Photo credits: Paige Wilcox (cover) and Dr. Jeff Nelson (inside)

CHICAGO, Ill. -- The North Park University football team dropped its home-opener to the Millikin University Big Blue, 7-41, on Saturday afternoon.

Both teams cracked the zeros on the scoreboard midway through the first quarter. The Vikings were first to score when junior quarterback Grant Borsch completed a 40-yard pass to sophomore receiver Brian Mena, a 19-yard pass to Mena, and a 14-yard touchdown pass to freshman receiver Stefan Giminski. Freshman kicker Colin Scherry split the uprights on the PAT, giving the Vikings a 7-0 lead.

However, the Big Blue struck back immediately. After a 39-yard kick return to the NPU 39-yard line, Millikin found the end zone on their first play of the drive. After the completed PAT, both teams were tied at seven going into the second quarter of play.

Unfortunately, the Big Blue offense exploded for 21 points in the second quarter and 13 points in the third quarter to hold a commanding 41-7 lead. 

After a scoreless fourth quarter, the Vikings fell in their home-opener, 7-41.

Quick Hits:

• Mena led the NPU offense with four receptions for 80 yards
• Giminski had the lone Viking touchdown
• Arnaldo Landrau led the Viking defense with 10 tackles and a tackle for loss
• Daekwon Derry, Uati Pati, and Thomas Gaul all added at least one tackle for loss

What's Next?

North Park (0-2, 0-1 CCIW) will face No. 5 North Central College next Saturday, September 28, in Naperville, Ill. The homecoming game for the Cardinals is set to start at 2 p.m.