North Central College Cardinals

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

WAUKESHA, Wis. (Oct. 24, 2026) - Racking up three interceptions on the day, the North Central College football team allowed just 90 yards through the air, while five of the offense's eight touchdowns came on the ground in a 62-7 victory over Carroll University Saturday at Schneider Stadium. 

Both defenses stood tall early as the Pioneers intercepted a pass from Garret Wilson, but Carroll missed a field goal after the turnover. Three punts later, the Cardinal offense found its rhythm as Wilson scrambled before connecting with Zebulon Rashid for a 55-yard touchdown pass, giving North Central a 7-0 lead after Sean Ryniec's extra point.

Kenny Rutherford and Aahil Khan combined for a key third-down stop, and a punt returned possession to the Cardinals. Wilson's legs made the difference on North Central's final drive of the first half, as he ripped off two runs of more than 10 yards. On first-and-goal, Wilson found Jack Rummell for a five-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0.

After a fourth-down stop by the Pioneers, Elisha Nieves broke free for a 60-yard touchdown run to put Carroll on the board, 14-7.

North Central answered as Duke Guenther moved into Pioneers territory with runs on the drive's first two plays. Following a penalty and a run on third-and-20, Ryniec drilled a 35-yard field goal to extend the Cardinal lead to 17-7.

On the first play of the ensuing possession, Kaden Hartnett high-pointed a deep pass from Nieves for his second interception of the season. Wilson then found Jordan Williams for a 48-yard completion to move deep into Carroll territory. Four plays later, Guenther scored on a 14-yard touchdown run.

After another Pioneers punt, North Central pieced together its most methodical drive of the game. Rashid gained 13 yards on a run up the middle before Wilson added 20 yards on a keeper. On third-and-4, Wilson connected with Rummell for his second touchdown pass of the day. Ryniec's extra point made it 31-7 at halftime.

On just the second play of the second half, Rutherford intercepted a pass from Nieves, giving the ball back to the North Central offense. David Ballard III hauled in a 17-yard reception to move the Cardinals across midfield. The Pioneers forced a field goal attempt, but Ryniec remained perfect on the day with a 39-yard kick.

Brayden Garrigan came up with another third-down stop to force a Carroll punt. Back-to-back 11-yard runs set up a 41-yard completion to Rashid. Guenther carried the ball 13 yards to the one-yard line before punching in his second touchdown of the day, pushing the Cardinals' lead to 41-7.

Bobby Medina recorded a second-down sack before adding a quarterback hurry on third down to force another Carroll punt. A 17-yard run by Rashid and an 11-yard reception from Will Diamond highlighted an 11-play, 68-yard drive that ended with a one-yard rushing touchdown from Williams.

A 70-yard Carroll punt pinned the Cardinals at their own five-yard line. Williams sparked the drive with a 20-yard run before Kellen Davis connected with Galashky Blaise for 15 yards. Evan Keil capped the possession with a two-yard touchdown run, giving North Central a 55-7 advantage after Ryniec's seventh extra point of the day.

Drew Wills recorded the first interception of his career with 1:14 remaining in the third quarter. Davis later broke loose for a 34-yard run before scoring on a five-yard touchdown run to seal the Cardinals' 61-7 victory.

Wilson threw for three touchdowns while completing 18 of 29 passes for 279 yards. He also led the Cardinals with 87 rushing yards. Rashid finished with a career-high 96 receiving yards and a touchdown while adding 68 rushing yards. Guenther rushed 14 times for 80 yards and two touchdowns. Williams and Keil also found the end zone on the ground. Rummell caught four passes for 30 yards, including two touchdowns.

Garrigan totaled six tackles, all solo, including a tackle for loss. Medina recorded the Cardinals' lone sack, raising his career total to 22 and moving into a tie for fifth-most in program history. Hartnett and Rutherford each added an interception.

Ryniec scored 14 points with two field goals and eight extra points. He remains perfect on field goal attempts this season, going 8 for 8.

North Central returns home next Saturday to host Carthage on Senior Day. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. inside Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. The Cardinals carry a 20-game winning streak against the Firebirds into the matchup, including a 62-0 victory last season.