FORT WORTH, TEXAS – The Grand View football team captured the 70th NAIA Football National Championship with a thrilling 22-16 victory over No. 2 seed Keiser on Saturday afternoon at Crowley ISD Stadium. The top-seeded Vikings held off a late Seahawks in a hard-nosed, four-quarter battle to claim the 2025 NAIA National Championship and finish the season with a perfect 14-0 record.

The first quarter belonged to the defenses as both teams traded punts early. Grand View's defense set the tone with a blocked field goal by Tommy Kaesberg in the closing minutes of the quarter, keeping the game scoreless despite a 13-play drive by the Seahawks. However, the Seahawks capitalized on their next possession, driving 39 yards in six plays before kicking a 27-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 42 seconds remaining in the opening quarter.

The Vikings came alive in the second quarter, outscoring the Seahawks 13-0 to take control. Cory Wood connected on a 45-yard field goal to tie the game at 3-3 with 11:28 left in the half. After forcing another punt, Wood added a 41-yard field goal to give Grand View their first lead at 6-3. With just 22 seconds remaining before halftime, Dalten Van Pelt broke free for an explosive 80-yard touchdown run, and Wood's extra point gave the Vikings a commanding 13-3 halftime advantage.

The Seahawks responded with a strong third quarter, cutting the deficit to 13-10 on a seven-yard touchdown pass early in the period. The Seahawks then tied the game at 13-13 with a 36-yard field goal at the 4:26 mark, setting up a tense fourth-quarter battle.

Grand View seized momentum in the fourth quarter with a spectacular 89-yard touchdown drive. Jackson Waring connected with Corey Phillips for a 40-yard touchdown strike to put the Vikings ahead 19-13 at the 10:08 mark. Wood's extra point attempt was blocked, keeping it a six-point game. The Vikings' defense stepped up with a crucial stop, forcing a punt and giving the offense another opportunity. Grand View methodically drove 62 yards in nine plays, capping the drive with a 32-yard field goal by Wood to extend the lead to 22-13 with just over two minutes remaining.

The Seahawks refused to go quietly, driving 75 yards and converting a 37-yard field goal with one second left to cut the deficit to 22-16. The ensuing onside kick attempt was recovered by the Seahawks at the Grand View 42-yard line, but the Vikings' defense stood tall on the final play, batting down a pass to secure the national championship.

Grand View earned their 3rd national championship in football program history and had a historic first season for head coach E.J. Peterson

GAME NOTES:

• Dalten Van Pelt was named Offensive Player of the Game, rushing for 144 yards and one touchdown on 19 carries, including the game-changing 80-yard touchdown run.
• Jackson Filer was named Defensive Player of the Game, recording 3 total tackles and 3 tackles for loss.
• Cory Wood was perfect on field goals, making all three attempts (45, 41, and 32 yards), and finished with 10 points.
• Corey Phillips hauled in the 40-yard touchdown reception that proved to be the game-winner.
• Grand View controlled time of possession 32:40 to 27:19 and out-gained the Seahawks 350-337 in total offense.

THE GRAND VIEW VIKINGS ARE THE 2025 NAIA FOOTBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONS