North Central records shutout win over Wheaton

The annual battle for the Little Brass Bell is typically the most competitive game on North Central's regular-season schedule. This time, the Cardinals defense stepped up and No. 1-ranked North Central rolled to a 35-0 victory over visiting Wheaton on Saturday.

Wheaton finished with just 148 total yards. North Central's ground game rolled, led by Donovan McNeal (Warren) with 113 yards on 20 carries. Quarterback Garret Wilson completed 15 of 16 passes for 172 yards, and added 73 rushing yards.

Aurora 49, Lakeland 28

Aurora (3-2) piled up 500 yards of offense and forced 3 turnovers in a 49-28 win at Lakeland in the NACC. T.J. Ramsey (Conant) rushed for 129 yards and 3 touchdowns, while QB Liam Mickle (Woodstock) threw for 286 yards and 4 TDs.

Benedictine 42, Rockford 9

Benedictine improved to 4-1 on the season by scoring three touchdowns in the first quarter on the way to a 42-9 victory over Rockford in the NACC. Dino Stephens (Bolingbrook) rushed for 135 yards and 3 touchdowns.

NDSU 33, Illinois St. 16

The Redbirds trailed No. 1-ranked North Dakota State 18-16 at the end of three quarters but couldn't get any closer on Saturday in Normal. Tommy Rittenhouse (St. Francis) hit Daniel Sobkowicz (Rolling Meadows) for a 3-yard touchdown with 3:06 left in the third to bring ISU within 2. The Bison flexed their muscles, though, finishing two touchdown drives between a three-and-out in the fourth.

Eastern Illinois 31, Tenn St. 7

EIU improved to 2-0 in the Ohio Valley-Big South by cruising past Tennessee State 31-7 on Saturday. The Panthers scored on three of their first four drives and forced 3 turnovers. It's the first 2-0 conference start for EIU since 2017.