NAPERVILLE --- North Central continues to roll, staying undefeated and holding the top spot in national polls after a 59-10 win over Millikin. Wheaton climbed in the rankings, while standout performances across the conference earned four student-athletes weekly honors. 
 
From dominant offense to clutch defensive plays, the CCIW showcased high-powered action and key victories across the league.
 
NORTH CENTRAL REMAINS #1; WHEATON CLIMBS IN LATEST NATIONAL POLLS
North Central defeated Millikin Saturday night 59-10 to improve its overall record to 5-0 and stay at #1 in the new D3football.com and American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) national rankings.
 
The Cardinals are the unanimous top choice in the coaches’ poll, garnering all 52 first-place votes. NCC has 23 of 25 first-place votes from D3football.com. North Central has held the top ranking in both polls in each release this season.
 
Wheaton is still in the rankings after Saturday’s 65-21 win over Illinois Wesleyan. The Thunder were 21st in the D3football.com poll and moved up two spots to #22 in the AFCA announcement.
 
WashU secured 11 points in the AFCA rankings.
 
FOUR EARN CCIW FOOTBALL WEEKLY AWARDS
Strong performances on both sides of the ball highlighted this week’s CCIW Football Student-Athletes of the Week.
 
Offensive: Thomas Skokna, North Central
In North Central’s 59-10 win over Millikin, the Hinsdale, Ill. native caught a program-record five touchdowns, the most in Division III this season. 
 
Skokna’s had eight grabs and also tied a program record for points scored in a single game (30). His 206 receiving yards in the victory rank fifth in a single game in North Central history.
 
Defensive: Brady Willmer, WashU
Willmer had 2.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and an interception to help the Bears to a 31-23 overtime win at Carthage on Saturday. Willmer’s fourth-quarter interception set the table for a WashU scoring drive that allowed the Bears to regain the lead.
 
Co-Special Teams: Matthew Swink, Carroll
Swink connected on a 50-yard field goal Saturday to help the Pioneers beat North Park, 24-10. It was the sixth-longest successful try in Division III this season. He added a 3-for-3 effort on point-after tries.
 
Co-Special Teams: Aidan Ellison, North Central
Ellison received weekly CCIW honors for the second time in 2025 after a perfect kicking performance in Saturday’s win over Millikin. He hit a 50-yard field goal, the fourth-longest in NCC history, and joined Swink as one of 11 Division III players to make a field goal of at least 50 yards this season. Ellison was also 4-for-4 on extra-point attempts
 
NORTH CENTRAL FIRES ON ALL CYLINDERS IN ROAD WIN
North Central remained the final CCIW team without a loss (5-0) after last Saturday’s 59-10 win over Millikin at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. 
 
The Cardinals’ offense was nearly unstoppable, rolling up 641 yards on just 57 plays while holding the Big Blue to only 182 total yards … Through mid-October, North Central leads the league in both total offense (558.2 yards per game) and scoring (49.0 points per game), while also pacing the CCIW in total defense, giving up just 192.4 yards per outing.
 
Quarterback Garret Wilson led the attack with a career-best performance, going 15-of-20 passing for 277 yards and tying the program record with six touchdown passes … His favorite target, Thomas Skokna, delivered a performance for the ages — catching eight passes for 206 yards and setting a new school record with five touchdown receptions … Running back Demir Ashiru added balance to the attack, rushing for 92 yards on only three carries, including a 46-yard score that marked his longest run of the season.
 
The Cardinals’ defense was just as impressive. Linebacker Matt Janiak anchored the unit with 11 tackles, while defensive linemen Maverick Ohle and John Sullivan each recorded sacks to keep the Big Blue offense on its heels.
 
The Cardinals will be on the road this Saturday at 1 p.m. at North Park. North Central has won 28 in a row in the series and is 52-10-2 all-time against the Vikings. It’s the first road game for NCC since Sept. 27. 
 
DEFENSE, MAKUH POWER VIKINGS TO DECISIVE ROAD WIN
Augustana made it three wins in a row last Saturday at Elmhurst, earning a 48-7 win to move to 4-1 overall and 3-1 against CCIW opponents.
 
The Vikings rolled up 477 yards of total offense while holding the Bluejays to just 212 yards …  Augustana leads the conference in pass completion percentage (71.5%), connecting on 128 of 179 attempts, and boasts one of the league’s most reliable special teams units … Kicker Jacob Garbett has been perfect this fall, going 6-for-6 on field goals, including makes from 47 and 38 yards in last Saturday’s victory.
 
Quarterback Jimmy Makuh once again led the charge with a near-perfect outing, completing 25 of 27 passes for 319 yards and four touchdowns while adding a rushing score. Makuh sits atop the CCIW in both total offense (276.2 yards per game) and passing average (260.8) … Running back Ben Ludlum continued to be a versatile weapon, piling up 83 rushing yards and scoring three times — twice through the air and once on the ground … Wide receiver Sean Schlanser chipped in six receptions for 71 yards as Augustana’s offense kept the chains moving throughout the afternoon.
 
Defensively, the Vikings dominated the line of scrimmage, registering 13 tackles for loss and five sacks to keep Elmhurst off balance … Defensive back Toby Splitt once again paced the unit with 10 tackles and a pass breakup, maintaining his position as the CCIW leader in total tackles at 11.0 per game … Fellow defensive back Travis Kenzevich made the most of his opportunities with two interceptions, tying the conference’s single-game high for the season … Linebacker Shiloh Jones and defensive end Ryan Gustafsson each notched 1.5 sacks in the win.
 
The Vikings are back on familiar turf Saturday at Lindberg Stadium against Carroll, a 1 p.m. start.
 
FORCUCCI, SPECIAL TEAMS IGNITE THUNDER IN BLOOMINGTON
Wheaton set a new season high in scoring last Saturday, defeating Illinois Wesleyan in Bloomington, 65-21. The Thunder are 3-2 overall and 3-1 in the league.
 
The Thunder piled up 533 yards of total offense — averaging 8.1 yards per play … Special teams set the tone early and often, highlighted by a 71-yard kickoff return touchdown from Brett Dieter and a blocked punt by Nate Tofilon that set up another short scoring drive … Wheaton ranks second in the CCIW in scoring offense (41.0 points per game) and fourth in total offense (428.2 yards per game).
 
Quarterback Mark Forcucci led the way for the Thunder on Saturday, turning in one of the most efficient outings in the conference this season. The junior completed 17 of 21 passes for 226 yards and tied the CCIW’s single-game high with five touchdown passes … Running back Matt Crider powered the ground attack, rushing for 96 yards on 11 carries, including a 49-yard touchdown run to open the second half … Wide receiver Ben Juska provided a reliable red-zone target, catching four passes for 42 yards and two scores, including an 11-yard touchdown just before halftime.
 
Wheaton forced Illinois Wesleyan into mistakes and created timely stops. Linebacker Luca Torti paced the unit with eight tackles (five solo), maintaining his top-10 standing in the conference with 7.6 stops per game … Defensive back Nate Tofilon made his mark in multiple phases, recording six tackles, an interception and the blocked punt that shifted momentum in Wheaton’s favor … Up front, defensive lineman Peter Johanik added a sack and continued his strong season as the team leader in tackles for loss (1.3 per game), as the Thunder kept pressure on the Titans throughout the afternoon.
 
The Thunder are back at McCully Stadium this Saturday for just the second time this season when Carthage visits for a 1 p.m. start. WC is 48-12 against the Firebirds, including an active 16-game win streak since 2010.
 
BEARS SURVIVE CARTHAGE CHALLENGE IN DOUBLE OVERTIME
WashU rallied from a two-possession deficit to claim a 31-23 win at Carthage in double overtime last Saturday in Kenosha. The decision kept the Bears unbeaten on the road this season, 4-1 overall and 3-1 in the CCIW.
 
The Bears showcased a powerful ground game, rushing for 200 yards in the win. WashU ranks second in the conference in rushing offense, averaging 233.6 yards per game, and leads the CCIW in rush attempts with 208.
 
Quarterback Levi Moore played a key role in the victory, scoring two rushing touchdowns, including the game-winning three-yard plunge in the second overtime … Running back Matthew Kinoshita paced the ground attack with 82 yards on 16 carries, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt … Wide receiver Makael Carter provided a crucial spark in the passing game, catching five passes for 28 yards, including a go-ahead two-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Carter ranks sixth in the CCIW in all-purpose yards, averaging 103.4 per game.
 
WashU forced turnovers and pressured the quarterback effectively, recording three sacks and one interception … Senior safety Ryan Schmadtke led the team with nine tackles and continues to rank near the top of the conference in interceptions and passes defended … Senior linebacker Brady Willmer accounted for two of the three sacks, combining for 11 yards in losses, while junior linebacker Joy Chane recorded eight tackles and forced a fumble early in the second quarter.
 
Elmhurst will be the Bears’ opponent this Saturday at Francis Olympic Field in St. Louis. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. WashU has won each of the last six meetings with the Bluejays.
 
PIONEERS SHOW BALANCE IN CRUCIAL LEAGUE VICTORY
Carroll picked up another conference win last Saturday to advance to 2-2 in the league this season – a 24-10 triumph over North Park at Schneider Stadium in Waukesha.
 
While the Pioneers’ offense was nearly even with the visitors — 288 yards to 289 — special teams provided a crucial edge. Kicker Matthew Swink drilled a 50-yard field goal late in the third quarter, tying the CCIW individual game high for the season.
 
Quarterback Charlie King delivered a strong performance, completing 17 of 26 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns … Wide receiver Carson Crouch made a big impact with four catches for 71 yards, including a 49-yard scoring strike early in the second quarter … Running back/tight end Reed Breckheimer also contributed to the scoring, hauling in a 15-yard touchdown in the first quarter and later rushing five yards for another score … Running back Mikey Coleman continues to be a key weapon for the Pioneers, ranking sixth in the CCIW in rushing with 68.0 yards per game.
 
The CU defense forced turnovers and limited North Park’s scoring chances. Linebacker Evan Griffiths led the way with nine tackles (five solo) and 1.0 tackle for loss. He averages 8.2 tackles per game … Defensive back Amarrion Bridges added one of the team’s four interceptions and ranks fourth in the CCIW in passes defended … Up front, defensive lineman Peter Johanik recorded a sack for a seven-yard loss.
 
The Pioneers will be the visitors on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Augustana.
 
IWU RECEIVING DUO POSTS 100-YARD DAYS
Illinois Wesleyan is 2-3 at the halfway point of the season and an even 2-2 in the league after dropping a 65-21 decision to Wheaton last weekend at Tucci Stadium.
 
IWU continues to showcase a productive offense this season, ranking fourth in the CCIW in both total offense (389.0 yards per game) and scoring (31.0 points per game).
 
Quarterback Dermot Smyth led the passing attack on Saturday, completing passes for 323 yards and a touchdown, while also adding a team-high 30 rushing yards with two rushing scores … Wide receiver GB Kruzick had a career-best day with five receptions for 113 yards, highlighted by a 32-yard touchdown catch from Smyth in the third quarter … Junior Jimmy Deacy also made a significant impact, hauling in eight passes for 111 yards, giving the Titans two 100-yard receiving performances in the game.
 
Illinois Wesleyan forced two turnovers and applied steady pressure on Wheaton’s quarterbacks, recording one sack … Junior co-captain defensive back Joey DeMaio led the team with 10 tackles, while junior defensive lineman Matt Hansen notched seven tackles and the team’s lone sack … Junior defensive back Nathan Frank intercepted Wheaton quarterback Mark Forcucci in the first quarter and added six tackles, ranking tied for third in the CCIW in interceptions on the season with two.
 
The Titans are scheduled to play Saturday night at Millikin at 6 p.m. IWU and MU have met 115 times since 1904, a series the Titans lead 53-52-10. IWU has won four in a row in the series and 16 of the last 18 versus MU since 2007.
 
CARTHAGE PUSHES WASHU TO THE LIMIT IN DOUBLE-OT THRILLER
Carthage came up just short in a 31-23 double-overtime bout at WashU last Saturday in Kenosha. The result made the Firebirds 2-3 overall and 1-3 in the league.
 
The Firebirds outgained the Bears 343-279 and controlled the clock for more than 31 minutes.
 
Senior running back Bryce Frank powered the Carthage offense, rushing 21 times for 145 yards and scoring two touchdowns. His 21 carries tied the CCIW individual game high for the season, and he sits third in the conference in rushing yards per game at 88.8 … Quarterback Easton Heafner completed 20 of 32 passes for 213 yards, including a clutch 14-yard touchdown to Dylan Salisbury late in the fourth quarter to tie the game … Wide receiver Gavin Betts led the receiving corps with five catches for 77 yards, highlighted by a 24-yard gain.
 
The Carthage defense kept the Bears off balance throughout the extended game. Freshman defensive back Mariano Talamantez led the team with 10 tackles, while senior defensive linemen Jeremy Rowlett and Michael Sneed each added eight tackles. Rowlett also recorded three quarterback hurries, and Sneed contributed one … Defensive back Briton Stanton added five tackles, including a tackle for loss.
 
Another tough test awaits Carthage this Saturday, a 1 p.m. kickoff at Wheaton. The Firebirds are 2-1 on the road this season.
 
ZENO, THURMAN PROVIDE OFFENSIVE HIGHLIGHTS FOR MILLIKIN
Millikin fell to 2-3 on the season after last Saturday’s 59-10 defeat at top-ranked North Central. 
 
Kicker Bryson Newport provided a bright spot, converting a 38-yard field goal in the second quarter. He’s tied for sixth in the conference with three field goals on four attempts this season.
 
Quarterback Sylas Gomez finished 10-for-22 passing for 108 yards and one touchdown, while wide receiver Matthew Thurman led the team in receiving yards with three catches for 59 yards, including a 48-yard long reception … Running back Re’John Zeno continues to be the team’s primary scoring threat, ranking second in the CCIW among non-kickers with six rushing touchdowns and averaging 8.4 points per game.
 
Linebackers Ryan Baskerville and Alex Araiza each recorded eight tackles. Araiza leads the conference in tackles for loss, averaging 1.8 per game … Defensive back Kyle Corkill made a key play early in the second quarter by recovering a muffed punt, setting up Newport’s field goal for the team’s first points.
 
MU is back at Frank M. Lindsay Field this Saturday to host Illinois Wesleyan at 6 p.m.
 
NORTH PARK DEFENSE, SPECIAL TEAMS SHINE IN CLOSE CONTEST
North Park limited its opponent to 24 points or less for the fifth straight week but fell short in a 24-10 loss at Carroll last Saturday. The Vikings are 2-3 in 2025.
 
Senior Justen Green came on and completed 9 of 17 passes for 125 yards, throwing North Park’s lone touchdown to Micah Catron … Senior wide receiver Jereme Ombogo paced the receiving corps with six catches for 70 yards and continues to rank fourth in the CCIW in receiving yards per game at 70.6 … Sophomore kicker Drayden Wilcox provided the Vikings’ first points with a 29-yard field goal in the second quarter, extending his perfect season field goal mark to 2-for-2.
 
North Park forced four turnovers last weekend. Freshman defensive back Darrius Whiters recorded both interceptions, including an 80-yard return that is the longest in the CCIW this season … Sophomore linebacker DJ Johnson led the team with nine tackles and ranks 12th in the conference with 7.4 stops per game, while fellow sophomore Armando Martinez added six tackles, including a tackle for loss.
 
The Vikings host #1 North Central Saturday at 1 p.m. at Holmgren Athletic Complex.
 
BLUEJAYS GEAR UP FOR NEXT TWO ON THE ROAD
Elmhurst played its second straight home contest last week, a 48-7 defeat versus Augustana. The Bluejays are now 1-4 this season.
 
Quarterback John Odom completed 10 of 17 passes for 119 yards and one touchdown … Running back Jeffery Elms led the ground attack with 43 yards on 16 carries and sits fourth in the CCIW in rushing yards per game at 71.2 … Wide receiver A.D. Russell hauled in Elmhurst’s lone score on a 22-yard touchdown catch, capping a seven-play, 74-yard drive.
 
Defensive back Jayvon King led the team with nine tackles against Augie, including seven solo … Linebacker Ryan Burton and defensive lineman Malakai Correa each recorded seven tackles, while defensive lineman Ethan Stewart contributed a highlight by blocking a Vikings PAT attempt in the third quarter.
 
The Bluejays’ next two games are on the road, including a 1 p.m. kickoff this Saturday at WashU.