VALLEY CITY, North Dakota. - The Simpson football team took on Valley City State University today at Lokken Stadium. 

The Vikings drew first blood on their opening possession as they converted on a field goal. 

But the Vikings continued to keep it rolling as they found the end zone in their second possession. However, the Vikings struck again as they scored on the kickoff, as the Vikings returned a Red Hawks fumble for a touchdown, making it a 17-0 Vikings lead. 

An explosive punt returner by the Vikings helped set up their fourth score of the game to make it 24-0. 

However, the Red Hawks answered back as they found the end zone on a 12-play 70-yard drive capped off by a seven-yard touchdown scamper by quarterback Kaleb Anderson. 

William Weathington created a huge turnover as he intercepted a pass to stall the Vikings' drive in Simpson territory to keep the score 24-7 headed into the half. 

After a scoreless third quarter, the Red Hawks mounted a fierce fourth-quarter comeback as they found the end zone on an eight-play 80-yard drive. 

Quarterback Kaleb Anderson had another scoring run as he busted out a 28-yard touchdown run to make it a 24-14 game following a good extra point kick by Brayden Smith. 

The Red Hawks' defense made a huge stand in the red zone to hold the Vikings to a field goal.

The Simpson offense put together another methodical drive as they marched 75 yards in 12 plays. 

A huge fourth-and-six conversion with the help of a 16-yard pitch and catch from Anderson to tight end Trevor Thomas helped set up a 12-yard touchdown run by Anderson, his third score of the game, to pull Simpson within six. 

However, the Vikings bled just enough time off the clock to keep the Simpson offense on the sidelines as they preserved the 27-21 victory. 

Dual-threat quarterback Kaleb Anderson proved to be lethal on the ground as he rushed for a team-high 89 yards and three touchdowns. 

On defense, Kaleb Utter had a share of the team lead with 10 total tackles, including six solo and two pass breakups. 

Nicholas Gonzalez had a big game as he posted 10 total tackles with eight solo tackles. 

Arturo Alejandrez, Charlie Walden, and William Weathington each picked up an interception.

Simpson returns home this coming Saturday as they welcome Southern Oregon to Bill Johnson Community Stadium at 7 pm. 
 

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