DES MOINES, IOWA — The second-seeded Grand View University Vikings hosted 11th-seeded Northwestern College in a Quarterfinal All-Iowa showdown. The Vikings wasted no time, striking early with a touchdown on their opening drive. Their defense dominated throughout, posting its fourth shutout of the season and securing a 17-0 victory to advance to the semifinals.

The Vikings' defense was outstanding all afternoon, holding the Red Raiders to just 218 yards of total offense, not allowing an offensive touchdown with the three turnovers on downs (and 7-14 on 3^rd down), and limiting NWC to just 24:43 TOP. 

Grand View came out strong in the first quarter, marching 75 yards on their opening drive to take an early lead. Quarterback Jackson Waring made key plays, including big completions to Aisea Toki and Tate Stine-Smith, before finishing the drive himself with a three-yard touchdown run. Justyn Hamm added the extra point to make it 7-0.

Northwestern answered with a long drive of their own, moving 71 yards into the red zone, but the Vikings' defense stepped up with a huge stop on fourth-and-one at their own 7-yard line to keep them off the board. On the next drive, Grand View continued to mix the run and pass effectively, with Waring and running back Tim Nimely keeping the chains moving. As the quarter ended, the Vikings held a 7-0 lead and were in control of the game.

In the second quarter, Grand View added to their lead with a 40-yard field goal from Justyn Hamm, capping a 12-play, 70-yard drive to go up 10-0. Northwestern's offense struggled, with penalties and tough Viking defense forcing punts.

After a big hit by Aaron Brown, the Defensive Player of the Game forced a fumble that Dane Johnson recovered at the Northwestern 36. Grand View capitalized with a nine-yard touchdown run by Jackson Waring to make it 17-0. Northwestern managed a brief drive before the half ended, leaving the Vikings in control.

In the third quarter, Northwestern opened with a methodical drive, but a critical sack by Aaron Brown stalled their momentum, forcing a punt. Grand View responded with a drive that reached midfield but ultimately ended with a punt. Northwestern's next possession was hampered by a false start penalty, preventing them from gaining traction. Late in the quarter, Grand View found a rhythm on offense, highlighted by a 20-yard pass from Jackson Waring to Aisea Toki, pushing the Vikings deep into Northwestern territory. The quarter ended with Grand View maintaining control and a 17-0 lead.

The fourth quarter opened with Grand View continuing their drive but stalling at the Northwestern 12-yard line after a false start penalty and an incomplete pass on fourth down. Northwestern took over but struggled to maintain momentum despite a 34-yard scramble by Colby Duncan, with their drive ending on a fourth-down incompletion. Grand View's next possession lost yardage but concluded with a booming 67-yard punt by Kody Kruschwitz. Northwestern tried to mount a late rally but was stumped by penalties and sacks, ultimately turning the ball over on downs at the Grand View 34. The Vikings ran out the clock with a steady ground game, sealing a 17-0 victory, the defense's fourth shutout of the season. 
 
GAME NOTES 

• Jackson Waring threw for 160 yards, completing 13 of 22 passes, and rushed for two touchdowns, leading the offense.
• Tim Nimely contributed 32 yards on 16 carries, while Peyton Goode averaged 7.0 yards per carry, totaling 14 yards.
• Aisea Toki led the receiving corps with 33 yards on 2 receptions, including a 20-yard catch.
• Kody Kruschwitz had an impressive 53-yard punting average, including a long punt of 67 yards and two inside the 20.
• The Grand View defense held Northwestern to just 218 total yards and posted their fourth shutout of the season. The defense saw a strong performance from Daviere Jones and John Argo, who each recorded 7 total tackles, with several key pass breakups and tackles for loss.
• Aaron Brown made a significant impact with 2.5 tackles for loss, totaling 15 yards, along with a sack for 14 yards, creating pressure throughout the game.
• Skylar James contributed 4 tackles, including 1 for a 2-yard loss, while Jackson Filer added 1.5 tackles for loss, helping to limit Northwestern's offensive gains.

QUARTERFINAL TWEETS
 
 
 
 
 


UP NEXT 
The Vikings will host Morningside University for the fourth time in program history (2013, 2019, 2021). The last meeting dating back to 2021 in the NAIA FCS National Championship (2021),  where the Vikings fell 38-28. Grand View and the 6th-seeded Mustangs (12-1) will compete on December 14th for a chance to Durham, NC at 1:30 p.m. in Mediacom Stadium. 
 

 

2024 QUARTERFINAL  NAIA CHAMPION OF CHARACTER 

Dane Johnson 

2024 NAIA FCS - QUARTERFINAL DPOTG

Aaron Brown 

2024 NAIA FCS - QUARTERFINAL OPOTG

Jackson Waring 

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