Dakota State Football Drops Conference Opener

The Dakota State Football team hit the road on Saturday Afternoon to open up North Star Athletic Association play for the season as they took on the Vikings of Valley City State University. The two sides clashed for 60 minutes and in the end VCSU walked away with a hard fought 10-6 win.

After a scoreless first quarter, it was the VCSU defense that came up with an interception returned for a touchdown a few minutes into the second to give Valley City a 7-0 advantage. It was not until late in the first half that the Trojans were able to find the end zone, a one yard touchdown plunge by Senior Running Back Brodie Fredericksen (his eighth of the season). The PAT was blocked and so Valley City held a one point advantage at the break. 

Both teams had lengthy first possessions of the second half but neither were able to put points on the board and so VCSU held the one point advantage going into the final quarter. Dakota State relied heavily on the run in the first half but were able to find success through the air in the second half and used a balanced attack to drive inside the red-zone with under 10 minutes left in the fourth. While converting a third and short, a Trojan fumble was recovered by the Vikings, stymying a golden opportunity for DSU.

VCSU answered with a drive into the red-zone themselves before a couple of penalties had them settle for a long field goal, Valley City was able to convert and took a 10-6 lead with a few minutes left. The Trojans drove the ball to just outside the red-zone and had a couple of chances to get the go ahead touchdown but came up short, dropping their second road game of the season.

DSU outgained Valley City State in the contest (398-315) and Fredericksen once again topped the century mark in rushing. Sophomore Quarterback Torren Devericks finished 16-32 for 195 yards and one interception. Defensively, it was another fine performance by the Trojans as they limited the VCSU offense and did not surrender a touchdown for the first time this season. 

DSU now at 2-2 on the season and 0-1 in NSAA play will be back in action this Saturday taking on Presentation at Trojan Field.