By Taylor Greife / Sports Editor

Missouri Valley College’s football team kicked off their 2023 season with a series of high-energy matches, maintaining a strong initial momentum with three consecutive wins before facing setbacks in the following two games.

On September 2, the Vikings took an assertive victory against Culver-Stockton, ending the game with a score of 28-7 on their home turf in Marshall.

The momentum continued as the team traveled to Oskaloosa, Iowa, clinching a narrow win against William Penn on September 9, with a final score of 33-28 during the Statesmen Under The Lights game.

The following week, on September 16, Missouri Valley College showcased their offensive prowess in a high-scoring game against Graceland at Huntsman Field in Lamoni, Iowa, securing a 49-42 victory.

However, the tide turned on September 23, during the Family Weekend game held in Marshall, where the Vikings suffered a crushing defeat to Grand View with a lopsided score of 70-7.

Looking to rebound, the Vikings faced off against Peru State on September 30 in Peru, Nebraska. Despite a spirited performance and an early lead, they fell short with a final score of 48-31.

After a bye this weekend, the Vikings will take the field for the Homecoming game against Missouri Baptist on October 14 in Marshall. With the Spartans currently 1-4 for the season with losses to both Culver-Stockton and William Penn, fans are hopeful for a comeback that will rekindle the early season’s victorious spirit.