At Forest City Iowa

FORREST CITY, IOWA (VCSU) – The Valley City State University football never trailed on Saturday as the Vikings went on the road and earned a big 35-14 win at Waldorf University.

The Vikings scored on their first drive of the game to go up 7-0 early, and the VCSU defense forced Waldorf’s offense into three straight three-and-out possessions to start the game. VCSU quarterback Noah Chambers connected with Austin Young for a 42-yard touchdown late in the first quarter as the Vikings built a 14-0 lead.

Valley City State would lead 14-7 at halftime, and then extended the lead to 35-7 in the fourth quarter before Waldorf added a late touchdown.

After starting the season 0-3, the Vikings have now won 3 of their last 4 games and have a 3-4 overall record. VCSU is 2-1 in conference play. Waldorf drops to 6-3 overall and 2-2 in the NSAA. Valley City State continues to control its own destiny to at least a share of the conference title. The Vikings will face their toughest test next week when they play at conference favorite Dickinson State University.

On Saturday, the Vikings put up a strong defensive effort against a Waldorf team that was averaging 32 points per game. Blake King and Jahidi West each had interceptions for VCSU’s defense, and Riley Gerhardt led the way with 10 total tackles. Defensive backs Paco Baltazar and Anthony Russell each had five tackles and combined for three TFL.

The Vikings finished with 325 yards of total offense, including 194 rushing yards. Justice Bice led the rushing attack with 119 yards on 20 carries. Taylor Simmons had 14 carries for 51 yards. Chambers and backup quarterback Erik Peterson each rushed for short touchdowns in the game.

Chambers was a very efficient 10-for-13 passing for 131 yards and three touchdowns. Austin Young, Bice and Justin Cruz all caught touchdowns for the Vikings. Young had a 42-yard score in the first half, while Bice scored on a 6-yard catch in the third quarter and Cruz caught a 4-yard touchdown to start the fourth quarter.

Up next: Valley City State is back on the road Saturday, Oct. 29 for a conference game at NSAA leader Dickinson State University. The game kicks off at 2 p.m. Mountain Time in Dickinson.