North Central College claimed its third Division III national championship on Sunday night, defeating Mount Union 41-25 in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl, showcasing the prowess of quarterback Luke Lehnen, who accounted for five touchdowns.
The Cardinals, who finished the season undefeated at 15-0, secured their spot in the title game for the fifth consecutive year. Lehnen, the standout QB, threw four touchdown passes, two of which were caught by Jacob Paradee, ending the night impressively. With 162 career touchdown passes, Lehnen has tied the all-division record held by John Matocha from the Colorado School of Mines.
The game kicked off with Mount Union’s Tyler Echeverry running 29 yards untouched for the opening score, marking the first time North Central trailed this season. This early lead was short-lived; Lehnen quickly responded with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Myles Walton, bringing the Cardinals back to score at 7-7 with under five minutes left in the first quarter. This touchdown marked Lehnen's 159th career TD, breaking the previous D-III record of 158 held by Braxton Plunk.
Despite North Central’s dominating performance, Mount Union (14-1) had multiple opportunities to score, entering the red zone several times but only managing to put up three points on the scoreboard with Ivan Maric’s 30-yard field goal shortly before halftime.
North Central's victory follows their triumph over the same opponent last year, solidifying their position as a competitive force within the D-III league. The Cardinals have now extended their winning streak to include their 47th consecutive regular-season victory when combined with Mount Union’s 75 consecutive regular-season wins, totaling 122 wins and reinforcing the caliber of play at this level.
On the other end of the collegiate football spectrum, former Mount Vernon High School standout Makenzie McGill played his part for the University of North Texas Mean Green. McGill scored a late touchdown during their bowl game against Texas State, contributing to the team’s attempt to overcome their opponent, though they eventually fell short, losing 30-28.
McGill's fourth-quarter touchdown came with 3:20 left on the clock. After taking the handoff, he sprinted one yard to the end zone, narrowing the score to 23-21 and providing the team with fresh hope. McGill concluded his impressive season with 78 carries, compiling 470 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. He also caught 11 passes for 103 yards, showcasing his versatility on the field and leaving fans hopeful for his potential future. The Mean Green ended their season with a 6-7 record.
These events encapsulate the intensity and passion of college football, particularly championship games and bowl matchups, where individual talents shine among team efforts. North Central’s notable accomplishment stands alongside the aspirations of young talents like McGill, proving the importance of each game played this season.