North Central opens Division III playoffs with victory; Aurora University falls
North Central began its quest to reach a fifth straight Division III title game with a 42-17 victory over Whitworth (Washington) on Saturday in Naperville. The Cardinals will host Hope (Michigan) at noon next Saturday.
Running back Joe Sacco (St. Edward) provided the offensive spark, rushing for 198 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 10 carries. North Central finished with 350 rushing yards.
Quarterback Luke Lehnen added 137 passing yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 5-yarder to Thomas Skokna (Hinsdale Central) that made it 35-3 in the third quarter. North Central's first touchdown was a 25-yard interception return by Will Vernon just 14 seconds into the contest.
Hope 49, Aurora 21
On a snowy field in Holland, Michigan, Aurora scored on its opening possession, then not much went right in a 49-21 loss to Hope.
The Spartans' first touchdown was a 4-yard run by Antonio Ramsey (Conant), but by the time they scored again late in the third quarter, Hope led 35-7. Trey Urwiler (Batavia) had 2 touchdown receptions, but Aurora couldn't overcome 5 turnovers.
Bethel 48, Lake Forest 21
Host Bethel (Minnesota) dominated the second half and eliminated Lake Forest 48-21 on Saturday. The Forresters led 14-13 at halftime and had the edge in total yards but couldn't overcome 3 turnovers. QB Josh Gasca threw for 287 yards.
Wartburg 19, UW-Platteville 14
Michael Priami (St. Charles North) ran for a touchdown and threw another to Brandt Stare (Neuqua Valley), but Wisconsin-Platteville was eliminated from the playoffs with a 19-14 loss at Wartburg (Iowa).
Illinois St. 35, Southeast Missouri State 27
Illinois State's defense snagged 5 interceptions, running two back for touchdowns, and beat Southeast Missouri State 35-27 in the first round of the FCS playoffs. The Redbirds will face Cal-Davis in the second round.
QB Tommy Rittenhouse (St. Francis) had a huge first half and finished with 277 passing yards. Daniel Sobkowicz (Rolling Meadows) caught a 38-yard TD in the second quarter to put the Redbirds ahead for good. ISU led 28-7 at halftime.
According to the game stats, SEMO QB Paxton DeLaurent completed an incredible 48 of 85 passes for 567 yards, 4 TDs and the 5 interceptions. ISU safety Keondre Jackson had 2 picks and returned one for a TD.