No. 1 North Central, No. 2 Wheaton College expecting ‘an incredible atmosphere’ in rivalry game
North Central College’s Jack Rummell got a glimpse of life in the real world in the offseason.
The fifth-year senior receiver, who is majoring in computer science with a minor in criminology, had internships both with the Bartlett Police Department and Wintrust before returning to the Cardinals for a fifth season.
“I wasn’t ready for football to be over,” Rummell said. “I wanted one more chance.
“I couldn’t wait to get back and play. Especially this season.”
It’s games like the one Rummell will play in Saturday night that make the decision to put off the real world an easy one.
North Central College, the top-ranked team in NCAA Division III, will host rival Wheaton, ranked No. 2, at 6 p.m. Saturday at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium in Naperville. The battle for the Little Brass Bell is always the highlight of the season for both programs. Never in the 107 editions of the rivalry have they been the top two ranked teams in the country, however.
“That’s what makes this rivalry so special,” Rummell said. “We circled it on the calendar for a long time. Now being No. 1 versus No. 2, it has more meaning behind it. Especially being a fifth-year senior, it’s fun to get another chance at them. You work all offseason for opportunities like this.”
Rummell joked that NCC coach Brad Spencer didn’t give him a choice but to come back. Rummell enters the Wheaton game as the Cardinals’ second-leading receiver with 18 catches for 327 yards and three TDs.
“There’s just no rush to go to the real world,” Spencer said. “You only get to play football for so long.”
Both coaches are trying to minimize the hype going into the game, while acknowledging that the fans are going to soak up the homecoming atmosphere Saturday night.
“I don’t think it elevates the game for the players,” Spencer said. “It definitely does for the fans. It always feels like one versus two because you’re going to see the best from each team. It certainly adds something to the atmosphere.”
Wheaton coach Jesse Scott, like Spencer, an alum and former player for the team he’s coaching, is trying to take the same tack with his team.
“Every year the game matters a lot,” Scott said. “When I talk in the recruiting process and talk about the games you’re going to play in, my contention is that this is the best game every year. It certainly means a whole lot and it’s a tremendous representation of the best of what small college football has to offer.”
Wheaton started the season on a high note, edging perennial powerhouse Mount Union — then ranked No. 3 — at home in its opener, setting the tone for a special season for the Thunder (5-0, 3-0).
“I walked back to my office that night and I had over 140 texts,” Scott said. “That was a pretty cool moment, to hear from guys even generations before I was involved in Wheaton football.
“It creates opportunities for us to grow and learn.”
NCC (4-0, 2-0) is no stranger to big games, having played in the Stagg Bowl the past six seasons, winning three national titles. Spencer thinks that the rivalry with Wheaton has elevated both programs over the past few seasons.
“Each year they get bigger and bigger,” Spencer said. “They’ve been on quite a run since last year’s playoffs.
“Regardless of rankings and records, it’s Wheaton. They’re super talented and super well-coached, and that never really changes regardless of the rankings.”
Rummell has gotten all the big games he could handle in his time with the Cardinals. Saturday is yet another in that line before he hangs it up for good.
“Last year’s game was similar, homecoming, night game,” Rummell said. “It was one of the top three games in my career. It was very exciting. I think it will be an incredible atmosphere.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for the Daily Herald