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CITY (NewsDakota.com)–Hi-Liner wingback Joey Halgrimson ran back the opening kickoff of Tuesday’s game with Grafton for a touchdown.

It was the lone bright spot of the night for Valley City.

The top-ranked and unbeaten Spoilers scored 44 unanswered points, rolling to a 44-6 win over Valley City at Hanna Field in Valley City.

Jake Hanson hit Spoiler receivers at will for big plays, with Adam Jiskra scoring three times, including an interception return for a score at the end of the opening half. 

Following the opening kickoff return, the Hi-Liners were held to -5 yards of total offense on their next two drives, and every Grafton first-half drive but one started inside Hi-Liner territory.

The Spoilers scored their 44 points even through clear problems with their offense.  They were called for false start penalties six times in the first half, lost a touchdown on a illegal man downfield penalty, and struggled to run the ball early.

With their big play capability, they more than made up for their lack of consistency.  Hanson ran and threw for large chunks of yardage all night, while Hi-Liner defenders struggled to bring down Grafton ball carriers.

The loss drops Valley City to a season-ending 3-6.  Grafton finishes 9-0, and had the top playoff spot in the east secured before the game.

Fargo Shanley secured the #2 seed from Region I with a 36-12 win at Griggs-Barnes County.  Wahpeton and Kindred secured spots with wins, with Wahpeton locking up the #3 position after a 36-14 win at Lisbon.  Kindred rallied from a 22-point deficit for a 42-36 win over Central Cass to win the #4 spot.