KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced that the NAIA Football Game of the Week for October 17 will feature Valley City State (N.D.) at Waldorf (Iowa). The game was selected by fans across the country in an online vote.

The North Star Athletic Association will be on display on Saturday as both teams are engaged in a fight to challenge Dickinson State (N.D.) for the top spot. Waldorf will enter the game at 4-1 while Valley City State is currently 3-1. Saturday afternoon’s matchup will be the second of the season against these two teams. The Vikings won the first showdown by just a single point in a 17-16 victory on September 19 in Valley City, N.D.

The Vikings sole loss on the year came to Dickinson State on September 26, but after a rebound win over Presentation (S.D.), Valley City State can secure second place in the North Star with a win. The team is currently ranked No. 11 in the nation in scoring defense per game, allowing opponents just under 15 points per game. Defensive Lineman Marshaun Jones is a big part of that defense this season. The senior is ranked No. 4 in the nation in sacks with four.

Waldorf will be looking for a bit of revenge on its home field on Saturday. The Warriors have averaged 44.3 points per game since the loss to Valley City State.

Overall, Waldorf features one of the top scoring offenses in the country. The team is ranked No. 3 in the nation with 187 total points. Junior Jatoviay Hill has been a big part of that offense. The Davenport, Iowa native is ranked No. 3 in the NAIA in total rushing with 458 yards in five games (91.6 yards per game). He also ranks No. 5 in all-purpose yards with 565. Additionally, in a game that may likely come down to a field goal, it is important to note that Waldorf’s Slater Gifford ranked No. 1 in total field goals on the year with seven. The junior has been the recipient of the NAIA Special Teams Player of the Week for two consecutive weeks heading into Saturday.

NAIA Game of the Week Quick Facts

Time: 1:00 p.m. Central

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2020

Location: Bolstorff Field, Forest City, Iowa

All-Time Series Record: VCSU Leads 6-3

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