[Football] Grand View Begins Divisional Play Strong with 45-28 Win Over Peru State

Peru, Nebraska – Grand View began divisional play by traveling to battle Peru State. The Vikings defeated the Bobcats 45-28. Grand View used big plays from all three phases of the game: offense, defense, and special teams to score 39 straight points. The Vikings improved to 5-1 overall and 1-0 in the division, while the Bobcats fell to 2-5 and 0-1 in the division.

Even though the Vikings came up empty-handed in their first offensive possession of the contest, they were able to flip the field. Grant Sherman (SR/Saydel, IA./ ICCC) placed the Bobcats inside their own 10-yard line. The defense forced a 3-and-out and a great punt return of 37 yards by Will Whiton (JR/Perry, IA./ South Dakota State University) set up Grand View's next possession.

For the second week in a row, the Vikings scored on the first play of an offensive drive. This time quarterback Ben Ferkin (SO/Waukee, IA./ Waukee HS) connected with Jacob Lietz (JR/Colfax, IA./ Colfax-Mingo HS) for a 27-yard touchdown. The PAT kick was missed, but the visitors took a 6-0 lead midway through the first quarter.

Peru State would answer the Grand View touchdown with two of their own. In back to back possessions, the Bobcats drove down the field with their triple-option attack and carried the ball over the goal line. This put the Vikings in a 14-6 deficit with 2:00 left on the clock in the first period of play.

It was the defense, and specifically Tony Anderson (SR/Elancourt, FR / Santa Barbara High School), that would help shift the momentum back towards Grand View. With 0:22 left in the first quarter and Peru State deep in their own territory, the ball was jarred loosed and recovered by Anderson who took the ball into the end zone for the Vikings.

After the Bobcats next offensive drive stalled, the home team was forced to punt. Kyler Ladehoff (JR/Marshaltown, IA./ Marshaltown HS) blocked the punt, which Devin Pirkle recovered took to the house once again. In less than 2:00 of game time the Vikings had executed a 12 point swing and now led 18-14.

Grand View kept its juice as the defense forced another 3-and-out and the offensive unit found the end zone once again with a methodical drive. The Vikings used 11 plays to travel 91 yards and the Ferkin finished the drive with quarterback keeper at 4th and goal on the Bobcat 1-yard line. This gave the visiting team a 25-14 point advantage.

It was "wash, rinse, and repeat" as the Viking defense forced another 3-and-out and the offense made another massive drive to find paydirt. This time the offense traveled 93 yards on 19 plays. Grand View benefited from some Bobcat penalties and a fake punt of their own to keep the long drive alive. In the end, it was Ferkin who connected with tight end Steve Sarcone (JR/Des Moines, IA./ Dowling Catholic HS) from 17 yards out to put the Vikings up 31-14 heading into the halftime locker room.

Grand View returned to the field with the same purpose in the second half. The Vikings received the opening kickoff and gave the ball to Jerry Lowe (JR/Tama, IA./ South Tama HS.) and let him do all the work. Grand View started at their own 27-yard line. Lowe carried the ball 69 of a possible 73 yards on just 4 carries including a 25-yard touchdown scamper. Lowe's big play gave Grand View a 38-14 lead.

The Vikings would strike again on the scoreboard. It was another big play from Anderson that set up the score. The senior safety blocked the Bobcat punt, which placed Grand View on Peru State's own 3-yard line. All that the Vikings had to do was hand off the ball to their big back Lowe again and he bullied his way over the goal line to increase the Vikings' lead to 45-14 as the third quarter ended.

Peru State would not lie down as they scored 14 more points in the fourth period, but Grand View held strong for a 45-28 victory.

Keys of the Game…

The Vikings scored 39 straight points that spanned from the end of the first quarter until the fourth quarter.

Grand View held one of the better rushing attacks well below their season average. Coming into the game, the Bobcats were averaging 212 rushing yards/game. The Vikings held them to 155 yards.

The Vikings used a variety of big plays from all sides of the football to defeat the Bobcats. This included a fumble return for a touchdown, a fake punt, and two blocked punts.

The contest would not be considered a clean game by any means. Grand View and Peru State combined for 23 penalties that amounted for 212 yards.

Players of Note...

Ben Ferkin completed 11 of his 29 passes for 144 yards and 2 touchdowns. The sophomore signal caller also ran for a touchdown.

Jerry Lowe led the Vikings in rushing once again. His punishing style accumulated 2 touchdowns and 160 yards on the afternoon.

Jacob Lietz caught 4 passes for 86 yards and a score.

Tony Anderson had maybe the most impact plays on the afternoon. The senior safety scored on a fumble recovery. He also blocked a punt of his own that set up a Viking score, recovered an onside kick to end the Bobcat surge in the fourth quarter, and recorded 7 tackles.

Up Next…

Grand View continues divisional play next Saturday, September 20th as they host Graceland University. The Yellowjackets are currently 0-7 overall and 0-1 in the North Division after a 12-84 loss to the 12th-ranked Benedictine Ravens. Kickoff is set for 12:00 PM. Check back with gvvikings.com for a complete recap and follow the Vikings on social media (@VikingAthletics) for in-game updates.