VALLEY CITY – A defensive struggle went the way of Dickinson State on Saturday as the top two teams in North Star Athletic Association football clashed for the conference lead.

No. 23-ranked Valley City State held a 7-0 halftime lead, but Dickinson State scored two second-half touchdowns to edge the Vikings, 14-7.

Valley City State drops to 6-2 overall and 4-2 in conference play. Dickinson State moves to 5-2 overall and 5-0 the conference. Dickinson State leads the NSAA standings while Valley City is now third behind Waldorf.

Both defenses turned in impressive performances Saturday, holding the offenses to season-lows for points. VCSU's defense intercepted four passes and held the Blue Hawks to 30 points less than their season average of 44 points per game. Viking linebacker Jahidi West had three interceptions – all in the first half – as he tied VCSU's single-game school record for interceptions. The Vikings also held Dickinson to a season-low 271 yards – which was 183 yards below their season average.

Despite being held down, the Blue Hawk offense found a way in the second half scoring on a four-yard run by Riley Linder and a one-yard rush by quarterback Drew Boedecker. Both touchdowns were set up by long passes of 43 yards and 49 yards to Kaden Kuntz, who gained more than half of Dickinson's 183 passing yards on the two plays.

SCORING SUMMARY
The teams were scoreless for much of the first half, trading short drives before the Vikings put together their lone touchdown drive of the game late in the first half. Set up by West's second interception at the Dickinson State 47-yard line, the Vikings chewed up 6 minutes and 37 seconds of clock before Justice Bice found the end zone on a five-yard rush. The extra point by Nico Magana sent the Vikings to the locker room with a 7-0 lead.

The Vikings maintained their momentum in the third quarter, moving deep into Blue Hawk territory on their second drive of the half. Facing a fourth-and-1 from the DSU 26-yard line, the Vikings went for it and were stopped and the momentum began to shift.

Four plays later, Boedecker hit Kuntz for his first big pass reception and the Blue Hawks punched in their first score to tie the game. Dickinson scored its second touchdown on the next drive, taking a 14-7 lead with 12:02 remaining in the game.

The Viking defense appeared to have a game-changing play on Dickinson's next drive as VCSU safety Anthony Russell stepped in front of a receiver for an interception and was off to the races towards the end zone. Kuntz was able to catch Russell at the 5-yard line though and poked the ball out from behind, allowing Dickinson State to recover in the end zone for a touchback.

After another defensive stop, the Viking offense again drove deep into Dickinson State territory but could not convert on a fourth-and-6 from the 16-yard line. The Blue Hawks took over on downs with 2:21 remaining. The Viking defense forced a three-and-out, allowing the offense one more chance, but Dickinson's defense held again and forced another turnover on downs to end VCSU's last chance.

WEST TIES RECORD
The three interceptions by Jahidi West are the most by a Viking since Chauncey Calhoun did it in 2006. He is one of just six Vikings to accomplish the feat. West now has seven interceptions this season – which leads the entire NAIA – and is just one shy of tying VCSU's school record of eight interceptions. As a team, VCSU leads the entire NAIA this season with 18 interceptions, which is one away from VCSU's team record of 19 interceptions.

STAT SUMMARY
Valley City State had 258 yards of offense, including 128 rushing and 130 passing. Dickinson State gained 271 total yards – 88 on the ground and 183 through the air.

Riley Gerhardt finished with 10 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss to lead VCSU's defense. Sal Avila added nine tackles and one TFL, while Dustin Kasowski had eight tackles. West finished with seven tackles and the three interceptions, and Garrett Pemelton had seven tackles and two sacks.

Krew Mathern led Dickinson's defensive effort with 13 tackles, two sacks and four tackles for loss. Nick Miller added 12 tackles and a forced fumble.

VCSU quarterback Jalen Pfeifer was 17-for-34 for 130 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions. Pfeifer led VCSU's rushing attack with 70 yards on 17 carries. Justice Bice gained 51 yards on 15 carries, and also caught six passes for 39 yards. Benjamin Dumond added six catches for 56 yards.

Dickinson State quarterback Drew Boedecker was 12-for-20 for 183 yards and four interceptions. Riley Linder gained 60 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. Kunts had two catches for 92 yards, and Tyger Frye caught five passes for 39 yards.

UP NEXT
Valley City State travels to Waldorf University (6-1, 4-1 NSAA) on Saturday, Oct. 30. Dickinson State hosts Mayville State on Oct. 30.