CHICAGO, IL., -- Before kickoff on Saturday afternoon, North Park Football honored their seven members of its senior class for their contributions to the program these last four years: Antonio Catanese, Tyler Koulis, Levi Sheehan, Jaime Garfias, Hugo Backing, Gavin Henson, and Danny Alequin. These seniors now have a day to remember as all three phases of their team came together to earn a dominant 49-0 victory over the Bluejays of Elmhurst University in the last game of the 2026 season.
The Vikings controlled the matchup from the opening kickoff, out-gaining the Bluejays in total yards 455-107, possessing the ball for nearly 44 minutes, and shutting out an opponent for the first time this season. North Park finished with 32 first downs, converted 9-of-11 third-down opportunities, and scored on all eight of their redzone possessions. Their defense held Elmhurst to just six first downs and 16 rushing yards while forcing two interceptions and a fumble.
North Park wasted no time setting the tone to start the game, scoring on their opening drive behind a physical rushing attack. Quarterback Paul Palmer and the offense marched 60 yards on 11 plays before running back Aidan Delisi punched in his first of three touchdowns from four yards out to open the scoring flood gates. Elmhurst blocked the ensuing extra point, but North Park wasted little time adding to their total. On the kickoff after their score, the Vikings forced a fumble on the Bluejay return and regained the ball in scoring position. Palmer found tight end Klayton Stevens in the back left corner of the endzone for North Park's second touchdown of the afternoon, placing them ahead 12-0 after they failed on their two-point attempt. The momentum continued moments later when linebacker Deon Hudson intercepted Elmhurst quarterback Justin Carlson's first pass attempt of the afternoon. The Vikings, again in scoring position, put another touchdown on the board in three plays after Delisi ran in from ten yards out. At the end of the first quarter North Park led Elmhurst 19-0.
Elmhurst struggled all game to move the ball against a fired up Viking defense. Defensive back Darrius Whiters had his named called often as he led the game with three pass breakups and added two solo tackles, while linebacker Timotei Dan led the Vikings with four solo tackles on the afternoon. Dan also stepped in as the Vikings kicker today, going 1/1 on field goal attempts and kicked off 8 times for a total of 447 yards and three touchbacks. Defensive lineman Elijah Chandler was a force today, logging two tackles, a tackle for loss, one sack, and one interception off a tipped pass that set up the Viking offense for another scoring chance with great field position. Defensive back John St. Surin and defensive lineman Gregory Spires Jr. each had a sack as well, helping the Viking defense hold Elmhurst to an 0-for-8 mark on third down. North Park's defense held both Elmhurst quarterbacks to just 10-23 passing for 91 yards and two interceptions.
Tight end Christian Bryce capped off another 12-play, 71-yard drive for the Vikings with a 1-yard rushing touchdown early in the second quarter. On their next possession, North Park chewed nearly six minutes off the clock on another 90-yard drive that ended with Delisi finding the endzone for his third touchdown of the first half and final of the game. The Vikings went into the halftime break leading 32-0.
Delisi turned in one of his top performances of the year with 17 carries and 3 receptions for a total of 138 yards and 3 touchdowns. During his post game interview, Delisi credited his offensive line for the Vikings efficient running game and rightfully so; North Park's offensive line earned the Division III national offensive line of the week a few weeks prior. Palmer was efficient and methodical as well, completing 16-of-18 passes for 140 yards and two passing touchdowns, and added 26 yards on the ground. Eight different receivers caught a pass today, with lone senior receiver Levi Sheehan hauling in a one-handed touchdown grab in the back right corner of the endzone at the end of the third quarter. Running backs Marco Castro and Jamaal Jones combined for 111 rushing yards to compliment Delisi's 107, as Castro rushing 10 times for 66 yards and Jones rushing 9 times for 45 yards. Castro scored the Vikings' last touchdown of the afternoon to place them firmly ahead at 49-0 in the fourth.
North Park finished the game with a commanding edge in nearly every category, including total yards (455-107), first downs (32-6), time of possession (43:43-16:17), and rushing yards (305-16). The 49-0 victory provided a fitting sendoff for the program's senior class and allowed the Vikings to close the 2026 season on a high not in front of their home crowd. The Vikings finished the season 3-7 overall and 3-5 in CCIW play.
Top Performers
Aidan Delisi - 17 rushes, 107 yards, 3 TDs; 3 catches, 29 yards
Marco Castro - 10 rushes, 66 yards, 1 TD
Paul Palmer - 16/18 passing, 140 yards, 2 TD; 4 rushes, 26 yards
Elijah Chandler - 2 TOT, 1 TFL, 1 INT, 1 sack
Darrius Whiters - 2 TOT, 1 TFL, 3 PBUs
Timotei Dan - 4 solo, 1 TFL; 1/1 FG; 8 kickoffs, 447 yards, 55.9 avg, 3 touchbacks
