen Pfeifer rushed for 28 yards and two touchdowns and also went 15-for-19 through the air for 199 yards and a score. Backup quarterback Mack Jones rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown on five carries. Ireland Franklin also added a late touchdown on the ground.

Jacob Gottenborg, Caid Combs and Kellen Kessler each had three catches, and Sean Beilke hauled in two passes – including a 28-yard touchdown in the third quarter.

Sal Avila totaled seven tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss. Marshaun Jones had five tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Both Jahidi West and Doniaj Smelker finished with four tackles, while Dakota Johnson and Hunter Olson each had an interception.

Valley City State is now 11-2 in night games since 2013, including 2-0 so far this season and 6-0 since 2016. The Vikings will play one more night game this year on Oct. 12 at Presentation College.

Up next: Valley City State has a bye week before starting conference play Sept. 28 during VCSU Homecoming Week. The Vikings host Dakota State that day to start a run of seven straight conference games. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. in Valley City.