DES MOINES, Iowa — Kicker Dominic Witt drilled a 43-yard field goal as time expired to rescue the No. 8 Grand View University football team in a thrilling 36–34 victory over rivals William Penn University at Duke Williams Stadium.

The heart-stopping finish caps off a legendary special teams performance by Witt, who went a perfect 5-for-5 on field goals, accounting for 15 of the Vikings’ points. The win allows Grand View to retain the coveted Rock and Ladder Trophy, keeping them undefeated in conference play.

Grand View (8–1, 5–0 Heart North) relied heavily on its special teams unit and defensive opportunistic plays to build an early advantage. Witt kept the scoreboard moving with a barrage of deep kicks, converting from 38, 50, 46, and 48 yards.

The Vikings’ defense broke the game open when Carter Durflinger intercepted a William Penn pass and returned it for a touchdown. When running back Dalten Van Pelt punched in a rushing touchdown, Grand View seemed firmly in control with a commanding 26–10 lead.

William Penn (6–3, 3–2 Heart North) refused to go away quietly. Despite committing three turnovers on the day, the Statesmen offense found its rhythm in the second half, racking up 379 total yards compared to Grand View’s 261.

Staging a furious comeback, William Penn chipped away at the deficit and stunned the home crowd by taking a 34–33 lead with just 1:51 remaining on the clock.

With their undefeated conference record on the line, the Vikings executed a clutch two-minute drill. Grand View methodically moved the ball down the field into Statesmen territory, setting up Witt’s final heroics. As the clock hit zeroes, Witt’s 43-yard strike sailed through the uprights, triggering a massive celebration on the field.

With the victory, Grand View firmly controls its own destiny in the Heart of America Athletic Conference North Division as the NAIA postseason approaches.