Duncan-to-Norberg connection sparks Valparaiso's win

Published

VALPARAISO, Ind. (AP) — Chris Duncan threw for 302 yards and three touchdowns to power Valparaiso to a 48-30 victory over Jacksonville in Pioneer Football League play on Saturday.

Duncan and Griffin Norberg set the tone early for the Crusaders (2-8, 2-5), who snapped a three-game losing streak. The pair connected for a 75-yard score on Valparaiso's first play from scrimmage and a 45-yard TD midway through the first quarter for a 14-0 lead. Duncan hit Parker Fox for a 2-yard score and a 21-0 lead to start the second. The Dolphins (2-7, 1-6) pulled within 21-10 on Calvin Turner Jr.'s 1-yard plunge and Javier Arce-Ramirez's 31-yard field goal, but Dimitrios Latsonas added field goals on the Crusaders' last two possessions for a 27-10 halftime lead.

Freshman Ryan Markoff tossed his first career touchdown pass — on his only pass of the game — a 2-yard strike to Mason Sutter on Valparaiso's first possession of the second half for a 34-10 lead.

Norberg finished with five catches for 173 yards.

Garnett Nicolas ran for 165 yards and two scores for Jacksonville and Irvin Riley had 128 yards and a TD on 17 carries.