KULM, N.D. — It was another tough night for the Valley City Hi-Liners, who were shut out on the road for the second straight week, falling 41-0 to Ellendale/Edgeley/Kulm (EEK) on Friday.

The opening quarter was a defensive battle as both teams went scoreless. EEK drove deep into Valley City territory late in the quarter, and on a fourth-and-13 early in the second, the Hi-Liners jumped offsides to make it fourth-and-8. The extra five yards proved costly, as quarterback Drew Thorpe scrambled for nine yards to move the chains and set up first-and-goal.

Valley City forced a fourth-and-goal from the 8-yard line, but Thorpe connected with Brogan Young in the back of the end zone for the game’s first score. The Thunder quickly added to their lead, scoring on their next possession before recovering an onside kick and finding the end zone again two plays later. Young’s one-handed grab set up a short Thorpe touchdown run that made it 21-0 midway through the second quarter.

The second half was all EEK, as backup quarterback Riggin Sand took over on the ground, rushing for more than 130 yards after halftime. Sand broke free for touchdown runs of 50 and 70 yards to push the lead to 41-0.

Valley City’s best scoring chance came when the Hi-Liners advanced inside the Thunder 30-yard line, but the drive stalled after Kaleb McClaflin was stopped short on fourth down.

With the loss, Valley City fell to 2-5 on the season and must win its final two games to remain in contention for the Class A playoffs.