CHICAGO -- With the 2025-2026 school year approaching, North Park Football is around the corner, and the Vikings look to improve on what was an up and down season in 2024.  Despite their 5-5 record (4-5 in CCIW play), there were a few close games that came down to the wire that could have gone their way, and they hope to see that happen this year. 

This season, North Park is faced with the challenge of maintaining and improving their standard while filling gaps that were plugged by seniors like quarterback Matt Eck, running back Marcel Love, and linebackers Jaydin Miller, Egan Bender, and Juan Nieves.  Craig Shelton, North Park's new assistant sports information director, had a chance to sit down with head coach Kyle Rooker and pick his brain about this upcoming season and what we can expect.  When asked about the team's focus or new goals this season, Coach Rooker noted he wants to continue to hammer home the theme of 'consistency' in their approach to each week and in their effort in every aspect of the game.

Rooker, the 2023 D3football.com Region 5 Coach of the Year, discussed how they handle losing the aforementioned seniors, particularly on the defensive side of the ball – whether that is through recruiting, trusting players who were maybe playing behind those guys for a few seasons, or by committee.  Rooker stressed the importance of recruiting in all positions on the field, while also praising the leadership and mentorship that players like Bender, Miller, and Nieves brought to their teammates over the last few seasons.  He feels that the last two linebacker recruiting classes have learned a lot from watching and practicing with that group and are ready to step up now that it is their turn.

Interrupting the opposing offense downtown will be D3football.com Preseason All-American safety Ben Butler, entering his final year with the Vikings. Butler was one of nine players from the CCIW to earn the top preseason honor in Division III Football, boasting third-team honors. The All-Region defender led the CCIW with four interceptions and also managed four tackles for loss and registered a sack from the safety position. Senior Samuel Aguirre (23 tackles, 1 INT) and sophomore Vince Lenzy (18 tackles, 3 pass breakups as a freshman) also return to disrupt the air attack.

Though North Park's running game had its fair share of contributors in the back field last season, Marcel Love was the featured back – a player who was extremely effective in the pass and screen game. When asked about what the rotation could look like this season, Coach Rooker's answer was as expected, indicating senior Kalen Riley-Richardson with sophomore Aidan Delisi right behind him.  The Vikings like to use a multi-faceted run game so we can expect both backs to be featured heavily, however, without naming any names, Rooker also mentioned that he is a big fan of this year's incoming running back class, stating that there are a number of players who could see the field this year.

When asked if there's anyone who has stood out thus far through the first few days of camp, Rooker spoke generally about the position groups and the physical shape of the returning players that arrived at camp. He said that 61 returning players really committed to the offseason training program and came to camp with their bodies bigger, stronger, and ready for the grind of the season.  Rooker expressed excitement about the trenches this year, thinking the defensive and offensive lines could be a real strength for the Vikings.  With returning defensive end Theo Smith and offensive linemen Caleb Apodaca, Tony Catanese, and Caleb Norlem, there is reason to be excited about these groups. 

The question that is likely on a lot of fans' minds entering this season is, "What's the quarterback situation now that Eck has graduated?"  Replacing a four-year starter who has set numerous records for North Park at the quarterback position and rose to All-CCIW honors is no easy task. 

Through the early days of camp, first team reps are being split between senior Justen Green, who has been the backup to Eck and played well during spring ball according to Rooker, and junior Jacob Urdiales.  On their heels is second year quarterback Cailix Dillon, who Rooker also noted as having a solid spring. That said, Rooker and the Viking coaching staff brought in four freshmen quarterbacks to build for the future, highlighting that the starting quarterback competition is theirs to earn as early as this year.

"It's up to them to learn it and take [the starting job]," said Rooker. "It's as open as it has been since Eck's freshman year."

No matter who is under center, the objective is to get ball in the hands of All-Region wide receiver Jereme Ombogo and another All-CCIW option in Wesley McCloud.  With Ombogo back for his fifth year and McCloud entering his senior season, the dynamic receiver tandem plans to continue terrorizing opposing secondaries this season.

Coach Rooker was asked whether there is a different approach in finding ways to get these top targets the ball now that Eck is no longer playing and that answer will simply need to be played out:

"Every year is a new year," said Coach Rooker. "We have a system that we believe in, but we will adapt and adjust based on what we have… we won't change the offense completely but can change some things based on who's at the position".

The Vikings end their training camp schedule on August 29 before entering game week on September 1, where they will start preparing for their week 1 opponent Ripon College.  Ripon was North Park's week 1 opponent last season, a game that was a nail-biter to the very end as the Vikings came out on top with a 42-41 victory before heading into their bye week.  This season, the Vikings travel to Ripon, Wisconsin on September 6 to take on the Red Hawks in a night game for their season opener.  The Vikings won't play again until Saturday, September 20, after a week two bye, against Millikin University.