North Central College in suburban Naperville will be aiming to win their fourth championship in the last six seasons as they enter the NCAA Division III football playoffs.
The Cardinals are the reigning national champions in Division III, and they’ll be aiming for a second title in a row as they enjoy a bye through the first round of the bracket, which was announced on Sunday.
North Central will take on the winner of next week’s game between Muhlenberg and Union, with the game set for noon Central time in Naperville on Saturday, November 29.
The Cardinals had one of the most potent offenses in all of Division III this season, averaging more than 54 points per game while allowing just 6.6 points per contest. They averaged nearly 300 yards per game rushing, with Donovan Mitchell racking up 1,009 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in 10 games.
Quarterback Garrett Wilson paced the team’s passing attack, throwing for 2,078 yards and 35 touchdowns on just 191 passing attempts.
The Cardinals weren’t the only Chicago-area team to make the field either. Wheaton College will also be competing, as their 8-2 record landed them a contest against Crown on Saturday, November 22.
The Thunder averaged 45.8 yards per game, and were paced by Mark Forcucci’s 28 touchdown passes. Matt Crider led the team with eight rushing touchdowns, while wide receiver Seth Kortenhoeven had eight receiving touchdowns on the year.
Their game will kick off at noon Central time on Saturday.
One other Illinois team also made the field, as Monmouth, located in the western part of the state, will take on Saint John’s on Saturday, November 29.
Monmouth also averaged more than 50 points per game while allowing just 6.4 points per contest. They averaged 228.1 rushing yards per game and 220 passing yards per contest while allowing just 153.7 yards per game on defense.
Nate Wrublik rushed for 16 touchdowns in nine games on the season. Brayden Deem threw for 1,995 yards and 24 touchdowns, with a 143.53 passer rating.
TV information for the games has yet to be announced.
Want more insights? Join Working Title - our career elevating newsletter and get the future of work delivered weekly.
