VALLEY CITY, N.D. — A dominant first half propelled the Valley City Hi-Liners to a 32-0 Homecoming victory over May-Port CG on Friday night, securing their second win of the season.

After both teams failed to score on their opening two possessions, the Hi-Liners gained momentum on special teams. Corbyn Powell returned a punt inside the Patriots’ 20-yard line with under five minutes to play in the first quarter, then capped the drive with a 9-yard touchdown run to give Valley City an early 8-0 lead.

The defense forced another three-and-out on the next series, setting up another long Powell return that once again gave the Hi-Liners favorable field position. This time, Kaleb McClaflin powered in from short yardage to extend the lead to 14-0.

Pinned deep in their own territory midway through the second quarter, quarterback Hudson Kriewald connected with Derek Shape for an 85-yard catch-and-run touchdown. The duo struck again just before halftime with a 50-yard scoring play that pushed the Hi-Liners’ advantage to 26-0 at the break.

Shape carried his standout night into the second half, recording two interceptions to go with his pair of touchdown receptions. Backup quarterback Colton Gerlach added the only second-half score with a late touchdown run as Valley City closed out the 32-0 shutout.

The Hi-Liners defense secured its first shutout of the season, while Powell, McClaflin, Kriewald and Shape all played key roles in the win.

Valley City (2-3) will travel to face Hillsboro/Central Valley on Friday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast on 1490 AM/96.3 FM KOVC and streamed on NewsDakota.com.