Chicago, Il., -- North Park Football (2-5, 1-5) is currently on a four game skid and are looking to enter the last stretch of the season on a high. This week they face the Carthage College Firebirds (3-4, 2-4), a good match up for the Vikings to try and get back on track.
Carthage is coming off thier 24-7 win against Millikin and the Firebird offense has found some success as of late, averaging 22.86 points per game and near 25 per game over their last four games, including taking a Wash U team that has received national ranking votes in recent weeks to double overtime. North Park's defense has had their troubles this season, allowing over 30 points a game, over 150 yards on the ground and 220 yards through the air. They'll have their hands full as Carthage has been leaning into their run game with two running backs who are both dynamic in Bryce Frank and Mark Hunter. Frank is their lead back rushing for 556 yards, averaging 6.0 yards per carry, 79 yards per game, and has 7 touchdowns to his name. Hunter is not far behind with 359 yards, averaging 4.4 yards per carry, 51 yards per game, and 3 touchdowns.
Under center, Carthage has second year quarterback Easton Heafner who is in his first year as a full time starter, only starting playing in three games last season. Heafner is the fourt most accurate quarterback in the CCIW sitting at a 61.5% clip and has a redzone connection with receiver Carson Crouch who has 4 touchdowns this season, tied for fifth in the conference. While Crouch is the redzone guy, fellow receiver Gavin Betts has been their go to guy this season to move the chains, averaging 13.8 yards per catch, 44 yards per game, adding 2 touchdowns as well.
North Park's offense has struggled in recent weeks gaining momentum and finding their identity. However, freshman quarterback Carson Lewis showed some promise in his first collegiate start in their 49-21 loss to Illinois Wesleyan last week, completing 58% of his passes, rushing for 2 touchdowns and 73 yards, and helping the Viking offense put up their highest point total in three weeks. Lewis' running ability poses a threat to a Carthage defense that is struggling as well. The Firebird defense, similar to North Park's, allows over 32 points per game and 390 total yards a game -- potentially setting up the Viking offense to find a rhythm this weekend.
Kickoff is set for 1pm on Saturday, November 1st at the Holmgren Ahtletic Complex.
