Naperville’s North Central College wins third football title in 5 seasons

HOUSTON, Texas - The North Central College football team hoisted its third championship trophy in five seasons Sunday night after defeating the University of Mount Union (Ohio) 41-25 in the NCAA Division III National Championship game.

The Cardinals, of Naperville, finished the season undefeated at 15-0 overall for the second time in the past three seasons, according to a school news release.

"I'm extremely humbled and proud to be in this position," said North Central head coach Brad Spencer in a statement. "These seniors - there are 38 of them - have believed in our culture and what we were trying to become. That took a lot of trust and belief, and they went to work. As coaches, we just put good plans in place and put them in a position to succeed."

Quarterback Luke Lehnen was voted the game’s Most Outstanding Player after accounting for five of the team’s six touchdowns. Lehnen completed 18 of 26 passes for 298 yards and four touchdowns along with running for 55 yards and another score.

Lehnen finished his college career as the NCAA’s all-divisions leader in career passing efficiency, with a 211.9 rating, and touchdowns, with 213.

Mount Union (14-1) recovered a fumble on the game’s opening drive and went 57 yards for the early 7-0 lead.

That was the last time North Central trailed in the game.

The Cardinals responded with a touchdown seven plays later.

Mount Union kept it close as the two teams traded scores in the second quarter and North Central led 14-10 at halftime.

After again trading touchdowns in the third quarter, North Central’s offense exploded for three touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including a 66-yard run from Charles Coleman.

North Central amassed 495 yards of total offense. That included 197 yards on the ground although 149 of those yards came just in the second half. The Cardinals scored on all four trips into the red zone while keeping Mount Union to only one score in four red zone appearances.