The Montana State University–Northern Lights dropped a heartbreaker on Saturday afternoon, falling 13-7 to Valley City State University at Tilleman Field.
The Lights struck first midway through the second quarter when quarterback
Ethan Maroni connected with
Colter Woldstad for a 39-yard touchdown strike.
Cyrus Tebay added the extra point to give Northern a 7-0 lead heading into halftime.
Both defenses held firm through much of the third quarter until the Vikings finally broke through.
Devyne Pearson powered in from one yard out to cap a long Valley City drive, evening the score at 7-7 heading into the final frame.
The game remained tied until the closing moments when VCSU quarterback
Joey Cave scrambled into the end zone from nine yards out with just 20 seconds left to play. The extra point was no good, but the late touchdown lifted the Vikings to a 13-7 road victory.
Valley City State controlled much of the tempo, earning
21 first downs compared to Northern's
eight, and outgaining the Lights
250 yards to 161. The Vikings rushed for
139 yards and passed for
111, while Northern managed
59 yards on the ground and
102 through the air.
Cave led the Viking offense, completing
13 of 20 passes for 102 yards while also rushing
22 times for 41 yards and the game-winning touchdown. Pearson was the workhorse, carrying the ball
19 times for 88 yards and a score.
For the Lights, Maroni finished
8-for-14 passing for 102 yards, tossing one touchdown and one interception. Woldstad led all receivers with
four catches for 62 yards, including the 39-yard score in the second quarter.
Jayden Lopez paced the rushing attack with
13 carries for 48 yards.
Both teams showcased strong defensive efforts. The Lights recorded
four sacks for a loss of 29 yards and kept the Vikings scoreless through the first half. Valley City's defense, however, held Northern to just eight first downs and came up with several key stops late in the game to secure the win.
The Lights head to Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota next weekend. Kick off time is at 12pm.
