NAPERVILLE, Ill. (WLS) — Naperville’s North Central College is becoming a college football dynasty.
The team is leaving Thursday evening for the NCAA Division III football championship.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
For North Central College football players, practicing in late December and early January has turned into an annual tradition as they prepare for the Division III national championship game.
This season marks their fifth trip to the game in as many seasons.
“Our guys know this routine,” head coach Bard Spencer said. “They know what is gonna take place, so you want to use that to your advantage.”
We still have great team chemistry. We all love each other, a super close-knit group.
Luke Lehnen, North Central quarterback
In the semi-final round of the playoffs, the Cardinals dominated Susquehanna University from Pennsylvania with a score of 66-0, securing their spot in the championship game and maintaining their undefeated season.
Despite being a small school in Naperville with a student body of fewer than 3,000, North Central College has established itself as a powerhouse in Division III football, boasting two national championships in the past four years.
Quarterback Luke Lehnen is a first team All-American and has set numerous records during his time at North Central.
“We still have great team chemistry,” Lehnen said. “We all love each other, a super close-knit group.”
The team got one last practice on their home field in Naperville before heading out Thursday night for Sunday’s game at the Shell Energy Stadium in Houston against Mount Union. It will be nationally televised on ESPN, but veteran players say their experience in these situations should help them deal with all the attention.
“It’s been a special run and we’re trying to finish it off the right way,” All-American linebacker Zack Orr said.
The 38 seniors on the team have been to a national championship game every year since they’ve been at the school. They’re hoping to end their careers with one more national title.
Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
