Idaho Vandals Defeat Portland State Vikings 38-14 in Halloween Game

Vikings Fall 38-14 to Idaho Vandals in Rare Halloween Clash

Playing in their first Halloween game since 2015, the Portland State Vikings hoped to derail the Idaho Vandals’ two-game win streak and carve out some late-season momentum. Instead, the night belonged to the Vandals, who handed Portland State a 38-14 defeat with just three weeks remaining in the regular season, KPTV reported.

Denton texas usa oct october portland state vikings

Before kickoff, the Vikings observed a moment of silence for June Jones. Portland native June Jones passed away Thursday at the age of 73. Jones played two seasons for Portland State starting in 1975 and went on to have a decorated career as a player and coach.

The game action itself brought early flickers of hope. Trailing by seven points late in the first quarter, Vikings quarterback Gabe Downing lofted a pass toward the endzone. Though tipped by a Vandal defender, Terence Loville tracked the deflection perfectly, securing the ball in the back of the endzone for a game-tying touchdown.

Idaho Takes Control Before Halftime

That score proved to be the lone offensive breakthrough for the Vikings during a difficult opening half. Idaho answered immediately on the ensuing possession. By the time the halftime whistle blew, the Vandals had built a commanding 24-7 advantage.

The deficit widened further near the end of the third quarter when Idaho stretched its lead to 31-7. Yet the Vikings’ defense refused to fold entirely. Popping up like a ghost in the face of Idaho quarterback Joshua Wood, Marcellous Ryan leaped to snatch an interception at the Portland State eight-yard line, briefly halting the Vandals’ momentum.

Execution struggles plagued the ensuing offensive drive, however, keeping the Vikings off the scoreboard until the final minute of regulation. Downing connected once more with Terence Loville for a quick scoring pass—Loville’s second touchdown grab of the evening—closing the final gap to 38-14.

Looking Ahead to Tough November Matchups

With the Halloween loss in the rearview mirror, the Vikings will look to bounce back next Saturday to face a tough Montana squad. Following that test, Portland State will wrap up its home schedule on Friday the 13th in November with a matchup against Southern Utah.