CHICAGO, Ill. -- North Park Football (2-3, 1-3) will have their hands full against the top Division III team in the country, North Central College, who averages 45 points a game and only lets up one touchdown a game defensively.  

North Park's defense is only giving up 19 points per game due to their toughness and knack for creating turnovers. Sophomore linebacker DJ Johnson leads the Vikings with 37 tackles this season, including 26 solo. Senior defensive end Theo Smith is credited with a pair of sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2 fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble. Senior wide receiver Jereme Ombogo leads NPU with 70.6 receiving yards per game and 4 touchdowns.

North Central's offense averages 557 yards per game, notching around 290 yards on the ground, led by running backs Donovan McNeal and Sean Allen and 266 yards through the air behind quarterback Garret Wilson's connection with receiver Thomas Skokna who have connected for 10 touchdowns so far this season.  The Cardinals' Passing Efficiency (200.13) and Rushing Offense (290) are both ranked third in Division III. Linebacker Matt Janiak leads the Cardinals with 40 total tackles while the defense as a whole has 32 tackles for loss, four interceptions, and 18 sacks.  

Kickoff is set for 1pm on Saturday, October 18th at the Holmgren Athletic Complex.