DUBUQUE, IOWA – The Vikings traveled to Clarke University for their regular season finale on Friday afternoon. In a dominant performance, Grand View claimed the Heart of America Conference North Division title with a resounding 58-0 victory. The win capped a perfect 10-0 regular season and marked the program's 7th straight conference championship and 70th consecutive regular-season victory.
For first-year head coach E.J. Peterson, a Grand View alum, the conference title represents a special milestone in his debut season leading his alma mater. The Vikings showcased their championship pedigree with a complete team effort on both sides of the ball.
The game started with Grand View receiving the opening kickoff. After Lance Clayburg returned the kick to the GVU38, the offense went to work. Dalten Van Pelt opened with an 8-yard run, and Jackson Waring connected with Triston Williams for 8 yards to move the chains. The drive stalled after a sack and a false start penalty, forcing a punt.
Clarke's first possession showed promise as Caleb Perry gained 8 yards on two carries, and Carson Estrada connected with Riley Hawkins for 12 yards. However, the Grand View defense clamped down. Kellen Moore made a key tackle for loss, and Tracy Davis broke up a third-down pass to force a punt.
Grand View's offense found its rhythm on their third possession. Waring hit Aisea Toki for 22 yards, then connected with Jordan Kumm for 10 more. Williams added a 19-yard reception to move into the red zone. After Corey Phillips caught a 13-yard pass and Bryant Williams rushed for 4 yards, Van Pelt punched it in from 2 yards out. Cory Wood's extra point made it 7-0 at the 4:56 mark of the first quarter.
The Vikings defense continued to dominate. Joel Greiner and Cameron Meislahn combined for a sack, and Clarke went three-and-out. Grand View's next drive stalled near midfield, but the defense kept Clarke pinned deep. At the end of the first quarter, Clarke faced a 3rd and 5 at their own 38.
The second quarter began with Carson Estrada converting the third down with a 5-yard rush. However, the Vikings defense stepped up again. Jackson Filer and Tucker Dickherber combined to stop Gustav Nordberg-Risto, and Tommy Kaesberg and John Argo made another stop to force a punt.
The second quarter began with Carson Estrada converting a third down with a 5-yard rush. However, the Vikings defense stepped up again. Jackson Filer and Tucker Dickherber combined to stop Gustav Nordberg-Risto, and Tommy Kaesberg and John Argo made another stop to force a punt.
Grand View's offense found success on their next possession. Dalten Van Pelt and Bryant Williams moved the chains with solid runs, and Jackson Waring connected with Triston Williams for 18 yards. After an offside penalty on Clarke gave the Vikings a first down, Ethan Schultz broke free for a 20-yard touchdown run. Wood's kick extended the lead to 14-0 at the 6:21 mark of the second quarter.
Grand View's offense went three-and-out on their next possession, but the defense continued to shine. After Clarke moved the ball into Grand View territory, Moore came up with a huge play, intercepting Estrada at the GVU34 and returning it 33 yards to the CLARKE33.
The turnover sparked the Vikings. Van Pelt rushed for 11 yards, and Waring found Phillips for a 20-yard touchdown strike. Wood's kick pushed the lead to 21-0 with 49 seconds left in the half. Clarke tried to answer, but the Vikings defense held firm, sending Grand View into halftime with a commanding three-touchdown advantage.
The third quarter belonged entirely to Grand View. The Vikings kicked off to start the half, and on Clarke's first play from scrimmage, Nolan Simpson and Argo swarmed Perry in the end zone for a safety at the 14:53 mark, making it 23-0.
On the ensuing free kick, Kumm took the kickoff at the GVU34 and raced 66 yards to the house. Wood's extra point pushed the lead to 30-0 at 14:44 of the third quarter.
Grand View's onslaught continued. After forcing another three-and-out, the offense took over at the CLARKE43. Van Pelt exploded for a 37-yard run to the 6-yard line. On the next play, Waring found Toki for a 6-yard touchdown. The lead ballooned to 37-0 at the 12:58 mark of the third quarter.
The Vikings defense remained relentless. After another Clarke punt, Grand View drove down the field. Peyton Goode broke off a 21-yard run, and Waring connected with Lance Clayburg for 27 yards. Ethan Schultz finished the drive with a 2-yard touchdown plunge. Wood's kick made it 44-0 at 6:31 of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter saw Grand View's depth shine. Isaac Kracl took over at running back and made an immediate impact. After Peyton Rottinghaus completed a 20-yard pass to Goode, Kracl rushed for 12 yards, then powered in from 8 yards out for the touchdown. Grand View led 51-0 at the 13:34 mark of the fourth quarter.
Clarke showed some fight with Estrada completing passes of 34 and 10 yards to Jackson Ostrander-Krier and Spencer Cavaco. However, Simeon Reichenbach ended the drive with an 8-yard sack on fourth down.
Grand View's final scoring drive featured strong running from Kracl and Williams. Sawyer Wardlow capped the drive with an 11-yard touchdown run. Wood's extra point set the final score at 58-0 at the 1:52 mark of the fourth quarter.
The Vikings defense was outstanding throughout, holding Clarke to just 107 rushing yards and forcing an interception. Grand View's offense amassed 445 total yards, with 271 on the ground and 174 through the air.
GAME NOTES
- Jackson Waring had 147 yards passing and 2 touchdowns
- Dalten Van Pelt finished with 97 yards rushing and a touchdown on 10 carries (9.7 avg)
- Isaac Kracl added 64 yards rushing and a touchdown on 9 carries
- Ethan Schultz had 36 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns
- Sawyer Wardlow rushed for 27 yards and a touchdown on just 2 carries
- Corey Phillips had 2 receptions for 33 yards and a touchdown
- Aisea Toki caught 2 passes for 28 yards and a touchdown
- Jordan Kumm returned a kickoff 66 yards for a touchdown
- John Argo led the defense with 10 total tackles (3 solo, 7 assists) and 1.5 tackles for loss
- Kellen Moore had 6 tackles and an interception returned 33 yards
- Cory Wood was a perfect 8-for-8 on extra points
- The Vikings finished 10-0 in the regular season
- Head coach E.J. Peterson won a conference title in his first season as head coach
2025 HEART OF AMERICA CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS
