Simpson Football Wins Shootout at home

By: Spencer McDermott

Simpson football battled Valley City State in a high scoring Frontier conference showdown on September 26. After an abrupt stop on the first offensive series of the game, the Red Hawks were pretty much unstoppable throughout. Things got going with a 55-yard touchdown pass from Ya’J Vance to Ivan Huerta. Unfortunately, Valley City’s offense answered immediately after.  

Both offenses continued to dominate as the score sat at 24-21 Valley City ahead with 51 seconds remaining in the first half. The Red Hawks took the ball 90 yards in 6 plays capped off by a trick play 1 yard pass to King Wade making the score 28-21 going into the half.  

The elite offensive play on both sides continued through the second half, eventually leading to a tight game in the late 4th quarter. Valley City had a 10 play 75-yard drive that amassed 5 minutes and 33 seconds, leaving the score at 45-44 Valley City. With 2:59 left, the Red Hawks offense was faced with a huge drive ahead of them. They drove right down the field. On a pass play, Ya’J Vance took off for a 16-yard touchdown run. The offense then went for 2 and failed to score, making the score sit at 50-45.  

After the score, Velly City State got the ball back with 33 seconds remaining. They threw up a pass and when it mattered most, the Red Hawk defense came through. Defensive back William Weathington jumped the route and intercepted Brayden Medeiros' pass. The stadium lost its mind, and the Red Hawks ran the clock out securing the win.  

Running back, D’ante Benjamin had a monster performance with 17 carries for 198 yards and 3 touchdowns. 

“When our offense gets settled in and comfortable we can't be stopped. In the running back room, we all love and uplift each other regardless of who's in,” Benjamin said.  

“To keep the running game rolling we just have to be consistent everyday with our attention to detail and our work ethic. Having the drive to be the best rushing offense in the nation,” Benjamin said. 

After this game, the Red Hawks had a tough road game where they traveled to College of Idaho, who is currently ranked #1 in the nation. They lost 56-14, but one thing about the ball club is how they respond to adversity. They followed things up the next week with a thrilling 36–35 walk off win against rivals Southern Oregon. The Red Hawks now sit 3-3 with playoff hopes alive. #11 ranked Carroll College rolls into town for a markee homecoming game this Saturday.