Season Context
Valley City State transitions into the Frontier Conference in 2025 and is picked to finish sixth in the East Division according to the preseason coaches poll. The Vikings will use this opener as a benchmark for depth building and conference acclimation.
Dickinson State returns as the reigning NSAA regular-season champion after posting a 10–2 record and earning a second-round appearance in the NAIA playoffs last fall. The Blue Hawks are poised to leverage their playoff experience and championship pedigree in front of a home crowd.
Team Overviews
Valley City State Vikings
Head Coach: Shawn Goff (2nd season)
2024 Highlight: Transitioned from DAC competition to Frontier Conference
Offense
QB Tyler Hansen: Senior passer with dual-threat capability projected to lead the aerial attack
RB David Roberts: Dynamic back known for his breakaway speed in open space
Defense
LB Matt Johnson: Tackling machine expected to spearhead the second level
DB Sam Thompson: Ballhawk in the secondary who recorded multiple takeaways in 2024
Dickinson State Blue Hawks
Head Coach: Bennett Britt (12th season)
2024 Record: 10–2 overall, NSAA regular-season champions
Offense
QB Jackson Olson: Senior signal-caller thrown for 2,500+ yards and 25 TDs last season
RB Ethan Spicer: Workhorse runner who amassed over 1,200 rushing yards and 15 scores
Defense
LB Tanner Fischer: Led team with 95 tackles and excels in blitz packages
DB Aaron Nelson: Versatile defensive back responsible for 4 interceptions
Head-to-Head
This marks the first-ever meeting between Valley City State and Dickinson State. Both programs will glean early-season film to assess strengths and weaknesses ahead of conference play.
Key Players to Watch
Valley City State’s Tyler Hansen (QB): His decision-making on third down will dictate the Vikings’ offensive rhythm.
Valley City State’s David Roberts (RB): An early big run from Roberts could flip field position and momentum.
Dickinson State’s Jackson Olson (QB): Look for his quick reads and deep-ball accuracy to exploit matchups.
Dickinson State’s Tanner Fischer (LB): His sideline-to-sideline speed will be critical in containing the run.
Broadcast & Streaming
Live Stats: naiastats.prestosports.com
Video Stream: Frontier Conference Digital Network
Radio: KXDI 1230 AM / KVSC 95.3 FM
What to Watch
Red Zone Efficiency: Can the Vikings convert trips into touchdowns against a stingy Blue Hawks red-zone unit? Conference Debut Nerves: Valley City State’s execution in early downs will reveal how quickly they’ve adapted. Turnover Impact: Dickinson State forced 22 turnovers last year—any early takeaway could seal this game.
Game Odds
Valley City State Vikings 50.5
Dickinson State Blue Hawks (ND) – 16.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, August 27, 2025
