Kickoff: 1:00 PM CT
Venue: Benedetti–Wehrli Stadium, Naperville, Illinois (Capacity: ~5,500)
Broadcast: ESPN+ / CCIW Network
Weather Forecast (Naperville, IL)
Temperature: ~73°F (23°C) at kickoff, cooling into the upper 60s by the 4th quarter
Conditions: Partly sunny, light winds (5–8 mph)
Impact: Ideal early fall football weather; no disruptions expected.
Injury Report
Carthage Firebirds (CCIW):
QB Michael Campbell (ankle) – Probable.
RB Jordan Reyes (hamstring) – Questionable.
LB Ethan Wallace (shoulder) – Out.
North Central Cardinals (CCIW):
QB Luke Lehnen (All-American candidate, 3 TDs in opener) – Healthy.
RB Terrence Hill (knee) – Probable.
WR DeAngelo Hardy (concussion protocol) – Doubtful.
Key Player Matchups
QB Luke Lehnen (North Central) vs. Carthage Secondary
Lehnen’s dual-threat ability and accuracy make him one of the toughest quarterbacks in Division III. Carthage’s defensive backs will be tested all afternoon.
RB Terrence Hill (North Central) vs. Carthage Front Seven
Hill’s power running behind a dominant offensive line could wear down the Firebirds’ defense.
QB Michael Campbell (Carthage) vs. North Central Pass Rush
Campbell must get the ball out quickly against a relentless Cardinals front that thrives on sacks and pressures.
WR Jordan Reyes (Carthage) vs. North Central Corners
If healthy, Reyes’ speed could provide Carthage with its best chance at explosive plays.
Recent Team Form
Carthage Firebirds (0–2, CCIW)
9/6/25: L 35–14 @ Carroll (WI)
9/13/25: L 42–10 vs. Illinois Wesleyan
Trend: Offense averaging 12 PPG; defense allowing 38.5 PPG.
North Central Cardinals (1–0, CCIW)
9/13/25: W 45–14 vs. UW–Oshkosh (#16)
Trend: Offense explosive, defense dominant; Cardinals look every bit like a national title contender.
Series History
North Central has dominated the series in recent years.
Last meeting (2024): North Central defeated Carthage 63–7.
North Central has won 18 straight meetings dating back to 2006.
Carthage’s last win in the series came in 2005.
Betting Trends
Carthage:
1–4 ATS in last 5 games.
4 of last 5 games have gone over the total.
0–5 SU in last 5 road games.
North Central:
5–0 ATS in last 5 games.
3 of last 5 games have gone over the total.
5–0 SU in last 5 home games.
Head-to-Head: North Central has covered in 4 of the last 5 meetings.
Historical Betting Results
Carthage: Struggles ATS as a road underdog; overs common due to defensive lapses.
North Central: Profitable ATS as a heavy favorite; overs frequent due to offensive explosiveness.
CCIW Trends: Ranked CCIW teams cover ~63% of the time in September conference play.
Game Odds
Carthage Firebirds 58.5
North Central Cardinals – 35.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 19, 2025
