ATCHINSON, KANSAS — In a showdown between the top teams in the Heart of America's North and South divisions, No. 4 Grand View University proved dominant throughout the contest in front of a packed Larry Wilcox Stadium, battling to a 52-28 win over No. 12 Benedictine College. 

After a strong defensive stand by the No. 12 Ravens on the Vikings' opening drive, Grand View found itself trailing. The Ravens struck first with a 56-yard deep pass that set up a scoring opportunity. Despite moving the ball effectively, the Vikings' following drive was thwarted by a penalty, leading to another empty possession.

As the first quarter progressed, the Vikings' defense rose to the occasion, forcing the Ravens into a quick 3-and-out. Grand View capitalized on this momentum with their initial points of the game, as Cory Wood converted a 23-yard field goal to put the Vikings on the board. The defense continued its strong performance, shutting down the Ravens and keeping them scoreless following their initial drive.

Quarterback Jackson Waring then connected with Louis Brooks for a season-long 68-yard touchdown pass, propelling the Vikings ahead 10-7 by the end of the first quarter.

The Vikings carried their momentum into the final 15 minutes of the first half, as Jackson Filer delivered a pivotal sack on Raven QB Jackson Dooley, resulting in a significant 16-yard loss and forcing a punt. This defensive stand provided Grand View with an opportunity to extend their lead. The Vikings capitalized on a crucial penalty by the Ravens, with Dalten Van Pelt powering in a goal-line rush. Grand View concluded their first-half scoring stretch with a rushing touchdown, sending them into the break with a commanding 26-13 lead.

In the second half, the teams traded touchdowns, but the Vikings maintained their advantage, leading 35-20 as they entered the fourth quarter. Waring extended the Vikings' lead with another score early in the final period. Although Dooley connected with a Raven receiver to advance into Viking territory, Grand View's defense stood tall on a critical 4th-and-8 when Aaron Brown and Jackson Filer combined for a game-changing sack, effectively extinguishing any hopes for a momentum shift.

The Vikings' defense continued to assert dominance in the closing minutes, stifling the Ravens' attempts to mount a comeback. This steadfast performance secured Grand View's 51st consecutive regular-season victory under Head Coach Joe Woodley, 52-28. 

Grand View's offense piled up 549 yards, with 363 on the ground Quarterback Jackson Waring spearheaded the rushing attack, amassing 123 yards and a rushing touchdown while benefiting from a stalwart offensive line. 

Tim Nimely also made significant contributions, recording a breakout performance with 100 rushing yards and a touchdown in the second quarter. Complementing the ground game, Dalten Van Pelt and Cale Culver each added a touchdown, with Culver concluding the scoring efforts with a notable 49-yard dash to the end zone.

Veteran Aaron Brown led the Vikings' defense, recording seven tackles and one-and-a-half TFL.

UP NEXT
Grand View University will play its opening game at The Duke this coming Saturday, September 14th, in an anticipated clash with the Vikings. The GVU Vikings will host the Missouri Valley College Vikings, with kickoff scheduled for noon in Des Moines.

WORDS WITH WOODLEY