NAPERVILLE — As November arrives, the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) football race continues to take shape with North Central maintaining its firm grasp atop both the national rankings and the league standings. 
 
The Cardinals remained undefeated and swept the top spot in the latest D3football.com and AFCA polls, while Wheaton climbed in the national conversation following another dominant win. WashU, Augustana and Illinois Wesleyan each remain in pursuit near the upper half of the table as postseason hopes take clearer form. 
 
NORTH CENTRAL SWEEPS TOP SPOT IN BOTH NATIONAL POLLS
North Central is the unanimous #1 in Division III football, according to polls released by both D3football.com on Sunday and the America Football Coaches Association (AFCA) on Monday. It’s the first week in 2025 the Cardinals have collected every first-place vote from both national polls.
 
NCC remained one of eight undefeated teams in the polls last Saturday, earning a 64-7 over Carroll in Waukesha, Wis. The Cardinals have the maximum 625 points from D3football.com and the maximum 1,300 points from the coaches.
 
Wheaton was a 65-0 winner over Elmhurst on Saturday and climbed one spot to #18 in the D3football.com rankings. The Thunder, 6-2 overall and 5-1 in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW), remained firm at #21 in the AFCA poll.
 
WashU received one point in the coaches’ poll. The Bears won at Millikin last Saturday, 38-7, to improve to 6-2 on the year.
 
CCIW ANNOUNCES FOOTBALL STUDENT-ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
Four standout performances highlighted last Saturday’s College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) football action, as North Central’s Donovan McNeal was named Offensive Student-Athlete of the Week, Illinois Wesleyan’s Ian Whitaker and North Park’s DJ Johnson shared Co-Defensive honors, and North Central’s Myles Walton earned the Special Teams award.
 
McNeal rushed 16 times for 125 yards and a pair of touchdowns in North Central’s 64-7 win at Carroll on Saturday. All of McNeal’s yardage came in the game’s first three quarters. The sophomore from Waukegan, Ill. leads the league with 726 rushing yards in 2025.
 
Whitaker was all over the place for the Titans at Augustana, racking up a career-high 11 tackles to go along with a career-best four tackles for loss. He also notched a strip sack. Whitaker’s 11 tackles, the most by a Titan this season, were eight solo stops and six assisted. His 4.0 TFLs were a career high.
 
Johnson – also named to the D3football.com Team of the Week – had one the two scores that North Park had in their 14-10 victory over Carthage on Saturday. He took a pick-6 59 yards for a touchdown and ended the game with five total tackles, two pass breakups, and a quarterback hurry.
 
Walton scored a 51-yard punt return for a touchdown in NCC’s win at Carroll. Walton had three punt returns for 76 yards in total, the most in the CCIW this week.
 
TOP-RANKED CARDINALS KEEP ROLLING AT 8-0
North Central moved to 8-0 overall and 7-0 in the CCIW after last Saturday’s 64-7 win at Carroll.
 
North Central continues to set the standard across the conference with a balanced performance on both offense and defense. The Cardinals lead the league in scoring offense, averaging 57.5 points per game, while piling up 4,261 total yards — good for a conference-best 532.6 yards per game … Their attack is anchored by a dominant rushing game, also ranked first in the conference with 2,345 yards on the ground and 7.04 yards per carry … Equally strong on defense, North Central owns the top scoring defense in the league, allowing just 7.4 points per game (59 total points) and holding opponents to an average of 197.4 total yards per contest, both league-leading marks.
 
Thomas Skokna paces all scorers with 96 total points (12.0 per game), all coming via 16 receiving touchdowns, tops in the conference … Quarterback Garret Wilson leads the league in passing efficiency (219.56) and passing touchdowns (29), completing 110 passes with just four interceptions … Donovan McNeal leads all rushers with 726 yards on 97 carries, averaging 90.8 yards per game.
 
Eli Renick leads the conference in sacks with 7.0, all solo, while also forcing two fumbles … Bobby Medina has been a force in the trenches with 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, ranking second in the league in the latter category … In the secondary, Rahmareon Roby has contributed nine passes defended (seven breakups, two interceptions), including an 81-yard interception return for a touchdown against Augustana.
 
The top-ranked Cardinals will visit Elmhurst Saturday at noon.
 
WHEATON FIRES ON ALL CYLINDERS IN 65-0 WIN
Wheaton won its fourth consecutive game last Saturday, earning a 65-0 win at Elmhurst. The 18th-ranked Thunder are now 6-2 overall and 6-1 against league opponents.
 
The Thunder continue to make its mark near the top of the conference standings, ranking second in scoring offense at 43.1 points per game through eight contests … The Thunder feature one of the league’s most efficient passing units, ranking second in pass efficiency (173.63) and leading the CCIW in passing offense with 304.3 yards per game … Wheaton’s defense has been equally steady, sitting second in scoring defense while allowing just 19.8 points per game.
 
Running back Matt Crider leads all qualifying rushers with 6.61 yards per carry on 85 attempts … In the passing game, Seth Kortenhoeven ranks among the conference’s top scorers, totaling 48 points on eight touchdown receptions … Quarterback Mark Forcucci owns the league’s second-best passer efficiency rating (187.43) and averages 245.7 passing yards per game.
 
Zeke Harris anchors the defense with a team-high 71 tackles (8.9 per game) … Peter Johanik ranks among the CCIW’s top pass rushers, posting 5.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss, both top-three marks in the league … Colin Moore is tied for the conference lead with five interceptions through eight games.
 
Wheaton, a perfect 3-0 at home this season, returns to McCully Stadium Saturday to host Millikin at noon.
 
BALANCED BEARS BACK ON TRACK WITH ROAD VICTORY
WashU went back into the win column last Saturday, earning a 38-7 road victory at Millikin. The decision moved the Bears to 6-2 overall, 5-2 against CCIW opponents and 3-1 on the road.
 
The Bears have showcased a balanced attack, ranking fourth in the CCIW in scoring offense at 32.0 points per game. The Bears’ success starts up front, as they rank second in the league in rushing offense with 1,642 total yards and an average of 205.3 yards per game … Defensively, WashU is third in scoring defense (21.4 ppg allowed) and second in total defense (302.3 yards per game) … The Bears also hold a +2 turnover margin and have converted 68.8% of fourth-down attempts, third-best in the conference.
 
Quarterback Levi Moore has been a dual threat, tied for third in the CCIW with 10 rushing touchdowns, while compiling 444 rushing yards and 1,273 passing yards — ranking fifth in total offense (214.6 ypg) … Running back Fred Ware adds balance to the attack with 572 rushing yards on 105 carries (71.5 ypg), good for third in the league … Makael Carter continues to make an impact in the return game, averaging 31.8 yards per kick return with a 100-yard touchdown to his credit.
 
On defense, Joy Chane anchors the unit with 52 total tackles (6.5 per game) and ranks third in the conference with three interceptions … Up front, Brady Willmer has been a steady presence, posting 10.0 tackles for loss (1.25 per game) to rank among the league’s top defenders.
 
The Bears’ final home game of the campaign is slated for this Saturday at noon versus North Park.
 
AUGUSTANA’S AIR ATTACK, DEFENSE POWER FIFTH LEAGUE WIN
A 42-21 victory last Saturday over Illinois Wesleyan gave Augustana its sixth win of the campaign and its fifth win in the last six weeks. The Vikings are now 6-2 overall and shared third place in the CCIW standings with a 5-2 mark.
 
Augustana is fourth in the CCIW in total offense with 405.0 yards per game through eight contests. The Vikings’ production is driven by a potent passing game, sitting third in the conference in passing offense (272.1 ypg) while leading the league in total pass attempts (284) … Augie ranks fourth in the league in total defense (335.1 ypg allowed) and has been especially active up front, landing second in the conference with 19 total sacks. The Vikings also execute well in key moments, converting 51.1% of third-down attempts, good for third in the CCIW.
 
Quarterback Jimmy Makuh has been one of the conference’s top signal-callers, leading the CCIW in passing yards per game (260.4) while posting a 155.42 efficiency rating and 20 touchdown passes … Running back Ben Ludlum adds balance with 562 rushing yards on 116 carries, ranking fifth among league rushers … Out wide, Sean Schlanser has been a steady target, ranking second in receptions (50) across eight games.
 
Defensively, Toby Splitt has been a standout performer, leading the CCIW with 89 total tackles, while also topping the league with five interceptions … Ronde Worrels provides pressure up front with 4.0 sacks, including a two-sack effort against Illinois Wesleyan, and Darren Oregon has been active in coverage, notching eight passes defended along with five tackles and two breakups in that same win.
 
The Vikings travel to Kenosha this Saturday for a noon start against Carthage.
 
TITANS LOOK TO REBOUND AFTER ROAD SETBACK AT AUGUSTANA
Illinois Wesleyan dropped a 42-21 decision at Augustana last Saturday to slip to 4-4 overall and 4-3 in the league. The Titans own sole possession of fifth place in the conference standings.
 
IWU remains one of the conference’s most explosive offensive teams, ranking third in scoring offense (34.3 ppg) and third in total offense (410.0 ypg) through eight contests … The Titans’ attack is powered by one of the league’s most productive passing units, sitting second in the CCIW in passing offense (276.1 ypg) … On defense, Illinois Wesleyan ranks fifth in scoring defense (30.0 ppg allowed) and tied for sixth in total defense (369.0 ypg).
 
Quarterback Dermot Smyth leads all CCIW players in total offense (310.4 ypg) and passing yards per game (272.8) while recently surpassing the 5,000-yard career passing mark … Wide receiver Will Nazha has been his top target, pacing the league in both receptions per game (7.25) and receiving yards per game (105.1), while leading IWU with seven touchdown receptions … GB Kruzick provides a reliable secondary threat, totaling 420 receiving yards and five touchdown catches.
 
Defensively, Ian Whitaker delivered a standout performance against Augustana, registering a career-high 14 tackles, including five tackles for loss and a forced fumble, earning CCIW Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors … Joey DeMaio continues to anchor the secondary with 61 total tackles (7.6 per game) and recently reached his 100th career tackle milestone … Whitaker also contributes to the pass rush with 3.0 sacks on the season.
 
IWU’s final home game of the season is slated for Saturday at 1 p.m. against Carroll at Tucci Stadium.
 
PIONEERS TURN FOCUS TO ROAD MATCHUP WITH TITANS
Carroll’s record stands at 3-5 overall and 3-4 in the league after last Saturday’s 64-7 loss to top-ranked North Central. Despite that outcome, CU has won three of its last five games since Oct. 4.
 
The Pioneers rank sixth in the CCIW in scoring offense (22.4 ppg) and have leaned on the ground game, totaling 1,001 rushing yards to average 125.1 yards per contest … On defense, Carroll has been opportunistic, posting a +5 turnover margin with 17 takeaways (10 interceptions, 7 fumble recoveries).
 
Running back Mikey Coleman leads the charge offensively, ranking sixth in the conference in rushing (68.8 ypg) while averaging 5.67 yards per carry on 97 attempts … Quarterback Charlie King has thrown for 818 yards over seven games (116.9 ypg) with a 110.65 passer efficiency rating … Reed Breckheimer has emerged as a steady playmaker, ranking fifth in receptions (36) and totaling 399 yards.
 
Defensively, Evan Griffiths anchors the unit with 67 tackles (8.4 per game), ranking fourth in the CCIW, while Drake Emanuel adds 60 tackles and a team-high 12 stops against North Central last week … Up front, Brayden Albee, Jakai Witt and August Johansen each have 3.0 sacks, with Johansen also tied for the conference lead in forced fumbles (2) … Emanuel and Amarrion Bridges have each recorded two interceptions, while Emanuel has contributed eight passes defended (six breakups, two picks).
 
The Pioneers will look to bounce back Saturday on the road at Illinois Wesleyan, a 1 p.m. kickoff.
 
VIKINGS RALLY LATE TO SECURE 14-10 WIN OVER CARTHAGE
North Park claimed its second home win of the season last Saturday, rallying for a 14-10 victory over Carthage at Holmgren Athletic Complex. The Vikings are now 3-5 overall and 2-5 in the CCIW.
 
NPU continues to find success in key areas of play, particularly on defense and special teams. The Vikings have made their mark in the return game, sitting second in the conference in kick return average (20.1 yards per return) … Defensively, North Park has been steady, ranking sixth in total defense (368.8 ypg allowed), while maintaining the CCIW’s top mark in PAT accuracy, converting all 18 extra-point attempts (100%) this season.
 
Wide receiver Jereme Ombogo has been a versatile threat, ranking fourth in the CCIW in all-purpose yards (838) and third in receiving yards per game (54.2) … Wesley McCloud has been another all-around contributor ranking second in the CCIW in kick return average (32.0).
 
Defensively, DJ Johnson made a highlight-reel play in Saturday’s win with a 59-yard interception return for a touchdown against Carthage, while Darrius Whiters has two interceptions — including the longest interception return in the conference (80 yards) … Linebacker Theo Smith continues to impact the line of scrimmage with 3.0 sacks and two fumble recoveries, while the Viking defense as a whole delivered a strong performance in their recent win over Carthage, totaling three sacks and two interceptions while holding the Firebirds scoreless in the second half.
 
The final road trip of the season awaits the Vikings, who will visit WashU on Saturday at noon in St. Louis.
 
FIREBIRDS RETURN HOME SEEKING STRONG FINISH TO SEASON
Carthage suffered a 14-10 loss at North Park last Saturday, moving to 3-5 on the season. The Firebirds’ CCIW record is 2-5.
 
Carthage continues to display control and discipline in conference play, leading the CCIW in time of possession at 31:58 per game while committing the fewest penalty yards in the league (33.9 per game) … The Firebirds rank seventh in total offense (291.1 ypg) and seventh in scoring offense (21.3 ppg), while defensively sitting tied for seventh in total defense (369.9 ypg allowed) and sixth in scoring defense (30.3 ppg).
 
Running back Bryce Frank has been the centerpiece of the Firebirds’ attack, ranking second in the CCIW in rushing (79.4 ypg) with seven touchdowns over seven games … Quarterback Easton Heafner has thrown for 1,208 yards (151.0 ypg) and ranks sixth in passer efficiency (121.39) … Gavin Betts continues to be his top target, catching 30 passes for 365 yards and three touchdowns, including an eight-catch, 60-yard, one-touchdown performance last week against North Park.
 
Briton Stanton anchors the defensive effort with 55 total tackles (6.9 per game), adding 1.0 tackle for loss against North Park … Michael Sneed has been a steady presence with 3.0 sacks, ranking among the league’s top ten, while Jeremy Rowlett continues to find the football, tying for the conference lead with two fumble recoveries.
 
Carthage plays its final two games at home at Art Keller Field, starting with Saturday’s noon kickoff versus Augustana.
 
BIG BLUE AIM TO CLOSE ROAD SLATE ON HIGH NOTE
Millikin fell 38-7 to WashU last Saturday in Decatur. The result made the Big Blue 2-6 on the year, including a 1-6 mark in the league.
 
Running back Re’John Zeno continues to be a big part of the MU offense, ranking eighth in the CCIW in rushing (61.3 ypg) with 490 yards on 124 carries. He’s scored seven rushing touchdowns and one receiving, totaling 48 points (6.0 per game) … Quarterback Sylas Gomez has been a dual threat, ranking sixth in total offense (197.6 ypg) with 1,366 passing yards and 215 rushing yards, while averaging 170.8 passing yards per game and a 118.71 efficiency rating.
 
Alex Araiza has been one of the CCIW’s most impactful front-seven players, leading the league with 12.5 tackles for loss (1.56 per game) while adding 50 total tackles (37 solo) … Ryan Baskerville ranks eighth in the conference with 59 total tackles (7.4 per game), giving the Big Blue a solid core at linebacker … The unit has also produced big plays in coverage, turning interceptions into scoring opportunities with the league’s top return average.
 
The Big Blue travel to Wheaton this Saturday at noon, MU’s final road game of the season.
 
BLUEJAYS CLOSE HOME SLATE SATURDAY AT LANGHORST FIELD
Elmhurst will host #1 North Central on Saturday at noon at Langhorst Field, the Bluejays’ final home game of the season. EU, now 1-7 overall and 0-7 in the league, fell 65-0 versus Wheaton last Saturday.
 
Quarterback John Odom leads the offense, ranking seventh in the CCIW in total offense (171.0 ypg) and highlighted by a 400-yard passing performance against Rockford on opening day … Running back Jeffery Elms has been a steady contributor, ranking ninth in rushing (57.4 ypg) with 459 yards on 100 carries, including the longest rush in the conference this season — an 83-yard run at North Park.
 
Malakai Correa leads the EU defense, ranking among the league’s top tacklers with 69 total stops (8.6 per game), including a 15-tackle effort with a sack against Wheaton … Jace Zeffiro has been another consistent presence, sitting fifth in the CCIW with 61 tackles (7.6 per game), while Jonathan Wells provides playmaking ability in the secondary, tied for third in the conference with three interceptions.