Dupage Policy Journal

North Central maintained its position at the top of national Division III football rankings following a 59-10 victory over Millikin, improving to 5-0 on the season. The Cardinals received all 52 first-place votes in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) poll and 23 of 25 in the D3football.com poll, holding the number one spot in both rankings for each release this season.

Wheaton also saw movement in the national polls after a 65-21 win over Illinois Wesleyan. The Thunder are now ranked 21st in the D3football.com poll and moved up to 22nd in the AFCA rankings. WashU received 11 points in the AFCA poll.

Four student-athletes were recognized with weekly conference honors for their performances. Thomas Skokna of North Central was named Offensive Player of the Week after catching a program-record five touchdowns and accumulating 206 receiving yards. "Skokna’s had eight grabs and also tied a program record for points scored in a single game (30). His 206 receiving yards in the victory rank fifth in a single game in North Central history."

Brady Willmer of WashU earned Defensive Player of the Week with 2.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, and an interception that set up a key scoring drive. "Willmer had 2.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and an interception to help the Bears to a 31-23 overtime win at Carthage on Saturday. Willmer’s fourth-quarter interception set the table for a WashU scoring drive that allowed the Bears to regain the lead."

Matthew Swink of Carroll and Aidan Ellison of North Central shared Special Teams honors. Swink made a 50-yard field goal, his sixth-longest in Division III this season, and was perfect on extra-point attempts. Ellison also hit a 50-yard field goal, tying for fourth-longest in North Central history, and was 4-for-4 on extra points. "Ellison received weekly CCIW honors for the second time in 2025 after a perfect kicking performance in Saturday’s win over Millikin. He hit a 50-yard field goal, the fourth-longest in NCC history, and joined Swink as one of 11 Division III players to make a field goal of at least 50 yards this season. Ellison was also 4-for-4 on extra-point attempts."

North Central's offense was notable, gaining 641 yards in their win over Millikin while holding their opponent to 182 total yards. Quarterback Garret Wilson threw for 277 yards and tied a program record with six touchdown passes. Running back Demir Ashiru rushed for 92 yards, including a 46-yard touchdown. Linebacker Matt Janiak led the defense with 11 tackles.

Augustana secured its third consecutive victory with a 48-7 win over Elmhurst. Quarterback Jimmy Makuh completed 25 of 27 passes for 319 yards and four touchdowns, adding a rushing score. Running back Ben Ludlum scored three times, and the defense registered 13 tackles for loss and five sacks.

Wheaton set a season-high with 65 points against Illinois Wesleyan. Quarterback Mark Forcucci completed 17 of 21 passes for 226 yards and five touchdowns. Special teams contributed with a kickoff return touchdown by Brett Dieter and a blocked punt by Nate Tofilon.

WashU overcame Carthage in double overtime, winning 31-23. Quarterback Levi Moore scored two rushing touchdowns, including the game-winner. Running back Matthew Kinoshita led with 82 rushing yards. Senior safety Ryan Schmadtke had nine tackles.

Carroll defeated North Park 24-10. Quarterback Charlie King threw for 214 yards and two touchdowns. Kicker Matthew Swink made a significant contribution with his long field goal.

Illinois Wesleyan had two receivers surpass 100 yards in their loss to Wheaton. Quarterback Dermot Smyth passed for 323 yards and a touchdown.

Carthage narrowly lost to WashU in double overtime. Running back Bryce Frank rushed for 145 yards and two touchdowns.

Millikin's offense was led by running back Re’John Zeno, who ranks second among non-kickers in the conference for touchdowns.

North Park's defense forced four turnovers against Carroll. Freshman defensive back Darrius Whiters had two interceptions, including an 80-yard return.

Elmhurst lost to Augustana but saw contributions from quarterback John Odom and running back Jeffery Elms.

The upcoming weekend features several key matchups as teams continue conference play.