CHICAGO, Ill. -- North Park's first home game of the season, though a loss, shows that this team is here to compete. In what was a statistically close game between the Vikings and the Pioneers from Carroll University, Carroll capitalized on some costly mistakes.
The defense for the Vikings did their job in the opening drive, holding Carroll to just a field goal which was answered by a North Park touchdown pass from junior quarterback Matt Eck to sophomore receiver Jereme Ombogo in the middle of the endzone. Three plays later, the Pioneers connected on a 71-yard touchdown from quarterback Josh Raby to receiver Austin Eichstaedt, capturing a 10-7 lead. North Park marched right back down the field to convert a five-yard touchdown pass to Jakob Dreksler. Unfortunately, the extra point was missed wide right making it 13-10 Vikings.
The back and forth continued as Carroll came back and scored a touchdown with 1:27 left in the second quarter and fifth-year senior receiver AJ Harris returned the favor by scoring a 62-yard touchdown from quarterback Matt Eck. With a minute to go until halftime, and North Park leading 20-17, the Pioneers ran a text book two-minute drill down the field, scoring a touchdown after North Park was called for a critical pass interference on 3rd and goal.
HALFTIME: Carroll 24, North Park 20
The second half opened with a three-and-out from both teams – North Park's first punt could have been a huge flip of the field due to a muffed punt by the Carroll returner, however, despite a strong attempt by North Park, it was recovered by the Pioneers. Trying to avoid a sack, quarterback Matt Eck looked to get the ball out quickly. However, the pass was picked off by a Carroll linebacker and taken back for a touchdown, extending the Pios' lead to 31-20 after the extra point try.
North Park's defense responded well in the second half, only allowing 10 points. Defensive back Jason Adkinson led the way with seven tackles, with support from fellow defensive back Ben Butler and linebacker Egan Bender each tallying four tackles. Safety Juan Nieves provided a late game spark after Carroll's field goal make, taking the kickoff 72 yards to the 23-yard line to set up running back Quadrell Hill's touchdown rush and close the gap to a 34-27 game. The ending resulted in a final touchdown from receiver Austin Eichstaedt, to end the game with a 41-27 score in favor of the Pioneers.
Notable Performances:
What's Next?
The Vikings (1-1, 0-1 CCIW) open conference play with a loss but can bounce back with another home game on September 23 against Milikin. The Homecoming game is set to kick off at 1:00 PM right back at the Holmgren Athletic Complex.
