DES MOINES, IOWA – In a defensive battle played in snowy conditions at Duke Williams Stadium, the top-ranked Vikings defeated No. 5 seed Benedictine College 17-10 in the NAIA FCS Semifinals on Saturday afternoon. John Argo sealed the dramatic victory with a crucial pass breakup in the end zone on fourth down with 11 seconds remaining. Grand View improved to 13-0 and advanced to the national championship game, extending their winning streak to 27 games and setting up a rematch of the 2024 title game against No. 2 Keiser.
Grand View's opening drive showed promise as the Vikings moved the ball to the Benedictine 35 before the drive stalled on fourth down. After forcing a punt, the Vikings drove deep into Ravens territory, but Jackson Waring's pass was intercepted at the Benedictine 18 at the 6:16 mark of the first quarter.
Benedictine capitalized on the turnover with an 82-yard scoring drive, taking a 7-0 lead at the 2:36 mark of the first quarter.
The Vikings answered with an impressive response drive. Starting at their own 25, Dalten Van Pelt picked up 11 yards and Bryant Williams contributed consecutive runs of 9 and 3 yards to move the chains. Facing second-and-six to start the second quarter, Cade Sheedy broke free for 16 yards to the Benedictine 31. Williams fumbled on the next play, but the Vikings' defense forced a quick three-and-out to give the offense another opportunity.
Taking over at the Benedictine 49, Grand View struck quickly. Van Pelt gained 2 yards, and Waring scrambled for 9 yards to the Benedictine 38. On second-and-seven, Williams exploded for a 35-yard touchdown run at the 10:37 mark. Cory Wood's extra point tied the game at 7-7.
The Ravens responded with a methodical 13-play, 60-yard drive that consumed over seven minutes, settling for a 30-yard field goal at the 3:12 mark to take a 10-7 lead.
Grand View mounted a crucial two-minute drive before halftime. Starting at their own 12 with just over three minutes remaining, the Vikings methodically moved down the field. Van Pelt gained 8 yards on two carries, and Waring converted a critical third-and-two with a 9-yard scramble. Waring then completed passes to Williams for 2 yards, Peyton Goode for 9 yards, Corey Phillips for 10 yards, and Triston Williams for 7 yards—all out of bounds to stop the clock and preserve time.
After a Benedictine unsportsmanlike conduct penalty moved the ball to the 24, Waring rushed for 11 yards to the Benedictine 13. Following two incompletions and a timeout, Wood drilled a 31-yard field goal as time expired in the half, tying the game 10-10.
The third quarter opened with both defenses controlling the action. After forcing a Benedictine three-and-out, Grand View embarked on a 10-play, 60-yard drive. Van Pelt converted a crucial third-and-one with a 14-yard run, and Waring scrambled for 17 yards to the Benedictine 25. Ethan Schultz added key yards as the Vikings drove to the Benedictine 5-yard line. However, the drive stalled on fourth-and-one when Waring was stopped for no gain at the 7:54 mark.
The momentum shifted dramatically on Benedictine's ensuing possession. After the Ravens punted from their own 33, the return man fumbled, and Grand View recovered at the Benedictine 26 at the 4:12 mark.
The Vikings capitalized immediately on the turnover. Schultz rushed for 3 yards and then broke free for 15 yards to the Benedictine 8. On the next play, Waring found Triston Williams in the end zone for an 8-yard touchdown strike at the 1:07 mark. Wood's extra point gave Grand View a 17-10 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter became a defensive struggle as both teams battled the snowy conditions. Benedictine drove to the Grand View 15 midway through the quarter, but the Vikings' defense held firm. Jackson Filer sacked the quarterback for a 5-yard loss, and the Ravens' 35-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right at the 4:51 mark.
With 2:45 remaining, Benedictine got one final chance starting at the Grand View 17. The Ravens converted a crucial fourth down to reach the 4-yard line. However, the Vikings' defense rose to the occasion. After stuffing the runner for consecutive losses, Benedictine faced fourth-and-goal from the 6-yard line with 11 seconds remaining. The pass to the end zone was broken up by John Argo, sealing the victory and sending Grand View to the national championship.
Grand View's defense was dominant throughout the snowy conditions, holding Benedictine to just 248 total yards and forcing crucial stops in the red zone. John Argo was everywhere, making multiple tackles and delivering the game-saving pass breakup. Casey Trudo was a force up front with multiple tackles for loss and constant pressure on the quarterback. Jackson Filer recorded a sack and numerous tackles for loss, disrupting Benedictine's offensive rhythm all afternoon. Tucker Dickherber contributed with several key tackles and was named the Champions of Character Award winner for his exemplary play and sportsmanship. Cameron Meislahn, Kellen Moore, and Cade Sheedy also made significant contributions with key tackles throughout the game.

GAME NOTES

• Bryant Williams rushed for 97 yards and 1 touchdown on 15 carries (6.5 avg) and was named Offensive Player of the Game
• Jackson Waring accounted for 72 total yards and 1 touchdown, completing 5-of-12 passes for 36 yards and rushing for 36 yards
• Grand View outgained Benedictine 317-248 in total yards and dominated time of possession 33:50 to 26:10
• Casey Trudo was named Defensive Player of the Game for his dominant performance with multiple tackles for loss
• Tucker Dickherber was named Champions of Character Award winner
• Grand View improved to 13-0 and extended their winning streak to 27 games
• The Vikings advanced to the NAIA FCS National Championship

UP NEXT
Grand View will travel to Fort Worth, Texas to face No. 2 Keiser University in the NAIA FCS National Championship game in a rematch of the 2024 championship. The Vikings will play on Friday, December 20th.