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With a record of 9-2 the #10 Grand View Vikings are headed to the NAIA National Championship Playoffs. Their first-round opponents are the 10-1 #8 Lindsey Wilson Blue Raiders.

As the first round draws closer it’s important to note that these two teams are no strangers to each other. On November 21, 2015, these two teams squared off in the first round of the playoffs with Grand View winning 16-13. The question now is, can the Vikings make it 2 for 2?

In the 2016 regular season, Lindsey Wilson has allowed on average 26 points per game while scoring an average of 49 points per game due mainly to their prolific passing attack.

However, Grand View’s strength has been shutting down the opponent’s passing game.

“We are not worried about their passing attack,” said senior defensive back Rob Lewis. “We are very confident they will try to execute their run game so we have to really be focused and ready when that happens.”

Grand View has had a week to prepare for Lindsey Wilson and has focused on the fundamentals.

“Paying more attention to detail, critically analyzing their game tapes and sticking to our same game philosophy is what we have had all season,” Lewis said.

On the other side of the line, Lindsey Wilson has allowed on average 188 passing yards along with 186 rushing yards per game while running their 3-4 defense, a scheme Grand View has seen a lot of. The Viking offense plans to focus on what has gotten them this far.

“I think we have to just keep doing what we have been doing all season long and stick to what we do best,” quarterback Jordan Knock said. “We are healthier now than we’ve been all season and the only way we lose is if we beat ourselves.”

The Vikings first-round game will take place on Saturday November 19, 2016 at 12 P.M CST in Columbia, Kentucky. Fans can watch or listen to the game on the Grandview.edu website where there will be link to steam the game. Additionally, Lindsey Wilson’s website LindseyWilsonAthletics.com will be streaming the game.