VALLEY CITY, N.D. – Following a bye week, the Valley City State University football team returns to Lokken Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 7, to host Montana State University-Northern in a Frontier Conference matchup.
Kickoff is scheduled for noon Central. Saturday's game features a White Out theme, and fans are encouraged to wear white and bring their energy as the Vikings look to get back in the win column.
VCSU enters the matchup at 1-7 overall and 0-4 in conference play after falling 24-3 at Dickinson State on Oct. 24. With an extra week between games, the Vikings have an opportunity to regroup before beginning their November schedule in front of their home crowd.
Establishing an offensive rhythm will be a priority for VCSU after being limited to 191 yards against the Blue Hawks. Laggarius Marshell led the ground game with 65 yards on 13 carries, while Simon-Peter Johnson caught two passes for 64 yards. Tyson Ball added four receptions for 37 yards, giving quarterback Brayden Medeiros multiple options in the passing game.
Defensively, Gavin Gerhardt, Caleb Torke and Aiden Russell each recorded eight tackles in VCSU's last outing. Their ability to limit explosive plays and get the defense off the field will be important against a Northern team that challenged Dickinson State last weekend.
The Lights enter Saturday at 0-9 overall and 0-4 in conference play following a 42-32 loss to Dickinson State. Northern held a 24-21 lead midway through the third quarter before the Blue Hawks scored 21 unanswered points to take control.
Northern showed its big-play potential in that contest, scoring on a 29-yard pass from Malakhi Statler to Isaiah Woodley and a 60-yard touchdown run by Laighton Scott V. The Lights also scored defensively on a fumble recovery, providing a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift. For VCSU, protecting the football and sustaining drives will be key to building an advantage Saturday.
Both teams will be searching for their first conference victory, setting the stage for a meaningful November matchup at Lokken Stadium.
Fans can find live video and statistics links at vcsuvikings.com. Wear white and help fill the stands for Saturday's noon kickoff.
