Cardinals Survive Shootout!

North Central had just enough fire power to defeat the Carthage Red Men 63-49 this past Saturday in Kenosha, Wisconsin. In a game that totaled 1152 yards of offense, the Cardinals biggest play of the night came on defense, when junior defensive back Kyle Haste returned an interception 80 yards to secure the victory late in the fourth quarter.

Despite facing a fierce pass rush, senior quarterback Aaron Fanthorpe produced another impressive performance going 20-37 for 234 yards and four touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Steve Hlavac had nine grabs for 117 yards and a touchdown to lead the Cardinals in receiving, while senior Hank Johnston provided some late game heroics with two fourth quarter touchdown receptions. The Cardinal offense line, anchored by senior tackles Zach Baldacci and Josh Delancy, paved the way for the ground game, which totaled 337 yards on fifty attempts. Fanthorpe was also well protected and sacked but once on the night.

The runningback trio of Butch Rossberg (SR), Pat Malek (SR) and Nick Kukuc (FR) gave the Red Men defense nightmares, as they broke tackle after tackle throughout the night. Malek led the Cards with 120 yards on sixteen carries, while Rossberg also topped the one hundred yard mark with 113 yards on seventeen carries. Kukuc totaled 54 yards on seven carries and proved to be a weapon on special teams as well, totaling 178 yards on five kickoff returns, while providing the offense with excellent field position all night. He also returned a blocked punt for a touchdown.

The Cardinal defense made plays when it counted and caused seven turnovers (4 ints, 3 fumbles). Aside from Hastes' pick six, defensive backs Scott Hogan (SR), Scott Skuteris (SO) and Josh McLeod (SO) all intercepted the Red Men quarterback, who threw the ball eighty four times on the night. Hogan also led the Cardinals in tackles with eight, while McLeod blocked a punt. Sophomore linebacker Willie Hayes contributed to the defensive effort with five tackles and a sack.

Sunday afternoon, the Cardinals JV squad defeated the Aurora University Spartans 35-6. With the weekend victories, both North Central teams improved their season record to 5-1.

Riding their five game winning streak, the Cardinals look to face their toughest opponent of the season this Saturday, when the Wheaton Thunder rumble into Naperville. The Cardinals defeated the Thunder last year 44-21 in the annual "Battle for the Little Brass Bell". This rivalry game dates back to 1946 and will also serve as the Cardinals 2009 Homecoming game. The Thunder are currently ranked 4th in the country in the D3Football.com Top 25 Poll, while the Cardinals moved up to 13th with their victory this past Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 PM.