Chicago, Il., -- North Park Football closed out its 2025 season on Saturday on a day that saw 21 seniors celebrated on senior day, falling to the #18 Wheaton College Thunder 52-6. While the Vikings held a notable advantage in time of possession, controlling the clock for 32:31, the high-powered Thunder offense proved to be too efficient. The loss ends the Vikings' season with a final record of 3-7 overall and 2-7 in conference play.
The Vikings' offense struggled to find rhythm against a relentless Wheaton defense, managing only 133 total yards on the afternoon compared to the Thunder's 474 yards. Quarterback Carson Lewis finished the day 12-of-23 for 83 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, while being sacked six times for a loss of 28 yards. The Vikings' lone score came in the second quarter when Lewis connected with wide receiver Wesley McCloud for a 9-yard touchdown reception. McCloud finished as the leading receiver with 5 catches for 33 yards. Running back Kalen Riley-Richardson led all Vikings the ball 10 times for 25 yards, with senior receiver Jereme Ombogo was also active, logging 3 catches for 27 yards, in addition to contributing 91 yards on 5 kickoff returns.
Despite the scoreboard, the Vikings' defense showed flashes of grit, especially in generating turnovers. Linebacker Armando Martinez led all Vikings with 12 tackles (9 solo, 3 assisted), followed by linebacker Kory Pradia who had 6 solo tackles on the day. North Park was able to create some turnovers, defensive backs Sam Aguirre and Xavier Wade each nabbing an interception, picking off two Wheaton quarterbacks. The Thunder offense was explosive, led by quarterback Mark Forcucci, who torched the Vikings for 282 yards and 6 touchdowns on 13-of-17 passing. His favorite targets were Caleb Titherington, who caught 6 passes for 131 yards and 3 touchdowns, and Thomas Greupner, who hauled in 2 catches for 81 yards and 2 touchdowns. On defense, Wheaton was dominant in the backfield, with linebacker Zeke Harris leading all players with 13 total tackles (10 solo, 3 assisted) and recovering a fumble for a 19-yard touchdown. Defensive lineman Peter Johanik was a constant presence in the North Park backfield, recording 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles.
The Vikings will now turn their attention to the off-season as they look to build toward the 2026 campaign through recruiting and building on the young guys who saw plenty of action this season. A big congratulations, thank you, and best of luck to all 21 Viking seniors who were honored today, that pour their blood, sweat, and tears in to the school, sports, teammates, and community these last four years.
