NAPERVILLE — As the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) heads into the final week of the regular season, we take a look at the full picture of the league landscape — from North Central’s unbeaten run and Wheaton’s postseason push to Augustana and WashU’s battle for third place and a shot at an Isthmus Bowl bid.
 
Also – find a look at key national and conference statistical leaders, impact performances from the latest round of games, and the matchups that will shape the final standings.
 
NCC, WHEATON HOLD STEADY IN NATIONAL POLLS
North Central remained the unanimous #1 in the D3football.com and American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) polls released Sunday and Monday, respectively, while Wheaton held firm at #18 from D3football.com and #21 in the coaches’ poll.
 
The Cardinals clinched a share of their 19th CCIW championship on Saturday in a 58-0 shutout of Elmhurst. It was NCC’s 50th consecutive conference win and 24th straight win overall.
 
Wheaton won its home finale over Millikin, 61-14. The Thunder have won five in a row since Oct. 11.
 
WashU had two points in the coaches’ poll, up from one last week.
 
CARROLL DUO, NCC’S SKOKNA NAMED CCIW STUDENT-ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
Carroll swept the offensive and defensive awards while North Central claimed the special teams honor as the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) announced its Football Student-Athletes of the Week on Monday. 
 
Breckheimer, a senior from Hilbert, Wis., turned in a versatile performance in the Pioneers’ 34-14 road win over Illinois Wesleyan on Saturday. Breckheimer rushed for 100 yards and three touchdowns on just eight carries, averaging 12.5 yards per attempt while also catching eight passes for 63 yards to finish with 163 all-purpose yards. He found the end zone on runs of 21, 24 and five yards.
 
Bridges made a major impact in the Pioneers’ win on Saturday, leading CU’s defensive effort with two interceptions and two pass breakups. Bridges intercepted a pass on the Titans’ opening drive and returned it 32 yards to set up Carroll’s first touchdown, then added a second interception in the third quarter to halt an IWU scoring threat.
 
Skokna led the top-ranked Cardinals in their 58-0 win over Elmhurst on Saturday. Skokna broke the game open with a 79-yard punt return touchdown midway through the first quarter. The senior also caught three passes for 56 yards and two more touchdowns, leading all CCIW players with 18 total points on the day. His effort helped North Central clinch a share of its fourth consecutive CCIW championship.
 
WHO’S GOING TO THE ISTHMUS BOWL?
The 2025 Culver’s Isthmus Bowl – an annual game featuring one team from the CCIW and one team from the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference – is slated for Saturday, Nov. 22 at the Bank of Sun Prairie Stadium at Ashley Field at 2 p.m. 
 
The top team in the CCIW standings that is not selected for the NCAA Playoffs will represent the league in the Isthmus Bowl. North Central has already secured the CCIW’s automatic bid to the playoffs. If Wheaton does not receive an at-large bid to the playoffs, the winner of this Saturday’s matchup between WashU and Augustana will play in the Isthmus Bowl.
 
NORTH CENTRAL SETS NATIONAL PACE IN SCORING AND DEFENSE
North Central claimed a share of its 19th CCCIW title last Saturday, earning a 58-0 win at Elmhurst. NCC is now 9-0 overall, 8-0 in the league and the nation’s unanimous top-ranked team. 
 
NCC continues to show balance across all phases, ranking among the Division III leaders in several team categories. The Cardinals enter the weekend first in the country in both scoring offense (57.6 points per game) and scoring defense (6.6 points per game) … NCC also maintains a strong presence in the run game, standing fifth nationally in rushing offense (283.1 yards per game) and sixth in rushing defense, allowing just 51.2 yards per game. The Cardinals also lead the nation in red-zone defense, with opponents scoring on only 46 percent of their opportunities inside the 20-yard line.
 
Quarterback Garret Wilson directs an efficient attack and holds the national lead in passing efficiency (228.27). He also ranks second nationally with 33 passing touchdowns … Wide receiver Thomas Skokna is the CCIW’s scoring leader and stands fifth nationally at 12.7 points per game. Skokna also leads all Division III players with 18 receiving touchdowns … Running back Donovan McNeal provides consistent production on the ground, ranking fifth nationally at 7.6 yards per carry. He enters the regular-season finale with 807 rushing yards over nine contests, an average of 89.7 yards per game.
 
Several players have contributed to North Central’s defensive performance. Defensive end Eli Renick ranks 19th nationally with 8.5 sacks (0.94 per game) and has also forced two fumbles …  Defensive lineman John Sullivan leads the team with 14 tackles for loss (1.56 per game) … In the secondary, Rahmareon Roby averages 1.00 pass defended per game and has recorded two interceptions, including an 81-yard return for a touchdown against Augustana on Oct. 25.
 
The Cardinals can extend their win streak and secure the outright league title this Saturday at noon against Illinois Wesleyan at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium.
 
THUNDER STRETCH WIN STREAK TO FIVE
The Wheaton win streak reached five games last weekend after the Thunder’s 61-14 win over Millikin at McCully Stadium. The results moved WC to 7-2 overall and 7-1 in the league for sole possession of second place.
 
Wheaton enters its final regular-season bout as one of the CCIW’s most productive offensive teams. The Thunder rank second in the conference in total offense (458.2 yards per game) and scoring offense (45.1 points per game) … The unit has also been effective on key downs, standing eighth nationally in third-down conversion rate (54 percent) and converting 61 percent of its fourth-down attempts.
 
Quarterback Mark Forcucci leads the passing game with a national ranking of fourth in passing efficiency (191.6) and has thrown 22 touchdown passes … Running back Matt Crider offers production on the ground with 71.6 rushing yards per game and totaling nine rushing touchdowns. Crider recorded 82 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, and a 45-yard touchdown reception in the win over Millikin, marking his second straight game with three total touchdowns … Wide receiver Seth Kortenhoeven remains a primary option in the passing attack, with 96.6 receiving yards per contest. He leads the Thunder with eight receiving touchdowns in eight contests and 117.8 all-purpose yards per game.
 
On defense, Peter Johanik paces WC in tackles for loss (1.50 per game) and sacks (0.72). He posted two tackles for loss and the game’s only sack against Millikin, a performance that placed him in a tie for first on Wheaton’s career tackles-for-loss list (50.5) … Linebacker Zeke Harris logs 8.4 tackles per game, totaling 76 stops over nine contests. In the secondary, Joseph Bracy averages 1.22 passes defended per game.
 
Wheaton, which remains firmly in the mix for a berth to the Division III playoffs, closes the season Saturday at noon at North Park. The Thunder are 51-5 all-time against NPU, including an active 44-game win streak that dates back to 1980.
 
AUGIE DEFENSE TRAVELING WELL IN FOURTH ROAD WIN
Augustana seized its fourth road victory of the season last Saturday, posting a 23-3 win at Carthage. The effort marked Augie’s third game of the season of allowing seven points or less and improved the Vikings to 7-2 overall and 6-2 in the CCIW.
 
The Vikings’ success has been bolstered by consistent efficiency on both sides of the ball. Augie ranks second in the CCIW in field goals made (10) and second in red-zone offense, converting 89 percent of their opportunities … Defensively, Augustana allows 319.7 yards per game but ranks fourth in the conference in total defense and stands fourth in team sacks with 22.
 
Quarterback Jimmy Makuh leads the offensive effort, ranking second in the CCIW in passing yards (2,243) and passing yards per game (249.22). He also holds the league’s third-best passing-efficiency mark (155.33) and averages 18.2 points per game, fifth in the conference … Running back Ben Ludlum ranks sixth in the CCIW in rushing yards per game (62.4), totaling 562 yards over nine contests … Wide receiver Sean Schlanser is a steady presence in the passing game, ranking third in receptions per game (5.89) and fourth in receiving yards (640).
 
The Vikings’ defense is led by two players holding top-five CCIW positions in key statistical categories. Defensive back Toby Splitt leads the conference in interceptions per game (0.56) and also ranks first in total tackles, averaging 10.89 per contest … In coverage, defensive back Darren Oregon ranks fourth in the CCIW in passes defended (1.11 per game) … Augie remains active at the line of scrimmage, ranking second in the conference in team sacks with 22 for 171 yards lost.
 
Augie will play for third place this Saturday when the Vikings host WashU at noon in Rock Island.
 
MOORE’S DUAL-THREAT PLAY STEERS BEARS’ OFFENSE
WashU’s record is 7-2, including a 6-2 league record, thanks to a 42-14 victory over North Park last Saturday in St. Louis. The Bears closed the home portion of their schedule with a 4-1 mark and has won back-to-back games overall.
 
WashU continues to hold its place among the CCIW’s top defensive units, allowing just 287.1 yards per game – good for second in the conference … The Bears have also protected the quarterback well, giving up only 1.00 sack per game, a figure that ties for the league lead … On the ground, WashU limits opponents to 101.4 rushing yards per contest, the second-lowest mark in the conference.
 
Much of the offensive production runs through quarterback Levi Moore. His dual-threat impact includes 13 rushing touchdowns, the second-highest total in the CCIW, and 217.2 yards of total offense per game, which places him fifth in the league … Wide receiver Makael Carter has supplied consistent scoring, matching the second-best total in the conference with eight receiving touchdowns and generating 101.0 all-purpose yards per game … Running back Matthew Kinoshita adds efficiency to the backfield, averaging 5.64 yards per carry – fourth in the CCIW – and posting a season-best 171 rushing yards in the win over Illinois Wesleyan.
 
DJ Montgomery leads the team in sacks and sits tied for sixth in the CCIW with 4.0, bolstered by a performance against North Park that included 3.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks … Linebacker Joy Chane has helped shape the turnover margin with three interceptions, tying him for fourth in the league, while contributing 6.1 tackles per game … Fellow linebacker Brady Willmer ranks among the conference leaders in backfield stops, averaging 1.11 tackles for loss per game and totaling 38 tackles.
 
The Bears will be the road team on Saturday at noon against Augustana. The winner of the contest will finish in third place in the final league standings.
 
PIONEERS EARN FIRST WIN AT IWU SINCE 1989
Carroll picked up its first win at Illinois Wesleyan since 1989 last Saturday, earning a 34-14 decision at Tucci Stadium. CU has won four of its last six contests since Oct. 4, owning a 4-5 record and tying for fifth place in the league race with a 4-4 CCIW record.
 
This season, the Pioneers have scored on 83 percent of their trips inside the 20 – that efficiency paired well with their recent outing against Illinois Wesleyan, where Carroll held the ball for 36:45 … Protecting the football has been another strength; the Pioneers sit second in the conference in turnover margin at +0.78 per game … Their ground game has also been productive, ranking fourth in the CCIW with 17 rushing touchdowns.
 
Running back Mikey Coleman leads the offensive effort on the ground, standing second in the league at 74.5 rushing yards per game and totaling 671 yards over nine contests … Senior tight end/running back Reed Breckheimer is one of Carroll’s top scoring threats, tying for third in the conference with 10 total touchdowns. Breckheimer turned in a standout performance against Illinois Wesleyan, rushing for 100 yards and three touchdowns on just eight carries. He is also a frequent receiving target, ranking fifth in the conference with 4.89 receptions per game and totaling 462 receiving yards.
 
Defensively, Carroll is anchored by strong contributions in the secondary and at linebacker. Defensive back Amarrion Bridges ranks tied for second in the CCIW in passes defended (1.22 per game) and tied for third with four interceptions, two of which came in the win over Illinois Wesleyan … Linebacker Evan Griffiths is among the conference’s leading tacklers, ranking sixth at 8.1 stops per game … Up front, the Pioneers generate steady pressure, ranking fourth in the CCIW with 17 team sacks; defensive lineman Luke Brosig added 2.5 sacks in the victory over Illinois Wesleyan.
 
The Pioneers will aim to finish strong on Saturday, traveling to rival Carthage for “The Battle For The Old Musket.” CU has won three of the last four games in the series, but hasn’t won in Kenosha since 1996. 
 
IWU PREPARES FOR ROAD TEST AT TOP-RANKED NCC
Illinois Wesleyan is 4-5 overall and 4-4 against CCIW rivals after last Saturday’s 34-14 loss to Carroll. 
 
Illinois Wesleyan is third in the league in total offense at 397.8 yards per game and fourth in scoring offense at 32.0 points per contest … They have also been efficient on key downs, converting 66 percent of their fourth-down attempts (22nd nationally) and 40 percent on third down, fourth best in the conference.
 
Quarterback Dermot Smyth leads the Titans’ offensive production. He ranks fifth in the CCIW in passing efficiency (141.40) and total touchdowns (8), while pacing the conference in passing yards per game (272.7) and total offense (310.3). Those marks place him 21st and 15th nationally, respectively … Wide receiver Will Nazha remains one of the league’s most consistent playmakers, leading the CCIW in receptions per game (7.0), receiving yards per game (96.6), and all-purpose yards (154.4).
 
Defensive back Joey DeMaio leads the team with 8.3 tackles per game, good for fourth in the conference … Junior defensive lineman Marcheon Griffin continues to generate pressure, recording a team-high 2.0 tackles for loss in last week’s contest.
 
IWU hits the road Saturday, visiting top-ranked North Central at noon in Naperville.
 
NPU STRONG IN RETURN GAME, SEEKING MOMENTUM AT HOME
Playing its final road contest of the 2025 campaign, North Park fell 42-14 at WashU last Saturday in St. Louis. The Vikings are 3-6 this season and tied for seventh in the league standings with a 2-6 mark.
 
North Park boasts one of the CCIW’s most impactful special-teams units. The Vikings sit ninth nationally in kick-return touchdowns, having scored twice on the season … Defensively, the team ranks seventh in the conference in total defense (372.0 yards allowed per game) and sixth in scoring defense (30.1 points allowed).
 
Kick returner Jereme Ombogo remains central to the Vikings’ offensive and special-teams output. He ranks second in the CCIW in kick-return average (34.8 yards per return) and produced a 97-yard return touchdown in last week’s game at WashU. He also stands third in the league in all-purpose yardage at 104.7 yards per game … In the passing game, wide receiver Wesley McCloud is the leading threat, ranking seventh in the conference with 57.0 receiving yards per contest and totaling 513 yards across nine games … Quarterback Justen Green contributes 94.1 yards of total offense per game, 10th-most in the CCIW.
 
Linebacker DJ Johnson anchors the tackling effort, ranking 10th in the conference at 7.2 stops per game … Defensive back Darrius Whiters adds support in coverage, ranking seventh in interceptions per game (0.29) and helping North Park place third in the CCIW in interception return yardage (202) … Defensive lineman Jaysen Perez recorded both a sack and a tackle for loss in the matchup with WashU.
 
North Park hosts Wheaton on Saturday at noon for the Vikings’ Senior Day.
 
FIREBIRDS PREPARE FOR OLD MUSKET RIVALRY WITH CARROLL
Carthage dropped a 23-3 decision to Augustana last Saturday in Kenosha, moving the Firebirds’ record to 3-6 overall and 2-6 in the CCIW.
 
The Firebirds lead the CCIW in both fewest penalties (33) and fewest penalty yards (281) … They also manage possession effectively, averaging 31:29 per game—first in the conference.
 
Running back Bryce Frank anchors the Carthage offense. He ranks third in the CCIW in rushing yards per game (74.5) and ranks among the league’s top scorers with seven total touchdowns …  At quarterback, Easton Heafner contributes through the air, ranking fifth in completions per game (15.2) and seventh in passing efficiency (118.24).
 
The defensive effort is led by linebacker Briton Stanton, who ranks eighth in the conference with 7.5 tackles per game. He posted a team-high 13 tackles – including a sack and two tackles for loss – in last week’s matchup with Augustana … Idarius Walton provides support with 4.2 solo tackles per game, ninth in the CCIW … Defensive lineman Jeremy Rowlett has been effective at generating turnovers, tying for second in the league with two fumble recoveries.
 
Carthage closes the campaign this Saturday at home against Carroll at noon in “The Battle For The Old Musket.”
 
MILLIKIN LED BY HIGH-VOLUME TACKLERS AHEAD OF FINALE
Millikin’s record is 2-7 overall and 1-7 in the league after last weekend’s 61-14 loss at Wheaton.
 
Millikin is averaging 281.7 yards per game … The Big Blue have been efficient when reaching scoring territory, converting 89 percent of their red-zone trips – third-best in the conference.
 
Quarterback Sylas Gomez directs the offense and ranks sixth in the CCIW in total offense at 189.8 yards per game. He also ranks seventh in passing efficiency (118.12) and has thrown nine touchdown passes … Running back Re’John Zeno leads the ground game with 60.0 rushing yards per contest, seventh in the league, and is tied for eighth in total touchdowns with eight scores. Zeno has totaled 540 yards on 133 carries this season.
 
Defensively, linebacker Ryan Baskerville continues to be the unit’s most productive tackler. He ranks fifth in the conference at 8.2 stops per game and recorded 15 tackles against Wheaton …  Linebacker Alex Araiza adds backfield disruption, ranking third in the CCIW with 1.39 tackles for loss per game.
 
The Big Blue will welcome Millikin to Decatur on Saturday for a noon kickoff.
 
BLUEJAYS SEEK STRONG FINISH IN WEEK 11 TRIP TO DECATUR
Elmhurst is 1-8 this season and was on the wrong end of a 58-0 score versus top-ranked North Central last Saturday.
 
Quarterback John Odom directs the EU offense and ranks seventh in the CCIW in total offense at 171.0 yards per game. He is also eighth in both passing average (149.4 yards per game) and passing efficiency (102.48) through seven appearances … Running back Jeffery Elms provides the main production on the ground, ranking 10th in the conference at 51.4 rushing yards per game. Elms has totaled 463 yards for the season and recorded the CCIW’s longest rush of the year with an 83-yard run against North Park.
 
Linebacker Malakai Correa ranks second in the CCIW with 9.0 tackles per game and posted 12 stops in last week’s matchup with North Central … Fellow linebacker Jace Zeffiro is seventh in the conference at 7.7 tackles per game … In the secondary, defensive back Jonathan Wells has  three interceptions, tying him for sixth in the league in interceptions per game at 0.33.
 
The Bluejays are back on the road for the season finale on Saturday at Millikin at noon.