NAPERVILLE — North Central remains the team to beat in NCAA Division III football, cruising to another dominant league win and keeping its undefeated record intact. Wheaton is climbing, now ranked among the nation’s top 20 after a strong showing in conference play. 
 
With the CCIW season moving past the midway point, this week’s action sets the stage for key matchups and potential shifts in the league race.
 
NORTH CENTRAL RETAINS TOP RANKING; WHEATON CLIMBS TO #20
North Central continues to sit atop NCAA Division III football, maintaining its top ranking in both the D3football.com Top 25 and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Coaches’ Poll released Sunday and Monday, respectively. 
 
The undefeated Cardinals improved to 6-0 overall and 5-0 in the CCIW with a 75-0 win over North Park on Saturday. In the D3football.com poll, North Central earned 23 first-place votes and 623 points, while the coaches awarded them all 52 first-place votes and 1,300 points – another unanimous #1 ranking.
 
Wheaton also remains nationally ranked, climbing one spot to #20 in the D3football.com poll with 144 points after a 47-21 win over Carthage. The Thunder held steady at #22 in the AFCA poll with 214 points.
 
WashU logged eight points in the coaches’ poll and one point in the D3football.com rankings. Augustana also appeared on one coach’s ballot for a single point from the AFCA.
 
SMYTH, SPLITT, WORTHINGTON GARNER WEEKLY CCIW HONORS
Illinois Wesleyan teammates Dermot Smyth and Matt Worthington, along with Augustana’s Toby Splitt, have been named CCIW Football Student-Athletes of the Week. Smyth earned offensive honors after a record-setting performance in IWU’s win over Millikin, Splitt claimed defensive recognition following a standout effort against Carroll and Worthington was tabbed for his impact on special teams.
 
Smyth used a career day to lead IWU past Millikin, 49-27. The junior from Chicago went 21-for-31 for a career-high 383 yards while tying his career-best with five touchdown passes. Smyth added 12 rushing yards, including a one-yard TD run. 
 
Smyth’s 383 passing yards are the second-most in the CCIW this season, as well as the most in a conference contest this year. Saturday’s total marked his third straight 300-yard performance.
 
Splitt made 12 total tackles, eight of which were unassisted, and added an interception in Augie’s 31-24 win over Carroll. The senior from Cary, Ill. leads the league in tackles this season with 11.2 per game.
 
Worthington flipped the field to help keep IWU in control at Millikin. The sophomore punted three times, averaging 50.7 yards per punt. He pinned the Big Blue inside their own 20 once and notched a career-long punt of 71 yards. His 71-yard boot is second-longest in the CCIW this season and ranks tied for fifth all-time in IWU history.
 
DOMINANT IN EVERY PHASE, NCC ROLLS AGAIN
North Central kept the line moving on Saturday, posting a 75-0 league win at North Park. The victory made the top-ranked Cardinals 6-0 on the season and 5-0 in the league.
 
The Cardinals lead the CCIW in total offense, averaging 549.7 yards per game, and in rushing offense, amassing 1,778 yards on the ground with a 7.08-yard average per carry … Their 75-0 victory over North Park marked their third shutout of the season and tied for the seventh-largest margin of victory in program history … North Central also holds the top spots in total defense and scoring defense across the league, allowing just 173 yards and 6.3 points per contest.
 
Quarterback Garrett Wilson guided the offense with precision, throwing four touchdown passes while completing 11 of 17 attempts for 139 yards. Wilson leads the CCIW in passing efficiency with a 205.30 rating … Wide receiver Thomas Skokna was his top target, hauling in six receptions for 84 yards and two scores. Skokna remains the CCIW’s leading scorer with 72 points on 12 touchdown receptions … Backup quarterback Demir Ashiru made the most of his opportunities, completing all five of his pass attempts for 47 yards and two touchdowns while adding 57 rushing yards and an 18-yard score on the ground.
 
The defense matched the offense’s intensity, led by defensive lineman Bobby Medina’s disruptive presence. Medina recorded four tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks, and continues to lead the conference with 6.5 sacks while ranking second in tackles for loss (8.5) … Fellow lineman John Sullivan contributed five tackles, including 2.5 for loss … Linebacker Matt Janiak added to the scoring on defense with a 26-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter. Janiak remains among the CCIW’s active leaders in total tackles with 87 over 20 career games.
 
NCC returns to Naperville this Saturday to host second-place Augustana at 1 p.m. The Cardinals have won 18 in a row in the series with the Vikings since 2006, but Augie leads the all-time series, 55-38-1.
 
AUGIE FINDS A WAY IN WILD FINISH
A last-minute touchdown last Saturday in Rock Island proved to be the difference for Augustana, which improved to 5-1 on the season with a 31-24 win over Carroll. Augie is 4-1 in the league, tied for second place just past the midway point of the league schedule.
 
The Vikings outgained the Pioneers 457–314 in total offense and held a 26–21 advantage in first downs …Through six games, Augustana ranks fourth in the conference in total offense, averaging 408.8 yards per game, while its third-down conversion rate of 52.2 percent ranks second … The Vikings have also been steady in the kicking game, leading the CCIW in both field goal attempts (8) and makes (7), connecting on 87.5 percent of their tries.
 
Quarterback Jimmy Makuh guided the offense with a balanced performance on Saturday, completing 26 of 36 passes for 320 yards and two touchdowns while adding 42 rushing yards and a score on the ground. Makuh sits second in the CCIW in total offense (290.5 yards per game) and passing (270.7 yards per game) … Running back Ben Ludlum carried the ball 14 times for 72 yards and delivered the game-winning touchdown with 59 seconds remaining. Ludlum ranks fifth in the league in rushing, averaging 67.2 yards per game … Wide receiver Sean Schlanser hauled in seven catches for 116 yards, including a 44-yard reception, and continues to rank among the conference’s top playmakers — fourth in receiving yards per game (79.7) and first in receptions per game (6.3).
 
On the defensive side, the Vikings were anchored by defensive back Toby Splitt, who totaled 12 tackles against Carroll, including eight solo stops. Splitt leads the entire CCIW in total tackles (67) and interceptions (4), averaging 11.2 tackles per game … Defensive end Cam Jurgens notched the team’s lone sack, an eight-yard loss, pushing Augustana’s season total to 16 — second most in the conference … Defensive back Darren Oregon contributed two pass breakups in the win and remains among the CCIW’s active career leaders in passes defended with 28.
 
The Vikings will face their tallest test yet on Saturday when they visit #1 North Central for a 1 p.m. kickoff.
 
WASHU DEFENSE CLOSES THE DOOR ON ELMHURST
In a game shortened by inclement weather, WashU defeated Elmhurst 17-0 last Saturday in St. Louis. The Bears advanced to 5-1 on the season and 4-1 against CCIW opponents.
 
The Bears controlled the game from start to finish, outgaining the Bluejays 304–41 in total offense while holding the ball for more than nine minutes longer … WashU ranks fifth in the CCIW in total offense at 370 yards per game and sits fourth in rushing offense with an average of 224.7 yards per outing … The Bears’ defense has been just as impressive, ranking second in total defense (286.8 yards allowed per game) and third in scoring defense (22.7 points per game).
 
Quarterback Levi Moore turned in an efficient performance Saturday, completing 10 of 11 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown through the air. Moore ranks sixth in the league in total offense, averaging 194.3 yards per game, and has accounted for seven rushing touchdowns this season … Running back Matthew Kinoshita powered the ground game, totaling 82 yards on 12 carries for a 6.8-yard average. Kinoshita ranks fourth in the CCIW in rushing, averaging 71.0 yards per contest … Sophomore receiver Lucas Blumenthal provided the game’s biggest play — a 45-yard touchdown grab from Moore that capped a quick three-play, 55-yard drive lasting just 1:29 in the second quarter.
 
Defensively, senior linebacker Brady Willmer led the charge with six total tackles, including three solo stops. Willmer continues to rank among the CCIW’s best in tackles for loss, sitting third with 7.5 on the season … Defensive end Ethan Venable added two tackles and a nine-yard tackle for loss, helping stifle Elmhurst’s limited rushing attack … Safety Ryan Schmadtke chipped in two tackles and remains one of the league’s most experienced playmakers, ranking 20th in tackles (35 total) and among the CCIW’s active career leaders with eight interceptions and 13 passes defended over 32 games.
 
A critical matchup awaits the Bears, who will travel to Wheaton this weekend to face the 20th-ranked Thunder.
 
BIG PLAYS, BIG NUMBERS FOR THE THUNDER
Wheaton maintained its pace in the league race on Saturday, earning a 47-21 win over visiting Carthage at McCully Stadium. WC is now 4-2 through six outings, including a 4-1 mark in conference play.
 
Wheaton showcased its offensive firepower and defensive steadiness in Saturday’s victory, racking up 505 total yards while limiting the Firebirds to 242. The Thunder’s attack featured 412 yards through the air and 93 on the ground, continuing their season-long efficiency … Wheaton ranks second in the CCIW in both total offense (441 yards per game) and passing offense (303.5 yards per game), while the defense stands second in scoring defense (22.3 points per game) and third in sacks (9) … Through six contests, Wheaton has amassed 2,646 total yards, maintaining its place near the top of the league standings.
 
Quarterback Mark Forcucci delivered a near-flawless performance, completing 20 of 23 passes for 378 yards and five touchdowns. Forcucci now ranks fourth in the conference in total offense (241.4 yards per game) and third in passing efficiency (177.06) … Wide receiver Seth Kortenhoeven was the top target, recording nine receptions for 200 yards and two touchdowns — the most receiving yards by a Wheaton player in a single game since October 2019. Kortenhoeven ranks third in the CCIW in receiving yards per game (90.8) and ninth in scoring (6.0 points per game) with six touchdowns this season … Running back Matt Crider added balance to the offense, rushing nine times for 67 yards and a touchdown, averaging 7.4 yards per carry. Crider has scored four touchdowns this season and sits among the conference’s active leaders in total touchdowns.
 
On the defensive side, the Thunder made key plays to secure the win, highlighted by defensive back Colin Moore’s two interceptions. Moore leads the CCIW in interceptions (4) and shares the conference lead in passes defended (7), averaging 1.17 per game … Linebacker Zeke Harris paced the defense with 10 tackles, including 1.5 for loss, and ranks third in the CCIW with 52 total tackles (8.7 per game) … Fellow linebacker Luca Torti made a major impact with a sack for 16 lost yards and a forced fumble, his second of the season. Torti ranks second in the CCIW in forced fumbles and sixth in total tackles (46), averaging 7.7 per contest.
 
The Thunder have an opportunity to earn a critical win in the league race this Saturday when they host WashU this Saturday at 1 p.m. in Wheaton.
 
SMYTH’S SIX SCORES POWER TITANS TO ROAD WIN
Illinois Wesleyan snagged sole possession of fifth place in the current league standings last weekend, posting a 49-27 road win at Millikin. The Titans are now 3-3 overall and 3-2 against CCIW opponents.
 
The Titans rank third in the CCIW in total offense, averaging 410.3 yards per game on 2,462 total yards. IWU also owns a +3 turnover margin, tied for the conference lead at +0.50 per game, and ranks fourth in red-zone success by converting 21 of 23 opportunities (91.3%).
 
Quarterback Dermot Smyth headlined the Titans’ offensive surge in last week’s win over Millikin, accounting for six total touchdowns — five through the air and one on the ground — while throwing for a career-best 392 yards. Smyth currently leads the CCIW in total offense with 1,886 yards (1,663 passing, 223 rushing), averaging 314.3 per game … Will Nazha continues to pace all CCIW receivers, averaging 7.7 receptions and 110.8 yards per game. Nazha hauled in eight catches for 147 yards and a touchdown versus Millikin … Tony Noto added a late-game spark Saturday with a career-high 93 rushing yards, including a decisive 47-yard touchdown to seal the win.
 
Defensively, Austin Brown matched his career high with eight tackles, adding 0.5 tackles for loss, a pass breakup and a forced fumble at Millikin … Ian Whitaker was a force up front with a career-best 2.5 tackles for loss totaling 15 yards, while also contributing 0.5 sacks and five total tackles … In the secondary, Lucas Lappin recorded his second interception of the season to clinch the road victory. The Titans’ defense has now produced seven interceptions through six games.
 
IWU will host North Park this Saturday at 1 p.m. at Tucci Stadium. IWU owns a 57-6 record in the series with the Vikings, including a 42-3 mark at home.
 
PIONEERS FALL AT AUGUSTANA, LOOK TO REBOUND VS. ELMHURST
Carroll slipped to 2-4 overall and 2-3 in the league after last Saturday’s 31-24 setback at Augustana.
 
A key area of success for CU has been on fourth down, where Carroll leads the CCIW with a 90 percent conversion rate (9-of-10). The Pioneers also maintain a positive turnover margin of +1, tied for sixth in the conference.
 
Offensively, Charlie King directs the passing attack, ranking ninth in the CCIW with 664 yards and four touchdowns across five games … His top target, Reed Breckheimer, continues to lead the team in receiving, ranking fifth in the league with 31 catches and totaling 304 yards and one touchdown … Out of the backfield, Mikey Coleman anchors the ground game, ranking seventh in the conference with 365 rushing yards and four touchdowns, averaging 60.8 yards per contest.
 
On defense, Evan Griffiths leads the charge, ranking second in the CCIW with 53 total tackles (8.8 per game) … Braedon Curtin adds 42 tackles (7.0 per game) and contributed 1.5 tackles for loss against Augustana … August Johansen has been a disruptive force, tied for seventh in the league with 2.5 sacks and tied for first with two forced fumbles.
 
The Pioneers return to Schneider Stadium this Saturday, hosting Elmhurst at 1 p.m.
 
FRANK, HEAFNER LEAD OFFENSE AS CARTHAGE RETURNS HOME
Carthage is 2-4 overall after last Saturday’s 47-21 loss at 21st-ranked Wheaton. The Firebirds are in a three-way tie for seventh place in the league standings at 1-4.
 
Carthage is the least penalized team in the league, averaging 30.2 penalty yards per game, while benefiting from opponents’ infractions with 70.3 yards per contest.
 
The Firebirds rely on Bryce Frank and Easton Heafner on offense. Frank leads Carthage in rushing and scoring, ranking first in the CCIW with 80.5 rushing yards per game and tied for second with seven total touchdowns (483 yards) … Heafner has thrown for 797 yards and seven touchdowns for a passing efficiency of 123.88, ranking seventh in the conference … Gavin Betts played a key role in Carthage’s matchup against Wheaton, hauling in a 45-yard touchdown pass to give the Firebirds an early 7-0 lead.
 
Briton Stanton and Mariano Talamantez help anchor the defense, with Stanton ranking seventh in the CCIW with 45 tackles (7.5 per game) and Talamantez contributing 38 tackles (6.3 per game) and one interception against Wheaton … Up front, Michael Sneed recorded three tackles for loss, including one of the Firebirds’ three total sacks in the Wheaton contest.
 
Three of the Firebirds’ last four games are at home, beginning with this Saturday’s 1 p.m. start against Millikin.
 
BIG BLUE CONTROL POSSESSION, SHOOTS FOR WIN ON ROAD
Millikin produced its highest point total against a CCIW opponent last week, but ultimately dropped a 49-27 decision to Illinois Wesleyan. MU is now 2-4 overall and 1-4 in the CCIW.
 
Millikin ranks sixth in total offense in the league with 1,943 yards, averaging 323.8 per contest … The Big Blue excel in the red zone, converting 15 of 16 opportunities (93.8%), the second-best rate in the conference, and control possession with a league-leading 34:07 per game.
 
Sylas Gomez leads Millikin offensively as a dual-threat quarterback, ranking fifth in the CCIW in total offense with 1,381 yards (1,191 passing, 190 rushing), averaging 230.2 per game. Gomez gained 73 yards on 15 carries and scored three rushing touchdowns against IWU … Re’John Zeno anchors the ground game, ranking ninth in rushing with 327 yards and seven total touchdowns (6 rushing, 1 receiving) … Wide receiver Kevin Louis leads the team in receiving yards per game (60.0), catching nine passes for 131 yards against IWU, including a 45-yard connection in the second quarter.
 
Millikin’s defense is led by linebackers Ryan Baskerville and Alex Araiza. Baskerville tops the team with 6.83 tackles per game, while Araiza leads the conference in tackles for loss with nine (1.5 per game) … In the secondary, cornerback Hassan Hughes contributed five tackles, one TFL and a pass breakup against IWU.
 
The Big Blue travel to Carthage this Saturday to meet the Firebirds at 1 p.m.
 
NORTH PARK SEEKS REBOUND AGAINST TITANS
North Park is 2-4 through its first six games and 1-4 in the league after last week’s 75-0 loss to top-ranked North Central.
 
Senior quarterback Justen Green has been a steady presence under center, ranking eighth in the CCIW in pass efficiency (123.31) and 10th in total offense per game with 115.6 yards … Jereme Ombogo leads the team in all-purpose yards, totaling 613 yards and averaging 102.2 per game, while ranking seventh in receiving yards per contest with 57.7 yards … Senior receiver Wesley McCloud anchors the Vikings’ kick return unit, averaging 32.0 yards per return (third in the CCIW) and contributing 321 receiving yards on 21 catches.
 
Sophomore linebackers DJ Johnson, Armando Martinez and Theo Smith have anchored the front seven. Johnson ranks fourth in the CCIW with 49 tackles (8.17 per game), recording 12 tackles and a pass breakup against North Central … Martinez led the team with 14 tackles versus North Central, and has 35 total tackles this season … Smith has shown a knack for creating turnovers, tied for sixth in the CCIW with one forced fumble and tied for second with two fumble recoveries, while also contributing two sacks.
 
Illinois Wesleyan is next for the Vikings. NPU will visit the Titans this Saturday at 1 p.m. in Bloomington.
 
ELMHURST AIMS FOR FIRST ROAD WIN AGAINST PIONEERS
Elmhurst is 1-5 this fall after a 17-0 loss to WashU last Saturday.
 
EU’s offense is paced by quarterback John Odom, who ranks seventh in total offense in the league with 1,043 yards (934 passing, 109 rushing), averaging 173.8 per game. … Running back Jeffery Elms ranks eighth among CCIW players in rushing with 356 yards (59.3 per game).
 
Linebacker Jace Zeffiro and defensive lineman Malakai Correa are strong for the Bluejays up front. Zeffiro has 43 total tackles (7.17 per game), while Correa ranks fifth in the conference with 48 tackles (8.0 per game) … In the secondary, defensive back Jonathan Wells has been a key turnover contributor, ranking third in the CCIW with three interceptions and returning them for 45 yards, including a long return of 23 yards.
 
EU is back on the road for the second consecutive weekend when the Bluejays visit Carroll this Saturday at 1 p.m.