PERU, NEBRASKA – The 2nd-ranked Grand View football team traveled to Nebraska this weekend to face the Peru State Bobcats (6-2, 4-1 HOA-N). After a slow start, the Vikings regrouped to secure their ninth consecutive win of the season, defeating the Bobcats 26-7. With this victory, Grand View advances to 9-0 overall and 5-0 in the Heart of America Conference.

In the first half, Grand View's football team faced a tight contest against Peru State, with both teams exchanging early scoring drives and showcasing strong defensive efforts. Peru State opened with a 52-yard touchdown drive, taking a 7-0 lead. Grand View responded with a methodical 53-yard drive, capped by an 11-yard touchdown pass from Jackson Waring to Corey Phillips, though a missed extra point left the score at 7-6.

After some defensive stops, Grand View capitalized on an interception deep in Peru State territory, and Waring connected with Aisea Toki for a 26-yard touchdown, putting the Vikings ahead 13-7. Both teams then traded punts and defensive stands, with standout plays from John Argo and Jackson Filer keeping Peru State in check. Grand View headed to halftime with a narrow 16-7 lead.

Grand View opened the second half with a key defensive stop, setting up kicker Justyn Hamm for a 25-yard field goal to extend the lead to 19-7. Peru State struggled to respond, and a critical interception by Daviere Jones, returned 45 yards for a touchdown, further increased the Vikings' lead.

In the fourth quarter, Grand View opened with a crucial 4th-and-1 conversion at Peru State's 16-yard line but failed to capitalize, turning the ball over on downs after an 11-play drive. Peru State quickly went three-and-out, returning possession to Grand View, but the Vikings also failed to advance significantly and punted after a brief drive. With just over two minutes remaining, Peru State mounted a final push, reaching the Grand View 6-yard line. However, the defense held firm under pressure and closed out the game with a dramatic goal-line stand, sealing the win 26-7 win.
 
GAME NOTES

• Grand View dominated possession time, holding the ball for 36:18 compared to Peru State's 21:15.
• The Vikings racked up 175 total return yards, while limiting Peru State to just 40 return yards.
• Grand View's defense forced two interceptions without giving up any of their own.
• Jackson Waring completed 13 of 29 passes for 130 yards and 2 touchdowns with no interceptions.
• Aisea Toki led with 4 receptions for 46 yards, including a 26-yard touchdown catch.
• Grand View's defense recorded 2 interceptions, with one returned for a touchdown by Jones – his second of the season.
• Grand View's defense held the Bobcats to just 54 rushing yards
• The Vikings now are 9-1 all-time versus Peru State, and 4-1 on the road.

 
UP NEXT
The Vikings will return to action next weekend to compete for the Heart of America North title. Grand View will host Graceland University on Saturday at 12:00 p.m., with Senior Day celebrations taking place before the game. This match-up will also mark the Vikings' final regular season game.