Carroll College football draws Valley City State

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Carroll College football team begins defense of its NAIA national title with a first-round playoff game against Valley City State of North Dakota.

The game kicks off at noon Saturday at Carroll's Nelson Stadium.

Second-ranked Carroll is making its 12th consecutive appearance in the NAIA playoffs, a string that started with a 24-21 win over Valley City in November 2000. The 12th-ranked Vikings are making their first appearance since 2001, when they lost to the Saints 45-27 in the first round.

The teams’ only common opponent is Dickinson State. Carroll won 35-5 at Dickinson, N.D. while Valley City State beat the Blue Hawks 28-26 at Dickinson and 23-13 at home.

Carroll coach Mike Van Diest says the coaching staff is going to have to make some tough decisions as its cuts its roster from the 68 or 69 that have played this season to the 57 allowed in the playoffs.

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