The Valley City State football team had its most impressive performance of the season on Saturday, scoring early and often en route to a 49-0 shutout against Mayville State University.

The Viking offense scored on its first three drives of the day – racking up 499 yards and seven touchdowns total – and VCSU's defense sacked the Comets six times while allowing just 135 total yards. The No. 19-ranked Vikings are now 5-0 overall and 3-0 in conference play. Saturday's shutout was especially sweet coming in front of VCSU's large Homecoming crowd.

"It was a great game today," said VCSU head coach Dennis McCulloch. "I feel like it's the most complete game we've played all year. Our offense never let up, and we found ways to make big plays on both offense and defense. Start to finish, I was impressed with how we played today."

Viking defensive end Riley Gerhardt tied a school record with three sacks as he led a ferocious defensive performance. VCSU totaled six sacks in the game, including Gerhardt's three, two by Nick Harberts and one by Marshaun Jones. Gerhardt finished with a team-high eight tackles, three sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. The Vikings totaled 13 tackles for loss, setting the Comets back 62 yards.

"Our defensive line is very talented," said McCulloch. "If their quarterback doesn't get rid of the ball right away, our guys are going to get pressure. Mayville has two special wide receivers, but it's a lot easier for coverage when you can get pressure in the QB's face."

VCSU's defense also created three turnovers. Gerhardt and Harberts each forced fumbles that VCSU recovered and Anthony Russell intercepted a pass. Saturday was the first shutout of the season for VCSU. The Vikings defense has now allowed just three total touchdowns in four games against NAIA competition.

"We're excited right now because (at 5-0) we have all our goals in front of us," said McCulloch. "That's a great thing, but we also know we have to push ourselves to continue getting better. Our guys set the bar high today, and now we have to move it up again and continue improving."

SCORING SPREE
Offensively, VCSU wasted no time setting the tone on Saturday. The Vikings received the opening kickoff and covered 64 yards in just five plays. Justice Bice capped the drive with a 6-yard touchdown run and the route was on. The Vikings scored touchdowns on each of their first three drives and built a 28-0 lead at halftime.

VCSU's second touchdown drive went 62 yards in eight plays and finished with a 12-yard strike from Jalen Pfeifer to Jorun Hamre. The Vikings' third touchdown came on a 13-play, 98-yard drive. VCSU picked up eight first downs on the drive and finished with a 3-yard pass from Pfeifer to Mack Jones. The next touchdown, just before the half, was the complete opposite as Bice took a screen pass 90 yards to the endzone on the very first play. Nico Magana's extra point gave the Vikings a 28-0 lead.

Pfeifer hit Michael Cornelious for a 22-yard score in the third quarter, and then Pfeifer scored on a 26-yard run on the first play of the fourth quarter. James Nyanforh capped the scoring with his first career touchdown – a 7-yard run with 3:58 remaining in the game.

STAT SUMMARY
Bice finished with two touchdowns and 209 total yards of offense, gaining 102 yards on the ground and 107 on receptions. Pfeifer completed 17 out of 27 passes for 310 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for a fifth score. Cornelious caught seven passes for 82 yards and a score. Mack Jones had three receptions for 39 yards and a touchdown, and Hamre caught two passes for 50 yards and a touchdown.

Of VCSU's 499 yards, 332 came through the air and 167 were on the ground.

Gerhardt's big day led the Viking defense, and both Jahidi West and Dustin Kasowski had five tackles. Five other Vikings had four tackles each as part of a balanced and impressive defensive showing. Mayville gained just 83 yards passing and 52 yards rushing.

AROUND THE NORTH STAR
Elsewhere in conference action, Waldorf defeated Dakota State 26-21 and Dickinson State knocked off Presentation College 70-14. Valley City State sits atop the NSAA standings with a 3-0 record while Dickinson State is second at 2-0. Waldorf and Dakota State are both 2-1.

UP NEXT
Valley City State is back on the road on Saturday, Oct. 9, playing a 6 p.m. game at Presentation College (0-6, 0-3 NAA) in Aberdeen, S.D.