North Central College Cardinals

Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Director of Athletics Communication, 630-637-5324

ELMHURST, Ill. (Oct. 17, 2026) - The North Central College football team totaled 721 yards of offense Saturday, the third-most in program history, while limiting Elmhurst University to 105 yards, the ninth-fewest allowed in school history, in a 74-2 victory at Langhorst Field.

The Cardinal offense struck quickly, scoring in four plays as Garret Wilson connected with Zebulon Rashid for a 29-yard touchdown following a 26-yard run by Duke Guenther to give the visitors a 7-0 lead.

On third-and-2, Graham Wight and Matt Janiak combined for a stop to force an Elmhurst punt. Guenther opened the ensuing drive with a 17-yard run into Bluejay territory before Wilson found Jack Rummell for a five-yard touchdown pass. Sean Ryniec's extra point made it 14-0.

Kenny Rutherford and Kaden Hartnett recorded pass breakups to force another punt. Following a facemask penalty, Wilson took over at the North Central 46-yard line and connected with Dawson Trebolo for a 19-yard gain. Rummell's reception moved the ball to the two-yard line as the first quarter expired. On the opening play of the second quarter, Blake Lehnen caught his first career touchdown pass to extend the Cardinals' lead to 21-0.

North Central's defense continued to control the game, forcing a three-and-out. After a four-yard run by Guenther, Wilson connected with his fourth different touchdown receiver, finding Jim Curtin for a 27-yard score. It was Curtin's first touchdown as a Cardinal.

Wight and Phillip Carlton Jr. teamed up for a third-down sack to return possession to the offense. Guenther scored touchdowns on back-to-back possessions to close the first half, pushing the lead to 40-2 after an extra point was blocked and returned for a Bluejay defensive conversion.

Ethan Groark intercepted the second play of the third quarter to set up another Cardinal scoring drive. Guenther carried the ball three times on the possession, finishing it with a one-yard touchdown run to increase the lead to 46-2.

Jordan Williams broke free for a 49-yard run on the ensuing possession before scoring from two yards out to make it 53-2. Following another Elmhurst three-and-out, Galashky Blaise scored on a two-yard run. Kaleb Stumpenhorst added his second extra point of the day as the Cardinals took a 60-2 advantage into the fourth quarter.

Kellen Davis took over at quarterback and rushed 15 yards into Elmhurst territory. Facing fourth-and-2, Blaise bounced outside and raced into the end zone for his second touchdown of the game, extending the lead to 67-2.

On third-and-1, Tucker Johnson and Joey Gliatta combined for a three-yard loss to force another punt. Davis opened the next drive with a 22-yard run and led the Cardinals down the field before Evan Keil scored on a 29-yard touchdown run, the first of his career. Stumpenhorst's extra point capped the scoring at 74-2.

North Central recorded 37 first downs, tying the highest total by a Division III team this season. The Cardinals rushed for a season-high 470 yards and received rushing touchdowns from five different players. Defensively, North Central held Elmhurst to 27 rushing yards on 26 attempts. The Cardinals did not punt and scored on all but one possession before the game ended.

Wilson completed his day with 238 passing yards and four touchdowns while adding 36 rushing yards. Rummell led all receivers with 112 yards on eight catches and one touchdown. Guenther rushed 12 times for 112 yards and three touchdowns. Rashid and Blaise each scored twice, while Keil and Williams added one touchdown apiece.

Johnson led the defense with six tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss. Groark totaled four tackles, an interception and a tackle for loss. Wight and Carlton Jr. combined for the Cardinals' lone sack.

North Central travels to Wisconsin next Saturday to face Carroll University. Kickoff at Schneider Stadium is scheduled for 1 p.m. The Cardinals have won the last 11 meetings and every matchup since Carroll joined the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin in 2016, including a 64-7 victory last season.