DES MOINES, IOWA – The Vikings hosted Saint Francis in the NAIA FCS Second Round on Saturday afternoon in challenging weather conditions. Despite a snowstorm that dropped approximately 8 inches throughout the game, Grand View dominated from start to finish, defeating the Cougars 62-20 to improve to 11-0 and advance in the playoffs.

The game started with Grand View's defense setting the tone. After a three-and-out on the Vikings' opening possession, Casey Trudo and Jackson Filer delivered back-to-back sacks to force a punt. Trudo added another sack on the next Saint Francis possession, and the Vikings' defense was flying around in the snow.

Grand View's offense found its rhythm on their second drive. Bryant Williams exploded for a 36-yard run, and Jackson Waring connected with Aisea Toki for 6 yards. After Waring converted a third down with a 3-yard scramble, Dalten Van Pelt picked up 4 yards to move the chains. Waring found Toki again for a 9-yard touchdown pass at the 6:14 mark of the first quarter, giving Grand View a 6-0 lead.

Saint Francis answered with a touchdown early in the second quarter to take a brief 7-6 lead, but the Vikings were just getting started.

Grand View responded immediately. After a 38-yard kickoff return by Peyton Goode gave the Vikings excellent field position, Waring connected with Triston Williams for a 37-yard strike. Van Pelt powered in from 5 yards out, and Cory Wood's extra point gave Grand View a 13-7 lead they would never relinquish.

The Vikings' offense caught fire. Williams showcased his breakaway speed with a 59-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 20-7. After a defensive stop, Waring orchestrated another scoring drive, finding Toki for 29 yards on a crucial third-down conversion before scoring on a 5-yard run himself. Wood's kick made it 27-7.

Tucker Dickherber came up with a huge interception and returned it to the Saint Francis 11-yard line. Waring wasted no time, connecting with Triston Williams for an 11-yard touchdown on the very next play. The Vikings led 34-7 with 3:57 remaining in the half.

USF managed a touchdown to cut it to 34-13, but Grand View answered with a masterful two-minute drill. Waring completed passes to Van Pelt, Toki, and Triston Williams before finding Peyton Goode for a 16-yard touchdown strike with just 15 seconds left in the half. The Vikings took a commanding 41-13 lead into the locker room.

The third quarter was all Grand View. Just 53 seconds into the half, Waring launched a deep ball to Jordan Kumm, who took it 73 yards to the house. After Dickherber recovered a fumble to give the Vikings excellent field position, Grand View kept rolling. Ethan Schultz burst for 14 yards, Waring hit Lance Clayburg for 22 yards, and Waring capped the drive with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Curtis Horras. Grand View led 55-13, and the rout was on.

The fourth quarter saw Grand View's depth shine through the snowy conditions. Isaac Kracl finished off a drive with a 7-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 62-13. Saint Francis added a late score, but the outcome had long been decided.

Despite the challenging weather conditions with heavy snow throughout the game, Grand View's offense was unstoppable, amassing 449 total yards. Waring threw for 247 yards and five touchdowns, while Williams rushed for 119 yards and a score. The Vikings' balanced attack and dominant defense proved why they remain undefeated.

GAME NOTES

• Jackson Waring threw for 247 yards and 5 touchdowns on 14-of-19 passing, adding 3 yards rushing
• Bryant Williams rushed for 119 yards and a touchdown on 6 carries (19.8 avg)
• Jordan Kumm caught 1 pass for 73 yards and a touchdown
• Tucker Dickherber had an interception and a fumble recovery
• Jackson Waring was named Offensive Player of the Game
• Jackson Filer was named Defensive Player of the Game
• Ryan Saddler was awarded the Champions of Character award
• Grand View improved to 11-0 and advanced to the NAIA FCS Quarterfinals

UP NEXT

Grand View will host an NAIA FCS Quarterfinal matchup. The Vikings will take on Lindsey Wilson University on Saturday, December 6th. The game will begin at 12:00 PM at Mediacom Stadium.