PICTURED: Chaun Maiava

Facing its second toughest task in the last three weeks, North Park turned in a solid performance against a top-five nationally-ranked North Central Cardinals team Saturday.

Although the Vikings fell in the contest, they had a few individual performances that exemplified their true toughness. Defensively, senior Chaun Maiava forced his team-best fifth fumble in the last four games and accumulated nine tackles, seven solo. Jalen Williams was also strong as he had eight tackles (seven solo) and Matt DiFecchio recorded seven along with a pass breakup. KJ Joseph had two tackles for a loss of seven yards, including a sack for a loss of three yards along with five tackles as well and David Simmons, Jr. forced one pass break up and had four tackles.

In his second-straight start at quarterback, Anthony DiNardo turned in his second-best pass completion percentage of the year as he completed 77 percent of his passes – 10 of 13 for 61 yards. Freshman Jeremiah Madden had 18 carries in his first start for 30 yards and had two catches for 11 yards.

North Central scored three touchdowns in the first half to lead 21-0 at halftime and added another TD and a 27-yard field goal in the second half.

NPU (1-5, 0-4) looks to rebound when it resumes action Oct. 21 at home against Wheaton College at 1 p.m.