MADISON, S.D. – Valley City State's defense dominated on Saturday, leading the Viking football team to a 14-6 victory at Dakota State University.

VCSU held Dakota State to just four yards rushing and only 135 yards of total offense, controlling the game on a snowy and muddy field. The Vikings also picked off four passes and recovered a fumble to stifle Dakota State's offense.

The Vikings improve to 5-2 this season with the victory. Dakota State drops to 2-5.

VCSU quarterback Jalen Pfeifer hit Jacob Gottenborg and Nyle Perkins for short first-half touchdowns, putting the Vikings ahead 14-0 at the half. VCSU's first touchdown was set up by a fumble recovery on a Dakota State punt return.

The Viking defense shut Dakota State out until the final play of the game – a 3-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Tappe to Jacob Hirsch.

Paco Baltazar had two interceptions for the Vikings, while Gavin Wright and Jerrod Williamson each picked off a pass as well. Wright had a big all-around game for the Vikings, totaling a team-high eight tackles, 1.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, an interception and two passes broken up.

Williamson finished with seven tackles and an interception. Colton Taylor and Sal Avila each had five tackles, and Avila added 1.5 sacks.

Dakota State had 15 rushing attempts for just four yards. The Trojans finishes with 135 total yards – 90 of which came on their final drive of the game.

VCSU's offense did just enough, finishing with 234 yards – including 74 on the ground and 160 through the air. Taylor Simmons had 26 carries for 26 yards, and Shayden Luna had 10 carries for 25 yards.

Pfeifer finished the game 13-for-29 passing for 160 yards and two touchdowns. Perkins and Gottenborg both caught touchdowns, while Simmons and Joshua McKnight each had three catches out of the backfield. Tight end Jorun Hamre had two catches as well.

Up next: Valley City State is currently scheduled to play Mayville State on Tuesday, Nov. 24, in Valley City.