Box Score

North Park kept pace in nearly every key statistic during its College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin football opener with Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Saturday, but two lost fumbles and two interceptions ultimately led to their demise in a 31-6 decision.

The Vikings' ground game thrived with 274 yards to Carthage's 140, and NP finished with nearly 400 yards of total offense. What's more is the Vikings garnered 14 first downs, and two punts on special teams landed inside the 20-yard line.

Junior quarterback Tyler Krebs, who was named CCIW Offensive Player of the Week this past week, rushed for 132 yards on 28 carries. He scored the lone touchdown for the Vikings in the fourth quarter on a 3-yard run, which ended a 72-yard drive with just under five minutes left in the contest.

Senior Matt Hassan had a strong day on the ground as well, as he rushed for 77 yards on 16 carries. He now only needs 521 yards the rest of the season to become NP's all-time leading rusher. Freshman John Gieseking came up big for the Vikings on special teams as he averaged 34.4 yards per punt, putting two punts inside the 20-yard line, one of which was downed at the 1-yard line.

North Park (1-2, 0-1) looks to rebound Saturday when it continues CCIW action by hosting Illinois Wesleyan University at 1 p.m.