NAPERVILLE --- Another busy Saturday around the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) saw top-ranked North Central extend its dominance with a 62-0 shutout of Carthage, while Wheaton secured its first win of the season in commanding fashion at Augustana.
 
WashU and Millikin also remained unbeaten with key victories, and Illinois Wesleyan delivered head coach Jared Williamson his first career win as the league standings begin to take shape early in the 2025 campaign.
 
NORTH CENTRAL TOPS NATIONAL RANKINGS, WHEATON CLIMBS IN POLLS
North Central was voted #1 in new national rankings released by D3football.com on Sunday and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) on Monday – including a unanimous top-billing by the coaches. Wheaton was up two spots to #16 in the AFCA poll and was 17th in the D3football.com poll.
 
North Central defeated Carthage in last Saturday’s CCIW opener in Naperville, 62-0. NCC compiled 688 yards of offense and held the visitors to just 100 yards. NCC had 22 of 25 first-place votes from D3football.com and all 52 votes from the AFCA. The defending national champions have won 17 games in a row.
 
Wheaton took down Augustana in Rock Island on Saturday, 50-7. The Thunder gained 439 yards and owned a 29-0 advantage at halftime. WC collected 412 points in the coaches’ poll, tying Trinity (Texas) for the 16th position. The Thunder were 17th according to D3football.com voters with 196 points.
 
WashU received 20 points in the coaches’ poll. The Bears won at Carroll on Saturday, 41-29.
 
CCIW NAMES STUDENT-ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
North Central quarterback Garret Wilson, Wheaton defensive end Rex Kroger and Carroll kicker Matthew Swink have been selected as the CCIW Football Student-Athletes of the Week on Monday. The trio earned the honors after standout performances in the league’s opening weekend.
 
Wilson completed 20 of 27 passes for 295 yards and a career-best five touchdowns to drive the top-ranked Cardinals past Carthage in the league opener, 62-0. The sophomore signal-caller from Edmond, Okla. also rushed five times for 70 yards.
 
Kroger scored the opening touchdown on Saturday in Wheaton’s 50-7 victory at Augustana as he collected a 57-yard interception return for a touchdown on the first Augustana series of the game. Kroger, a sophomore, also made four tackles on Saturday – all solo. He also registered a game-high two quarterback hurries and a tackle for loss.
 
Swink remained perfect this season, going 3-for-3 on extra-point attempts and making two field goals for the Pioneers in their 41-29 defeat versus WashU. Swink connected on field goals from 35 and 28 yards.

CARDINALS FLY PAST CARTHAGE, EXTEND STREAKS
Top-ranked North Central extended its CCIW win streak to 43 and its overall streak to 17 thanks to a 62-0 win over visiting Carthage last Saturday at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium.
 
CCIW Offensive Student-Athlete of the Week Garret Wilson threw for 295 yards and five touchdowns on 20-of-27 passing … Thomas Skokna was Wilson’s top target, catching six passes for 74 yards and scoring two touchdowns … Sean Allen carried the ground attack, rushing 12 times for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Allen is third among CCIW leaders in rushing yards per game (88.50) across the first two games of the season.
 
Matt Janiak paced the Cardinal defense with eight total tackles – two solo and six assists. He is North Central's leader in total tackles through two games, averaging 7.0 stops per game … John Sullivan registered a big sack Saturday against the Firebirds, bringing down Carthage quarterback Easton Heafner for a loss of 12 yards in the first quarter. Sullivan is tied for the CCIW lead in sacks per game (1.00) … Danny Nuccio had a forced fumble in the first quarter. He finished the day with five total tackles (two solo, three assisted).
 
NCC leads the CCIW by allowing only 7.0 points per game through their first two contests … The Cardinals also rank first among CCIW teams in total offense, averaging 628.5 yards per game. The team's 688 total yards accumulated against Carthage represents the eighth most total yards of offense in program history … North Central is holding opponents to a third-down conversion rate of just 10% (2 of 20 attempts). Against Carthage, the Cardinals' defense was perfect, forcing the Firebirds to go 0-of-11 on third down attempts.
 
The Cardinals will play on the road for the first time in 2025 on Saturday, traveling to WashU for a 1 p.m. start in St. Louis. NCC is 10-1 all-time versus the Bears, including seven wins in a row since 2017 and a perfect 6-0 mark in St. Louis.
 
WHEATON STRIKES HARD IN 50-7 ROAD WIN
Wheaton splashed into the win column on the road last Saturday night, earning a 50-7 win at Augustana.
 
Seth Kortenhoeven ranks first in the CCIW in receptions per game, averaging 8.00 catches through two games. He’s also tied for second in the conference with three total receiving touchdowns … Mark Forcucci threw for 175 yards and a touchdown in the win over Augustana, completing 12 of his 15 attempts. His passing efficiency of 141.3 ranks sixth in the CCIW … Seamus O'Connell was 5-for-5 for 69 yards and two touchdowns on Saturday.
 
Rex Kroger delivered a big play early against Augustana, recording the team's lone interception and returning it 67 yards for a touchdown. He was named CCIW Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week … Peter Johanik registered six total tackles against Augustana. Through two games, he ranks third in the CCIW in tackles for loss per game, averaging 1.50 … Luca Torti led the team in tackles Saturday with 10 total (six solo stops and four assists). Torti also has a forced fumble this season, making him one of eight CCIW players tied for first in forced fumbles per game (0.50).
 
Wheaton’s total offense ranks third in the league, accumulating 822 yards across two games, averaging 411.0 yards per game. The Thunder churn out 6.91 yards per play, second in the CCIW in that category.
 
The Thunder, ranked 16th by the AFCA and 17th by D3football.com, will try for consecutive wins this Saturday in its homecoming game against Carroll at 1 p.m. Wheaton has won nine in a row in the series since 1991.
 
WASHU OVERCOMES CARROLL, EYES #1 NORTH CENTRAL
WashU remained one of three unbeaten teams remaining in the CCIW last weekend thanks to a 41-29 win at Carroll. The Bears, receiving votes in the AFCA poll again this week, have now won five games in a row dating back to the 2024 season.
 
Makael Carter set a new program record with a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown in Saturday’s win. Carter ranks 15th nationally in all-purpose yards (172.5 per game) … Levi Moore finished Saturday's matchup with 112 rushing yards on 10 attempts … Drew Bomar was a major scoring threat in the Carroll game, recording four catches for 85 yards and two scores, including a 65-yard touchdown reception on the opening drive.
 
Brady Willmer was disruptive against CU, logging nine total tackles and leading the team with 2.5 tackles for loss …  Joy Chane was also a weapon for the Bears’ defense, stacking a team-leading 11 total tackles. Chane is ranked 10th in the CCIW in total tackles per game with 7.5 … Spencer Snipe recovered a fumble from the Carroll quarterback during the first quarter, setting up the WashU offense at the two-yard line for a quick score.
 
WashU ranks tied for first nationally in red zone offense, scoring on 100.00% of their chances. The Bears have converted all nine opportunities inside the 20-yard line into scores … The WashU scoring offense ranks 14th nationally and second in the CCIW at 45.0 points per game.
 
The Bears will face a big challenge this Saturday when they host #1 North Central at 1 p.m. at Francis Olympic Field in St. Louis. WashU is in search of its first win over the Cardinals since a 16-13 victory in 2007.
 
TITANS HANDLE ELMHURST, WILLIAMSON GETS FIRST WIN
Illinois Wesleyan scored the game’s final 42 points to secure a 42-6 league win over Elmhurst last Saturday. The win was Jared Williamson’s first as head coach of the Titans.
 
Dermot Smyth threw five touchdowns and 251 yards on 14-of-20 passing … Receiver Will Nazha was the Titans' top target, stacking up a career-high 110 receiving yards on seven catches in the win … Malik Gray was a versatile weapon against the Bluejays, compiling 81 rushing yards on just six carries and 74 receiving yards on three catches. His day included a 59-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter – the second longest rush in the league this season.
 
Ian Whitaker registered eight tackles (four solo, four assists) and a sack for a loss of 6 yards. He also blocked EU’s PAT attempt in the first quarter … Nathan Schmidt provided pressure, recording 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack and three quarterback hurries … Clint Teater contributed in the fourth quarter when he picked off an EU pass, the first interception of his career.
 
IWU is second in the CCIW as a team with five total sacks. This pressure has helped IWU hold opponents to a CCIW ranking of fourth in total defense (292.5 yards allowed per game) … Kicker AJ Vavrik successfully converted all seven of his PAT attempts through the two games played, including six in the victory over Elmhurst.
 
IWU will be at Carthage this Saturday at 1 p.m., the Titans’ first road game of the campaign. Illinois Wesleyan has won three in a row in the series, including a 34-7 win in its last trip to Kenosha in 2023. IWU leads the all-time series that dates back to 1926, 47-19.
 
MILLIKIN SECURES FIRST 2-0 START SINCE 2019
Millikin is 2-0 for the first time since 2019 after a 22-17 victory over North Park last Saturday in Decatur.
 
Re'John Zeno is conference leader with six total touchdowns in 2025. Against North Park, he rushed 26 times for 96 yards and scored two touchdowns, including a 39-yard run in the first quarter … Sylas Gomez guided the MU offense on Saturday, completing 17 of 27 passes for 266 yards and a touchdown. He ranks second in the CCIW in total offense, averaging 286.00 yards per game … Kevin Louis was the Big Blue’s top receiver in the victory over North Park, catching seven passes for 80 yards and scoring on a 19-yard touchdown grab.
 
Alex Araiza leads the CCIW in tackles for loss per game, averaging 2.00. He registered 2.0 against NPU for a loss of six yards and had three tackles overall … Zech Miller created a pivotal momentum shift against North Park with a 46-yard fumble return in the second quarter … Ryan Baskerville anchored the defense Saturday with nine total tackles, including seven solo stops and one tackle for loss.
 
Millikin’s team passing efficiency defense is the best in the CCIW, holding opponents to an efficiency rating of just 84.45, which also ranks 15th nationally. The Big Blue held North Park to only 150 passing yards on Saturday … The MU scoring defense ranks second in the league at just 10.0 points per game, also 16th in Division III.
 
This weekend, Millikin will aim for its first three-game win streak since 2018 when the Big Blue travel to Augustana for a 1 p.m. start. 
 
AUGIE’S SPLITT SHINES WITH 19 TACKLES
Augustana fell to 1-1 overall after a 50-7 loss versus then-#18 Wheaton on Saturday in Rock Island.
 
Jimmy Makuh is fourth in the CCIW in total offense, averaging 273.5 yards per game … Sean Schlanser is a frequent aerial target – he’s tied for second in the CCIW with 7.00 receptions per game … Ben Ludlum is the leading rusher for Augustana in 2025, having piled up 133 rushing yards across the first two games of the season.
 
Toby Splitt is the conference leader in total tackles, averaging 15.00 tackles per game . He had 19 total stops (15 solo) against Wheaton, most in the CCIW in 2025 … Ronde Worrels is third in the CCIW in sacks per game, averaging 1.00 sack across the first two contests.
 
Augie’s red zone offense has a perfect 100% success rate. The Vikings have converted all five of their chances inside the 20-yard line into scores – three touchdowns and two field goals … The Augustana passing offense ranks second overall in the CCIW, averaging 277.0 yards per game. The Vikings lead the league in completions (53).
 
The Vikings will stay at Lindberg Stadium this Saturday at 1 p.m. for their homecoming against Millikin. Augie has won three in a row in the series and four of the last five.
 
CARROLL EYES FIRST WIN WITH TRIP TO WHEATON
Carroll came up empty in a 41-29 loss to WashU last Saturday in Waukesha. The Pioneers trailed by a point at halftime and held the lead deep into the third quarter, but ultimately fell to 0-2 on the season.
 
Mikey Coleman scored a pair of rushing touchdowns against WashU, finishing the game with 84 rushing yards on 15 carries … Reed Breckheimer was Carroll's leading receiver on Saturday, catching eight passes for 74 yards. Breckheimer ranks tied for second in the CCIW in receptions per game, averaging 7.00 grabs per contest … Matthew Swink was a star on special teams against WashU, successfully converting both of his two field goal attempts (28 and 35 yards). He was named CCIW Student-Athlete of the Week in special teams on Monday.
 
Drake Emanuel registered 11 total tackles, including nine solo stops. He also returned a blocked extra point for a defensive 2-point PAT at the close of the first quarter … Braedon Curtin was active at the linebacker position, tallying total tackles (five solo) and two pass breakups … Luke Brosig is ranked ninth in the CCIW in tackles for loss per game with 1.25.
 
Carroll has gained 38 total first downs through two games. Against WashU, Carroll had a 23-18 edge in first downs.
 
The Pioneers will look get in the winner’s circle this weekend in a 1 p.m. kickoff at #16/#17 Saturday at Wheaton.
 
FIREBIRDS LOOK TO REBOUND IN HOME OPENER
Carthage slipped to 1-1 on the campaign with a 62-0 loss at top-ranked North Central on Saturday.
 
Bryce Frank leads the CCIW in rush yards per carry, averaging 8.17 through the season’s first two games … Daniel White is 16th in Division III and second in the CCIW in all-purpose yards, averaging 172.0 yards per game. He’s also averaged 16.5 yards per catch across his six receptions in 2025.
 
Mariano Talamantez led the Firebirds with 11 tackles (nine solo) in the conference opener against North Central. He is ranked second in the CCIW in total tackles per game with 10.0 … Briton Stanton had six tackles and 1.0 tackle for loss at North Central … Matt Grzyb averaged 42.1 yards on eight punts in Naperville, including a long punt of 66 yards. His average of 41.33 yards per punt leads the league.
 
The Firebirds’ net punting average holds the top position in the CCIW, averaging 40.7 yards per punt. The average also places the Firebirds 17th nationally in the statistic …Carthage is third in the CCIW by averaging only 27.50 yards penalized per contest. This efficiency also ranks Carthage 21st nationally.
 
Carthage will host its home opener this Saturday in Kenosha against Illinois Wesleyan at 1 p.m. The Firebirds last beat the Titans in 2021, a 62-35 victory at Art Keller Field.
 
BLUEJAYS DROP ROAD TEST, TURN FOCUS TO NORTH PARK
Elmhurst is 1-1 following a 42-6 loss at Illinois Wesleyan last week.
 
A.D. Russell is tied for fifth in the CCIW with 6.5 receptions per game and averaging 76.0 receiving yards per game. He notched 63 receiving yards on seven catches at IWU.
 
Ryan Burton posted a single-game CCIW-high by registering 3.0 tackles for loss at Illinois Wesleyan. He’s fourth in the conference in total tackles per game (9.00) … Jonathan Wells ranks seventh nationally in interceptions per game (1.00) and has made seven tackles (six solo) across two games … Malakai Correa provided the only score for Elmhurst against Illinois Wesleyan when he returned an interception 15 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. He also had five tackles against the Titans.
 
The Bluejay’s passing offense is third among teams in the CCIW, averaging 273.0 passing yards per game (45th nationally). Elmhurst has attempted the second-most passes (84) and registered the second-most completions (52) in the CCIW in 2025 … EU time of possession is also third in the CCIW (50th nationally) at 32:43 minutes per game. This mark has allowed Elmhurst to run 142 total plays across two games, third-most in the league.
 
Elmhurst is back on the road Saturday for a 6 p.m. kickoff under the lights at North Park in Chicago. EU won last season’s matchup with the Vikings at Langhorst Field, 28-21, and will be seeking its first win in the series in Chicago since 2017.
 
VIKINGS COME UP SHORT IN DECATUR
North Park played its second straight road contest last Saturday, falling in a 22-17 decision at Millikin.
 
Jereme Ombogo is the CCIW leader with 103.0 receiving yards per game … Justen Green’s passing efficiency of 149.51 ranks fifth among qualifying quarterbacks in the CCIW.
 
Samuel Aguirre is tied for the CCIW lead in passes defended (2.00 per game) and also successfully blocked an extra point attempt against Millikin … Ben Butler made a big special teams play Saturday, returning a blocked extra point 95 yards for a two-point defensive PAT against Millikin. Butler also contributed seven tackles in the game and ranks tied for fourth in the CCIW in passes defended (1.50 per game) … Theo Smith recorded one sack against Millikin. He also forced a crucial fumble from the MU quarterback in the second quarter and leads the team in tackles through two games at 6.0 per game.
 
Drayden Wilcox has successfully converted all five of his PAT attempts this season … North Park’s kickoff return average ranks third in the CCIW and seventh nationally at 33.67 yards per return … The Vikings passing offense is fifth among CCIW teams, averaging 231.0 passing yards per game despite attempting fewer passes (50 attempts) than the four teams ranked above them.
 
North Park will play its first 2025 home game this Saturday night against Elmhurst at 6 p.m. The Vikings have won four of their last five games against Elmhurst in Chicago, including a 23-20 win in 2022.