Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Director of Athletics Communication, 630-637-5324
Sept. 13, 2025 - Playing in its first home opener since 2021, defending NCAA Division III national champion North Central College rolled up 596 yards of total offense and held the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh to just 50 rushing yards in a 45–14 victory Saturday at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium.
After both teams traded punts early in the first quarter, UW-Oshkosh forced a North Central three-and-out and backed the Cardinals deep into their own territory with a quarterback sack. Dayshawn Henry blocked the ensuing punt, setting the Titans up at the 1-yard line. Tight end Kellan Mella lined up under center and scored on a 1-yard run to give UW-Oshkosh a 7–0 lead.
North Central responded with a 12-play, 89-yard drive capped by quarterback Garret Wilson's first touchdown pass in a Cardinal uniform—a 33-yard strike to wide receiver Thomas Skokna. Aidan Ellison's extra point tied the game at 7–7.
The Cardinal defense quickly regained control, forcing a three-and-out and setting up the offense at its own 45-yard line. Donovan McNeal rushed for 45 yards on the drive, which ended with a 2-yard touchdown run by quarterback Demir Ashiru to put North Central ahead 14–7.
UW-Oshkosh moved the ball 48 yards before defensive back Jahmar Daniel intercepted quarterback Quentin Keene. On the next play, Wilson broke free for a 59-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 21–7.
North Central's defense struck again when Matt Janiak intercepted Cole Warren, giving the Cardinals possession in Titan territory. Eight plays later, Ellison connected on a 27-yard field goal to give North Central a 24–7 halftime lead.
The Cardinals opened the third quarter with another defensive stop. After two rushes by running back Sean Allen, Wilson found Skokna for a 24-yard touchdown—his second of the day. Ellison's PAT made it 31–7.
With 5:36 left in the third, Wilson hit Allen for a 23-yard gain, then connected with Grant McAtee for a 10-yard touchdown pass to push the lead to 38–7.
North Central scored its final points early in the fourth quarter when McNeal found the end zone on a 4-yard run. UW-Oshkosh added a late touchdown on a 29-yard pass from Keene to Jackson Brush, but the Cardinals ran out the clock to secure the 45–14 win in their 2025 season opener.
Wilson finished with 261 passing yards on 16-of-22 attempts, throwing three touchdowns and rushing for another while adding 87 yards on the ground. Allen rushed for 99 yards on 20 carries, and McNeal added 74 yards and a touchdown on 10 attempts. Skokna led all receivers with 128 yards and two scores.
Defensively, John Sullivan led North Central with eight tackles and a sack. Janiak recorded six tackles and an interception, while Graham Wight added a solo sack. Janiak and Bobby Medina combined for another sack, and Daniel also had an interception. Ellison went 6-for-6 on extra points.
North Central opens College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin play next Saturday, hosting Carthage College at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
