North Central scores early and often to extend win streak against Wheaton

No. 1-ranked North Central captured the Little Brass Bell trophy for the fourth year in a row with a 55-27 victory at Wheaton on Saturday.

Cardinals quarterback Luke Lehnen ran for 3 touchdowns and threw for 2 more. He finished with 146 rushing yards and 142 through the air. RB Joe Sacco (St. Edward) had 103 combined rushing and receiving yards, while scoring twice. Thomas Skokna (Hinsdale Central) was NC's leading receiver with 5 catches for 57 yards and a touchdown.

Wheaton senior QB Xaviere Jones got his first college start in place of Mark Forcucci (Wheaton North), who suffered an injury last week. Jones threw for 233 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Ben Bonga had 7 catches for 73 yards.

At the start, North Central (4-0) needed just two plays to take the lead, with Lehnen unleashing a 35-yard touchdown run. Wheaton kept it a one-score game for a while, but another quick strike in the third quarter helped put the game out of reach. North Central's Kyler Green blocked a punt, setting up Lehnen's 15-yard touchdown run that made it 35-14 less than two minutes into the second half.

North Central is trying to reach its fifth straight Division III championship game. Wheaton (2-2) was ranked No. 23 heading into this game.