DES MOINES, IA – Your No. 1-ranked Grand View Vikings returned to the field this Saturday for their season opener! The lights were bright for the returning national champions as we hosted No. 4 Benedictine College. The Ravens were coming off a week "zero" win over No. 3 Morningside and were riding some momentum. This game served as the Heart of America Clash of the Week, which highlights the most anticipated matchup of the week in the conference.  

The Vikings started the game off with the ball, but a short possession resulted in a punt to kick off the season. The defense of GV held strong on the Ravens' opening drive as well, and a field goal was missed wide left to keep zeros on the board.  

After another punt by Grand View, Benedictine started to drive down the field. The Grand View defense had their backs against the wall after a costly third-down penalty, but a timely 10-yard sack by Jackson Filer put the crowd to its feet. Then on third down, Levi Manson picked off Jackson Dooley and returned it to the Benedictine 19. The Vikings' defense took points off the board with their first takeaway of the season. The GV offense took advantage of the red zone start with a couple runs by Dalten Van Pelt before Jackson Waring connected on an 8-yard touchdown to number 11,  Aisea Toki, just a minute into the second quarter.  

Benedictine took their next drive 11 plays and just over 4 minutes off the clock, to the Grand View 29. But on third down, a completed pass was knocked loose at the nine on a forced fumble by John Argo. GV recovered the fumble and kept the Ravens off the scoreboard yet again.  

Grand View continued to capitalize on takeaways, as they put together a 6-minute drive to go up 14-0. Van Pelt was the main source of offense the entire drive, touching the ball on seven of the ten plays, and a 4-yard rush to find the end zone.  
The Ravens put together a good drive to end the half, with 15 plays. Grand View was called for a penalty in the end zone to give an automatic first down at the two. After a couple of stops, the defense let up the first points of the game on 3rd and goal, just nine seconds before the half expired.  

In the second half, Benedictine earned a field goal in their opening drive and cut the lead to three. Grand View extended the lead back to 10 on a quick, 6-play drive. Big runs by both Van Pelt and Isaac Kracl pushed them into the opponent's territory. Waring found his favorite target, Toki, for a 29-yard touchdown pass. Toki's run after the catch worked the sideline and capped out a great response drive.  

More tough defense by the Vikings in the following possession was noticeable. The pass rush was getting upfield quicker with Benedictine needing to score. Benedictine was called on a holding penalty, which backed them up to 2nd and 17. After an incomplete pass, Grand View found their third takeaway of the game. Tracy Davis took on the receiver's high shoulder and found the interception on an impressive play at the football.  

The Vikings now felt in the driver's seat in this one, late in the third, and kept the rotation of backs fresh. Van Pelt and Ethan Schultz carried the ball in the next drive, along with runs by Waring and Jordan Kumm. Grand View ended the drive on a 44-yard Cory Wood field goal that split the uprights.  

GV let up the one big play of the game next drive on a 60-yard connection to put the Ravens within seven, 24-17. 

Grand View's next drive was a championship-type possession. The offense was efficient and avoided long third downs the whole drive. Van Pelt found some yards on the ground and threw the air, along with more attempts from Schultz. Waring also got the ball out quickly to receivers and kept the clock ticking with lots of completions. The Vikings stood still at the visiting 18 and set up Wood for a 34-yard field goal that pushed the game back to a two-possession deficit. The Vikings went 17 plays and took off 9:37 from the game clock.  

GV's defense played to avoid the big plays and keep the ball in front for the last 4 minutes. They allowed a touchdown with a minute left on the clock, and the onside kick recovery sealed the game. Waring took a knee and secured Grand View's first win of the new 2025 season, 27-24. 

GAME NOTES 

• Head Coach E.J. Peterson's first career win as HC 
• Dalten Val Pelt had 82 yards on a touchdown on the ground 
• Waring with 162 yards and 2 touchdowns passing 
• Aisea Toki had 6 catches for 96 yards and 2 TDs 
• GV had three HUGE takeaways 
• Grand View wins over No. 4 Benedictine 

UP NEXT 

Grand View will host Missouri Baptist University next week at Duke Williams Stadium. The game will be at 12:00 PM on September 13th. See you there!