The NAIA Football Championship game is set as the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds advanced to the title game in Durham, N.C. As we await the Noon EST kickoff between the defending champion Keiser Seahawks and their challenger Grand View University Vikings, I thought I’d give as deep of a dive possible into the two squads to prepare fans for the game. Let’s take a look at how we got these two teams playing in the NAIA chipper.
History – NAIA Football Semifinals 2022
These two teams have recent history in the NAIA Postseason. They last faced off in the NAIA Semifinals in 2022. Keiser won that game and advanced to their first ever NAIA championship game 38-21. A fourth-quarter touchdown to pulled the Vikings within striking distance, but a late interception sealed the game for the Seahawks.
After Grand View was forced to put on its opening possession, it was Keiser QB Shea Spencer hitting Michael Robinson on a 48-yard score. Towards the end of the quarter Keiser was on the move again until the Viking defense came up with a turnover. Jianni Angulo hit on Seahawks RB Jaden Meizinger and came out and landed in the arms of GVU’s Patrick Savage.
In the 2nd QTR a sack of GVU’s Johnny Sullivan put the Vikings to their own five-yard line and led to another punt by Grand View, setting up Keiser with good field position. The Seahawks took advantage and scored four plays later with Meizinger going in from 10-yards out to make it 14-0. A few possessions later, it took just one play for the Vikings to get on the scoreboard with a 65-yard touchdown pass by Sullivan to Seth Juhl. Keiser responded on the following possession with Meizinger’s second touchdown of the game and the halftime score set at 21-7.
The third quarter opened with both squads trading possessions, but another Keiser connection from Spencer to Robinson for 66-yards added to the Seahawks lead and put the Vikings down by three scores, 28-7. The Vikings went to the air and made a slight dent in the deficit as Sullivan found Nick Danielson on a 17-yard score.
In the fourth, Keiser added a 37-yard field goal following a 12-play drive to make the score 31-14. Grand View aired it out and connected with Sullivan to Juhl for a 65-yard touchdown to bring the Vikings within 10 at 31-21 and 10:06 remaining. The Vikings got the ball back after the defense forced a three-and-out, but an interception and return from Keiser linebacker Tivon Sutton put the Seahawks in scoring position. Keiser kept the ball on the ground to control the clock and Meizinger put the game away with his third rushing score of the day.
Grand View and Keiser both had 423 yards of offense. For the Vikings, Sullivan finished 27-of-60 for 436 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Juhl recorded over 100 yards receiving with 160 yards on seven catches and two scores. Carson Rollinger added 104 yards receiving on five catches. Patrick Savage led the Viking defense with 15 total tackles on the day and a fumble recovery. Aaron Brown 10 tackles including one for a loss and and Gabe Duffy recorded nine tackles and a sack.
Keiser QB Shea Spencer was 17-26 for 274 yards and two touchdowns. Jaden Meizinger was an absolute workhorse carrying the ball 41 times for 162 yards and three touchdowns. Michael Robinson added two touchdowns on two total receptions for 114 yards while Jaylen Arnold had five catches for 69 yards. Kensly Johnson led the defense with five total tackles while Jaelin Willis added two tackles for loss. Louis Lubin and Tivon Sutton both added interceptions.
Viewing the Game – UEN or NAIA Network
The game will be broadcast on the Urban Edge Network and NAIA Network. Both networks are available via the App Store and Google Play. Additionally you can find the apps on Roku, Amazon Firestick, Fire Tv, iOS, and Android. Download the apps here.
To be clear, the game is NOT on an over the air network like ESPN. You will need to download one of these apps or watch via the online link for the NAIA Network. That link can be found here.
Drew Fellios will provide the play by play, Forrest Conoly will provide color commentary. Fellios and Conoly have broadcast several NAIA football championship games.
Season Recap – Week by Week for the Vikings and Seahawks
| Keiser University Week 1: Sep 5 – Victory at DII North Greenville (W, 23-20) Keiser University opened their season with a road win against North Greenville. The Seahawks showed a balanced offense with 312 total yards—144 passing and 168 rushing. They posted a solid 69% completion rate on 18-26 passing, complemented by a 4.4 yards per carry average on the ground. Defensive grit was key as Keiser forced three fumbles and logged two sacks, sealing a narrow victory. Week 2: Sep 14 – High-Scoring Triumph at Newberry College (W, 42-33) The Seahawks’ offense exploded with 472 yards in a high-scoring shootout. The passing game led the way with 222 yards and a stellar 74% completion rate (20-27). On the ground, Keiser rushed for 250 yards, averaging 6.6 yards per carry. The team minimized turnovers, losing only one interception while forcing their opponent into costly penalties. Week 3: Sep 21 – Shutout Win Over Fort Lauderdale (W, 45-0) Keiser dominated in all phases, shutting out Fort Lauderdale while piling up 460 yards of offense. The Seahawks ran for 242 yards at an impressive 7.6 yards per carry. Despite a lower completion percentage (58%), the passing attack added 218 yards. The defensive kept the UFL scoreless while forcing three turnovers. Week 4: Oct 5 – Narrow Win at St. Thomas (Fla.) (W, 31-27) In another road challenge, Keiser showcased resilience. The offense amassed 485 yards, split between 270 passing and 215 rushing. The rushing game showed consistency with 46 attempts, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. The defense held strong in critical moments, and the Seahawks’ 35:05 time of possession proved pivotal. Week 5: Oct 12 – Bye Week The Seahawks were scheduled to play Warner University but the game was cancelled due to a Hurricane coming into Florida. Week 6: Oct 19 – Defensive Battle at Southeastern (Fla.) (W, 17-10) Keiser edged out a tough win in a low-scoring contest. Their 352 total yards included a balanced attack with 208 passing and 144 rushing yards. The defense allowed no turnovers and secured two sacks, helping the team maintain control in a gritty 25:34 time of possession. Week 7: Oct 26 – Offensive Explosion at Thomas (W, 52-17) Keiser delivered a commanding performance with a season-high 512 total yards. The Seahawks were deadly through the air, recording 315 passing yards on 17-27 attempts (63%). The ground game was equally effective, averaging 6.2 yards per carry on 32 attempts. The defense added six sacks, stifling Thomas throughout the game. Week 8: Nov 2 – Consistent Win at Webber International (Fla.) (W, 34-20) The Seahawks’ balanced offensive attack produced 435 total yards. Their 191 passing yards came on a season-high 78% completion rate (14-18). The rushing game added 244 yards with a strong 6.4 yards per carry average. Defensively, the team recorded three sacks, helping to secure another road win. Week 9: Nov 9 – Dominant Home Victory Over Florida Memorial (W, 51-16) Keiser turned in their most complete performance yet with a season-high 575 total yards. The rushing attack was unstoppable, gaining 292 yards at 8.1 yards per carry. The passing game added 283 yards with a 74% completion rate. A single sack and clean play on defense sealed the dominant victory. Week 10: Nov 16 – Offensive Showcase vs. Ave Maria (W, 52-21) The Seahawks continued their offensive tear with 526 total yards. The team balanced their attack with 255 passing and 271 rushing yards, averaging 6.5 yards per carry. Defensive consistency limited mistakes while adding another win to their streak. Week 11: Nov 30 – Record-Setting Victory vs. Pikeville (Ky.) (W, 56-21) Keiser set a season-high 607 total yards, featuring a dominant ground game with 329 rushing yards at 8.0 yards per carry. The passing game added 278 yards on 68% completions. The Seahawks’ explosive offense overwhelmed Pikeville and showcased their postseason readiness. Week 12: Dec 7 – Quarterfinal Win vs. Georgetown (Ky.) (W, 38-22) Keiser advanced in the playoffs with a strong performance against Georgetown. The Seahawks gained 419 yards, powered by 239 passing yards on a 74% completion rate (23-31). Their time of possession (39:27) highlighted efficient ball control, while the defense added two sacks to keep Georgetown at bay. Week 13: Dec 14 – Semifinal Thriller vs. Benedictine (KS) (W, 42-38) In a nail-biting semifinal, Keiser’s passing game exploded with 421 yards on 27-42 attempts (64%). Though the rushing game was held to 142 yards, the defense stepped up with a critical sack and timely stops. The Seahawks held their composure to clinch a spot in the championship game. | Grand View University Week 1: Sep 7 – Dominant Opener Against William Woods (W, 54-6) Grand View started the season with a commanding win, amassing 481 total yards. The offense balanced 206 passing yards with 275 rushing yards, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. The defense stood strong, forcing two interceptions and recording four sacks, while the Vikings controlled the clock with 37:46 time of possession. Week 2: Sep 14 – Statement Win at Benedictine (KS) (W, 52-28) The Vikings showcased their offensive firepower, racking up 549 total yards against a tough Benedictine squad. Their ground game dominated with 363 rushing yards at 6.7 yards per carry, while the defense chipped in with three sacks. Grand View’s near 47:11 time of possession highlighted their ability to control the game. Week 3: Sep 21 – Shutout Victory Over Missouri Valley (W, 24-0) Grand View’s defense shined in their first shutout of the season. The Vikings held Missouri Valley to zero points while the offense managed 377 total yards. The passing game was efficient, contributing 232 yards on 16-25 completions (64%). The defense added three sacks, maintaining their early-season dominance. Week 4: Sep 28 – Road Win at Culver-Stockton (MO) (W, 45-13) The Vikings earned another road win behind a balanced offensive attack of 424 total yards. Quarterback efficiency (75% completion rate) from Jackson Waring led to 266 passing yards, while the ground game added 158 yards. The defense played clean, limiting penalties and forcing multiple punts. Week 5: Oct 5 – Record-Setting Win vs. Clarke (IA) (W, 89-0) Grand View delivered a historic blowout, putting up 442 total yards while holding Clarke scoreless. The ground game led the way with 296 rushing yards, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. The defense forced two turnovers and allowed zero penalties in an utterly dominant performance. Week 6: Oct 17 – Commanding Victory at Central Methodist (W, 42-7) The Vikings continued their winning streak, amassing 421 total yards. The ground attack shone again with 293 rushing yards on 51 attempts. The defense kept Central Methodist in check with disciplined play, allowing only one score. Week 7: Oct 26 – Shutout at St. Ambrose (IA) (W, 34-0) Grand View’s defense posted their third shutout of the season, limiting St. Ambrose to just 109 rushing yards. The Vikings’ passing game led with 228 yards and a 66% completion rate, while the defense recorded five sacks, dominating every aspect of the game. Week 8: Nov 2 – Dominant Win Over William Penn (Iowa) (W, 42-6) Grand View put on another show, amassing 445 yards of offense. The rushing attack led with 285 yards, while the passing game contributed 160 yards on a season-high 76% completion rate. The defense added three sacks, helping seal another lopsided victory. Week 9: Nov 9 – Gritty Road Win at Peru State (W, 26-7) The Vikings faced a tougher challenge but emerged victorious thanks to a strong defensive effort. After trailing early, the offense managed 251 yards, with 130 coming through the air. Grand View’s defense forced three turnovers, controlling the clock with 36:18 time of possession. Week 10: Nov 16 – Solid Win Over Graceland (W, 31-13) Grand View returned home and racked up 392 total yards. Their rushing game bounced back with 217 yards at 4.6 yards per carry. Though the passing game struggled slightly with a 44% completion rate, the Vikings’ defense forced three turnovers and kept Graceland at bay after the Vikings started the game trailing 10-0. Week 11: Nov 30 – Narrow Victory Over Friends (KS) (W, 21-17) In a nail-biter, Grand View relied on their passing game, which contributed 263 yards on 17-27 completions (63%). The ground attack was less effective, managing only 70 yards on 28 attempts. Despite offensive struggles, the defense stepped up with critical stops late in the game to secure the win. Week 12: Dec 7 – Playoff Shutout vs. Northwestern (Iowa) (W, 17-0) The Vikings’ defense stole the show in the quarterfinals, holding Northwestern scoreless and forcing one turnover. The offense tallied 271 yards, highlighted by a balanced attack of 160 passing and 111 rushing yards. Discipline and clock management secured Grand View’s place in the next round. Week 13: Dec 14 – Semifinal Victory Over Morningside (Iowa) (W, 36-13) Grand View punched their ticket to the championship with a commanding performance. The Vikings recorded 432 total yards, including 220 through the air and 212 on the ground. Efficient play-calling (65% completion rate) and a stifling defense helped secure the win over a the Mustangs. |
Grand View Vikings Overview
Offensively, it’s easy to overlook just how good Grand View is at first glance. While no individual stats jump off the page, their efficiency becomes clear when watching the film. The offense operates through quarterback Jackson Waring, whose ability to make plays with both his arm and legs sets the tone. The Vikings’ offense is built around versatility, with different weapons stepping up when needed. Last week, running back Dalten Van Pelt shined with three rushing touchdowns, while wide receiver Asei Toki contributed 145 receiving yards. Earlier in the season, Tim Nimely surpassed 100 rushing yards in a game, and Tate Stine-Smith has delivered key performances both as a runner and receiver. The offensive line serves as the backbone of this unit, paving the way for a roster full of players who excel when called upon.
The defense, however, is the heart and soul of this Grand View team. With four shutouts this season and an average of just 8.5 points allowed per game, the Vikings’ defense has been nothing short of dominant. They’ve forced 20 turnovers, converting four of them into touchdowns. Linebacker John Argo anchors the unit, leading the team with 83 total tackles. Defensive end Jackson Filer and defensive tackle Aaron Brown wreak havoc in opponents’ backfields, combining for 17.5 sacks and 37 tackles for loss. In the secondary, defensive back Daviere Jones has recorded 47 tackles and four interceptions, while Tracy Davis and Prince Brown have each broken up eight passes, rounding out a suffocating defensive effort.
On special teams, punter Kody Kruschwitz has been outstanding, averaging 43.1 yards per punt with a season-long of 67 yards and eight punts traveling over 50 yards. Kicker Justyn Hamm has been reliable in the postseason, going 9-for-10 on PATs and nailing a 40-yard field goal when called upon.
Grand View’s well-rounded and disciplined approach makes them a formidable force on both sides of the ball heading into the championship game.
Keiser University Overview
The Seahawks’ offense is spearheaded by quarterback Shea Spencer, who has rewritten the record books in the short history of Keiser football. His efficiency is evident in key stats: a 70.2% completion rate, an impressive 29-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio, and a stellar 181.28 QB rating. The running game is powered by Andrew Burnette, a bruising back who averages 105 yards per game and has scored 17 touchdowns this season. In the postseason, Jaden Miller has stepped up in the absence of All-American Jaden Meizinger, providing critical support to the ground attack. Spencer’s passing options include the speed of Refeno Vangates and Maurico Porcha, along with the strength of tight end D’Andre Golden. Golden played a pivotal role in last week’s comeback win against Benedictine, serving as a reliable target for Spencer in clutch moments.
Defensively, the Seahawks boast a unit filled with playmakers who step up when the game is on the line. While they may not have the shutdown stats of the Vikings, Keiser’s defense has proven its ability to deliver key stops. Linebackers Hunter Hargrave and Evan Jackson lead the team in tackles, while the defensive line is anchored by first-team All-Conference selections Bam Brima and Tai Lologo. In the secondary, Justin Carcel leads the way with four interceptions, complemented by CJ Gilmore and Kensly Johnson, the latter having broken up nine passes this season. Defensive lineman Byron May adds to the unit’s disruption with a team-high 10 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.
On special teams, punter Ben Derby averages 35.5 yards per punt, with four punts traveling over 50 yards. Kicker Nico Cavanillas has been reliable all season, converting 11-of-13 field goals with a long of 39 yards and going 57-of-58 on PATs.
With a balanced offense and a defense that rises to the occasion, the Seahawks are poised for a strong showing in the championship game.
Potential Headlines
There are many possible headlines for this game. Let’s explore what we might see come Saturday’s postgame.
Grand View Dominates with Defense: The Vikings have proven to have one of the best defensives in the NAIA. Keiser wants to run the ball to be successful and that’s exactly the strength of the Vikings defense. Grand View could completely shut down the backfield of Keiser and force them to be one dimensional.
Keiser’s Arsenal of Weapons is Too Deep for Vikings: The Seahawks have one of the best rushing attacks in all of the NAIA with several guys in their backfield capable of going over 100 yards. But it doesn’t stop there, Shea Spencer is one of the most efficient passes in the NAIA with some bigtime players to throw it to. Golden, Vangates, Porcha. . .or someone else stepping up. Can one defense really shutdown all of their talent?
Waring Wears Down the D: It seems so simple. Shutdown GVU QB Jackson Waring and you shutdown the Vikings offense. But no matter what you do, Waring keeps coming. You can knock him around, chase him all over the field and he just keeps performing.
The Spencer Special: Keiser QB Shae Spencer has possessed this knack for stepping up when the lights have shined the brightest. Saturday he gets the opportunity under the brightest light possible on the NAIA stage. He battled in the fourth quarter against Benedictine to get the win. After missing last season due to injury, Saturday could be Spencer’s time to shine.
All the Stats and Comparisons
NAIA Championship Game Prediction
Grand View is a team that consistently finds ways to put points on the board. Quarterback Jackson Waring has the ability to make plays on his own or distribute the ball effectively to keep the offense moving. While the Vikings may not light up the scoreboard on Saturday, they are more than capable of moving the ball against Keiser’s defense. The Seahawks’ defensive style is a classic bend-but-don’t-break approach. Opponents often rack up yards between the 20s, but Keiser’s defense tightens up in the red zone, making touchdowns hard to come by.
Grand View’s discipline on offense will help them find opportunities to score, though they will undoubtedly face challenges against Keiser’s defense, which is capable of dominating stretches of the game. Like a resilient prizefighter in the championship rounds, the Vikings are unlikely to be deterred, pressing forward and finding ways to capitalize when it matters most.
The most intriguing matchup will be Keiser’s offense against Grand View’s shutdown defense. The Vikings have operated a no-nonsense, suffocating defensive scheme all season, one that has stifled and, at times, humiliated opponents. However, Keiser’s offense is unlikely to fold. The key question is whether the Seahawks will establish their ground game or be forced to rely on the arm of Shea Spencer and his dynamic receiving corps.
A particularly fascinating aspect of this matchup is how Grand View’s defense plans to handle Keiser’s tight end, D’Andre Golden. Golden has been a dominant force in the postseason, using his size and athleticism to create mismatches. If the Vikings focus too heavily on him, it could open up opportunities for other weapons like Refeno Vangates, Maurico Porcha, and Elisha Edwards.
Grand View will win this game if they can contain Golden, slow down Keiser’s rushing attack, and put Waring in positions to make plays. Keiser, on the other hand, will prevail if they can rattle Waring, establish their ground game, and avoid giving up big plays on defense.
Ultimately, I’m giving the edge to Grand View. Their defense has the tools to disrupt Keiser’s rhythm and cause significant problems. While the Vikings have been tested and taken some hard hits this season, they’ve consistently bounced back and recovered quickly. I expect a similar story on Saturday: Keiser will land some strong blows, but Grand View’s resilience and defensive prowess will lead to a late-game victory.
Prediction: Grand View University 27 Keiser University 24
Ramblings of Dannelly
The moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here. If you’ve followed NAIA football this season, make sure to carve out time on Saturday to watch the NAIA Championship game. Yes, there are some big-time Division I games happening at the same time, but here’s the thing—you can watch two games at once! And let’s not forget, you’ve probably got a smartphone in your pocket capable of streaming the action.
Looking ahead, the Victory Sports Network NAIA Football All-American team will be announced next week. Be on the lookout for the official press release and the list of award winners.
That’s it, folks. It’s been a long and exciting season. Keiser and Grand View have battled their way to the final step. So, grab your friends, your family, or just a comfy spot on the couch, and enjoy some incredible NAIA football!
Love reading your info, very helpful and informative! Thank you and Go Vikings!!