MADISON, S.D. – The Valley City State University offense couldn’t get the offense out of neutral, as the Dakota State Spartans capitalized on multiple short fields to roll to a 40-7 win in Madison, South Dakota.

After forcing a turnover on downs to start the game, Dakota State struck with a long drive capped by a four-yard touchdown run from Kacy Cauley. The Trojans then would take advantage of a turnover near midfield after Valley City running back Devyne Pearson had the ball stripped, and Josiah Perez recovered for Dakota State at the Viking 40. Shortly thereafter, Preston Iverson scored on a short run to extend the lead to 12-0.

The Vikings would have a chance to snatch momentum before the break, as they were moving the ball deep into Trojans territory as the second quarter was drawing to a close. But the drive would stall out once again for another turnover on downs, as Iverson would pick up his second touchdown with 49 seconds left in the first half to make it a three score game.

The Trojans quickly built on their lead early in the third quarter, after forcing a fumble on a strip sack on Valley City quarterback Ethan Kastner, setting up the Trojans offense with a short field as Tray Hettick connected with Tim Halbur for a 15-yard touchdown to make it 26-0. Hettick would connect with Maddox Kihne for a long touchdown score midway through the third quarter to make it 33-0.

Valley City would finally bust up the shutout, marching 87 yards down the field as on nine plays as Nick Mears punched in a one-yard touchdown run with 5:33 remaining. Vikings freshman quarterback Ethan Kastner would finish 12-of-28 for 105 yards with two interceptions and added 24 yards rushing on 17 carries.

However, the Trojans would end the day intercepting Kastner for a second time, and finishing off another short field touchdown to make it 40-7, which would end up being the final score

Valley City will host Dickinson State Oct. 25 for Senior Day, with the opening kick set for 1 p.m.