DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – Grand View University's football team capped off a historic season on Saturday, December 21st, with a commanding performance in the NAIA National Championship. The Vikings faced off against previous National Champions, Keiser University, and delivered a dominant 35-7 victory. This monumental win secured Grand View's first-ever Heart of America Football National Title marked Head Coach
Joe Woodley's inaugural championship and etched their name in history as the first team to defeat the last three National Championship teams in a single season to collect their bearings.
The Vikings set a new benchmark for excellence on multiple levels, claiming the first-ever Heart of America Football National Title as the program with the fewest years of competition in the conference. Their remarkable season included an unblemished record, a feat only a select few in NAIA history achieved. The championship also marked the first title in what continues to be a decorated career for Head Coach
Joe Woodley.
Grand View dominated in their NAIA National Championship victory over Keiser University, showcasing superior performance in every phase of the game. The Vikings outgained the Seahawks with 485 total yards of offense to Keiser's 407, excelling on the ground with a commanding 353 rushing yards to Keiser's 130. Averaging an impressive 7.5 yards per carry, Grand View tallied 17 rushing first downs compared to Keiser's 7. Through the air, the Vikings threw for 132 yards and 4 touchdowns, while their defense limited Keiser to just one passing touchdown and secured an interception.
Grand View controlled the game from start to finish in a commanding 35-7 victory over Keiser. The Vikings opened with an 8-play, 63-yard drive, ending in a 14-yard touchdown pass from
Jackson Waring to
Aisea Toki. The defense set the tone early, forcing multiple punts while limiting Keiser to one sustained drive in the first quarter. A key defensive stand on fourth down at the 5-yard line in the second quarter, led by
Skylar James and
John Argo, kept the Seahawks scoreless. On the ensuing possession, Waring broke free for a 53-yard run and connected with Toki again for a 22-yard touchdown, capping a 95-yard drive to extend the lead to 14-0.
Later in the quarter, Waring added a 19-yard touchdown pass to
Triston Williams, increasing the lead to 21-0. Keiser responded just before halftime with a 26-yard touchdown pass from Shea Spencer to Porcha, narrowing the gap to 21-7.
The second half belonged to Grand View's defense and special teams. A 55-yard punt by
Kody Kruschwitz pinned Keiser at their 2-yard line, and the Seahawks struggled to gain momentum. Waring continued to lead the offense, adding a 20-yard touchdown pass to
Corey Phillips in the third quarter to make it 28-7. The defense delivered a key moment in the fourth quarter when
Kellen Moore intercepted a pass in the end zone, returning it 20 yards to halt Keiser's only real scoring threat of the half.
Grand View sealed the victory with a 9-play, 80-yard drive, highlighted by the running of
Dalten Van Pelt, who scored on an 11-yard touchdown run with under four minutes to play. The Vikings' dominance in all phases of the game secured their impressive 35-7 National Championship win.
GAME NOTES
- Jackson Waring had an outstanding performance, completing 11 of 18 passes for 132 yards, 4 touchdowns, and no interceptions. His longest completion was 22 yards, showcasing his efficiency and control throughout the game.
- On the ground, Waring was unstoppable, rushing for 203 yards on 21 carries, averaging 9.7 yards per carry. His longest rush went for 53 yards. A GV school record - he now holds two.
- Dalten Van Pelt added 107 yards on 16 carries, scoring once and averaging 6.7 yards per carry.
- The Vikings racked up 353 total rushing yards, with a team average of 7.5 yards per rush, demonstrating their strong running attack.
- In the receiving game, Aisea Toki led the way with 3 catches for 45 yards and two touchdowns, including a 22-yard scoring reception.
- Corey Phillips and Triston Williams each caught touchdown passes, with Phillips adding 20 yards and Williams contributing 19 yards.
- The Vikings' defense was suffocating, limiting Keiser to just 130 net rushing yards.
- John Argo led the defense with 9 total tackles (6 solo), including a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry.
- Skylar James added 6 tackles and 2 pass breakups, contributing to the secondary's tight coverage.
- Kellen Moore made a pivotal interception in the end zone, returning it 20 yards to halt Keiser's scoring threat.
- Kody Kruschwitz played a key role in field position, delivering a 55-yard punt that pinned Keiser at their 2-yard line.
- Justyn Hamm was perfect on extra points, extending the Vikings' lead after each touchdown.
JACKSON WARING: OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
JACKSON FILER: DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
CHAMPIONSHIP TWEETS
FULL CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTO GALLERY COURTESY OF DOUG WELLS -
HERE.
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