North Central College: November 2008 Archives

Neuqua Valley forward Derek Raridon, a 6-foot-5-inch senior, has committed to play for his father Todd next season at North Central College. Raridon averaged 12 points and five rebounds last season for a Neuqua team that won its first sectional title in school history.

The Cardinals (1-1) finished 10-15 last season. A preseason poll of the league's head coaches picked them to finish sixth in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin in 2008-09.

When Trevor Stellman hit Cordario Collier for a 17-yard pass in the second quarter, it meant Thomas More College had successfully converted on third down for the fourth time in its first seven attempts.

The Saints were trailing, but only by three points. And they appeared ready to put up a good fight against North Central College, the nation's second-ranked team, in an NCAA D-III first-round playoff game Saturday at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium.

But Stellman was intercepted on the next play by Derek Sulo and the Cardinals never looked back in their 44-23 win.

"We finally did get (their momentum) stopped eventually, but not before they got like four or five straight third down (conversions)," said NCC linebacker Matt Wenger, who made 12 tackles and had an interception. "It's really frustrating when you have a team third-and-10 and you give up 11 yards and you're still on the field. But we got it figured out."

When North Central College faces Thomas More College on Saturday afternoon, the teams may see some of themselves in each other.

Both teams point to strong running offenses and strong running defenses. Whichever team does both of those things better will likely come out the victors in their NCAA Division III first-round playoff game at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium.

"Good football teams are able to run the football, and good teams are able to stop the run," Saints coach Jim Hilvert said. "Especially when it comes to the games in November and December, you've got to do both."