North Central College, the top-ranked team in NCAA Division III football, is going to play for a national championship for the fifth consecutive time after a 66-0 victory over Susquehanna in the second of Saturday’s two national semifinals. 

The Cardinals (14-0) jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the opening quarter at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium in Naperville, Illinois, and never looked back, cruising to their 37th straight home victory, a streak that began in 2018. 

In the Division III Playoffs, North Central is 35-13 overall and 23-4 at home. 

The Cardinals advance to the 2024 Stagg Bowl to face the Mount Union, a 45-37 winner over Johns Hopkins in the day’s other semifinal. 

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The championship game is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 5 at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. It will be a rematch of the 2022 title tilt, where North Central topped Mount Union 28-21 to win its second national championship in three seasons. 

Mount Union (14-0) is searching for a record-extending 14th Division III football national title and first since 2017. North Central’s run of Stagg Bowl appearances includes victories in 2019 and 2022.

Against Susquehanna, North Central was led by graduate quarterback Luke Lehnen, who completed 16 of 17 passes for 275 yards and four touchdowns. His fourth touchdown toss of the day tied the Division III mark for career touchdown passes with 158.

Two of Saturday’s touchdowns passes were caught by graduate receive Jacob Paradee as part of a team-leading three-catch, 86-yard day.

Lehnen added 30 yards and a touchdown on seven rushes Saturday, while sophomore running back Jordan Williams led the ground attack with 16 carries for 106 yards and a score. Senior Joe Sacco had 82 net yards and two touchdowns.

Lehnen is one of five finalists for the Gagliardi Trophy, the top individual award in Division III football, which he won in 2023. The 2024 winner will be announced on D3football.com on Jan. 3.

In all, North Central tallied 638 yards of total offense (352 on the ground and 286 through the air), while the 66 points was the fifth time this season the Cardinals have eclipsed the 60-point mark, including a high of 70 on two occasions. 

The North Central defense was spectacular in the win, too, holding Susquehanna to 135 total yards (75 passing and 60 rushing) and just five first downs, compared to 32 for the Cardinals. North Central also had three sacks, two interceptions and a fumble recovery on the day.

Four Susquehanna quarterbacks saw action Saturday, with standout junior Josh Ehrlich limited to a 3-for-11 day for 13 yards, along with one of the interceptions. Freshman Rahshan La Mons managed a team-best 72 yards on 14 rushes.

Susquehanna sees its season end at 12-2, a program-best performance that also marks the team’s fourth 10-win campaign in five seasons. 

The two-time reigning Landmark Conference champions were making their first national semifinal appearance since 1991 and were playing for their first trip to the championship game.

The River Hawks now are 6-6 in the postseason. They reached the playoffs in 1986 (1-1), 1991 (2-1), 2009 (0-1), 2022 (0-1), 2023 (0-1) and 2024 (3-1).

Until Saturday, Susquehanna hadn’t lost a road game since 2021.

The showdown between Susquehanna and North Central was the first meeting in history between the two programs and the first time the Cardinals have faced a team from the Landmark Conference, which crowned its first football champion in 2023.

If you weren't able to watch the Susquehanna vs. North Central College football game, scroll down to see how it all unfolded.

Final Stats From North Central Vs. Susquehanna Football Division III Semifinal

North Central Defeats Susquehanna Football 66-0, Cardinals To Play For National Title

The North Central Cardinals defeated Susquehanna in the national semifinals Saturday, 66-0.

The Cardinals will face Mount Union in a rematch of the 2022 championship game. 

North Central Adds Field Goal, Leads Susquehanna 66-0

Sophomore Andre Casas kicks a 38-yard field goal to extend North Central's lead over Susquehanna to 66-0.

North Central Gets Ball Back After Punt

North Central punts for the first time in the game. The ball hits the return man, and North Central is able to recover.

The Cardinals take back the ball on the Susquehanna 42-yard line. 

There's just over 10 minutes left in the contest. 

Third Quarter Ends In North Central Vs. Susquehanna Football Showdown

As the final quarter gets underway, North Central leads Susquehanna 63-0.

North Central Capitalizes On Opportunity, Adds Touchdown To Extend Lead Over Susquehanna Football To 63-0

Sophomore running back Jordan Williams runs 22 yards up the middle to add to the North Central lead over Susquehanna. Ryniec adds the extra point to make the score 63-0.

There's 5:19 left in the third quarter. 

Cardinals Get Ball Back With Interception

Junior defensive back Jahmar Daniel intercepts Susquehanna quarterback Tommy Wright for the Cardinals' second interception of the day. Daniel returns it 9 yards.

North Central's drive starts at the Susquehanna 49-yard line.

Quarterback Calvin Lavery comes in to get some reps for the Cardinals. 

There's just under eight minutes left in the third quarter.

North Central Scores First In Second Half Against Susquehanna Football

North Central is keeping the ball on the ground and burning the clock, but the Cardinals eventually ran out of field - because sophomore running back Sean Allen found the end zone from 9 yards out. Ryniec added the extra point to  put North Central up 56-0.

The drive was six plays for 65 yards and took 3:32 off the clock.

Second Half Underway In North Central Vs. Susquehanna Matchup

Here we go. Only 30 minutes between North Central and a trip to the Stagg Bowl.

First-Half Stats In North Central Vs. Susquehanna Football Semifinal

First Half Ends In North Central-Susquehanna Football Semifinal, Cardinals Lead 49-0

North Central leads Susquehanna after one half of play, 49-0.

Luke Lehnen Scores Rushing Touchdown Against Susquehanna, Cardinals Lead 49-0

Lehnen can get it done with his legs, too, as he adds an 11-yard touchdown run to extend the North Central lead. Ryniec adds the extra point to make it 49-0.

The drive for the Cardinals was four plays for 43 yards.

There's less than two minutes left in the first half.

Watch Luke Lehnen's Record-Tying Touchdown For North Central

Luke Lehnen ties the Division III record for career touchdown passes with 158.

1️⃣5️⃣8️⃣ passing touchdowns

🔥🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/Hdbk3MPI2X

— NCAA Stats (@NCAAStats) December 21, 2024

North Central Adds To Lead Against Susquehanna, Cardinals Leads 42-0

Lehnen adds to score and personal legacy, as his fourth touchdown pass of the day ties the Division III record for career touchdown passes with 158.

This time, he connects with Paradee from 16 yards out. Ryniec adds the extra point to make it 42-0.

There's 3:31 left in the first half. 

Watch Joe Sacco Dance In Another One For North Central

Joe Sacco and the Cardinals are cruising against Susquehanna.

ANOTHER ONE‼️@NCC_Athletics continues to pile on with this seven-yard rushing touchdown from Joe Sacco, his second of the game.

📺 https://t.co/nxoQHxg1Wb#WhyD3 | #D3fb pic.twitter.com/o1zJDW7JN4

— NCAA Division III (@NCAADIII) December 21, 2024

North Central Leads Susquehanna Football 35-0 Late In Second Quarter

Lehnen and Sacco get it done again for North Central, teaming up for a 49-yard pass and catch to give the Cardinals first and goal on the Susquehanna 3-yard line.

Sacco was questionable for Saturday's game after some nagging injuries this year and a bit of a limp after last week's quarterfinal win.

Saccos gets two more rushing attempts to end the drive, first losing 4 yards, then crossing the goal line for a 7-yard touchdown run. Ryniec adds the extra point to put North Central ahead 35-0.

There's 5:25 left in the first half.

North Central Extends Leads Early In Second Quarter Against Susquehanna, Cardinals Up 28-0

Lehnen and the Cardinals drive 80 yards on six plays to start the second quarter, and the standout quarterback connects with junior receiver Thomas Skokna from 3 yards out to give North Central a 27-0 lead. Ryniec adds the extra point to make it 28-0.

Lehnen has completed 10 consecutive passes and is 10 of 11 on the day for 176 and three touchdowns. 

First Quarter Ends In Susquehanna Football-North Central Division III Semifinal

The host Cardinals lead 21-0 after one quarter of play at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium in Naperville, Illinois.

Watch North Central's Rushing Touchdown

Watch Sacco rumble through to help put the Cardinals ahead 21-0.

SACCO TO THE END ZONE‼️@NCC_Athletics makes it a 21-0 lead after this 30-yard rushing touchdown from Joe Sacco.

📺 https://t.co/nxoQHxg1Wb#WhyD3 | #D3fb pic.twitter.com/QRCAkTpXjY

— NCAA Division III (@NCAADIII) December 21, 2024

Cardinals Getting It Done On The Ground, Too: North Central Leads 21-0

Senior running back Joe Sacco surges up the middle on a second-and-7 play and adds a 30-yard rushing touchdown for North Central. Ryniec adds the extra point to put the Cardinals ahead 21-0.

North Central Cardinals Find End Zone Again In First Quarter, NCC Leads Susquehanna 14-0

A seven-play, 62-yard drive for North Central ends with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Lehnen to junior receiver Myles Walton. Ryniec adds the extra point to put the Cardinals ahead 14-0.

Watch The Opening Score From The North Central-Susquehanna Division III National Semifinal 

Luke Lehnen connects with Jacob Paradee. Cardinals lead 7-0.

NORTH CENTRAL STRIKES FIRST🤩

Luke Lehnen completes the pass to Jacob Paradee to put @NCC_Athletics on the board early in the first.

📺 https://t.co/nxoQHxg1Wb#WhyD3 | #D3fb pic.twitter.com/7MBxFquxG0

— NCAA Division III (@NCAADIII) December 21, 2024

North Central Scores First On 50-Yard Touchdown Pass, Cardinals Lead 7-0

Graduate quarterback Luke Lehnen completes his first pass of the day, and it's a 50-yard touchdown strike to graduate receiver Jacob Paradee.

This is Lehnen's record 58th consecutive game with a touchdown pass.

Sophomore kicker Sean Ryniec adds the extra point to put North Central ahead 7-0.

Susquehanna And North Central Football Underway In Illinois

North Central wins the coin toss and elects to receive the ball to start the game in Naperville, Illinois. 

When Is The Susquehanna Vs. North Central College Football Game?

The Susquehanna River Hawks will take on the North Central College Cardinals at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium in Naperville, Illinois, on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 3:30 p.m. Eastern.

How To Watch The Susquehanna Vs. North Central College Football Game

The Susquehanna vs. North Central playoff football game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

Highlights, breaking news and full coverage of the Division III playoffs will be available on FloFootball. 

Fast Fact: Susquehanna Football

The Susquehanna River Hawks picked up the program’s 500th win this season, a 48-21 win over Wilkes on Oct. 26.

Fast Fact: North Central Football

North Central has outscored its opponents this season 681-152. The Cardinals have score 50 or more points in six of 13 games. The only time they scored less than 40 points was in last week’s quarterfinal win over Springfield (27).

Susquehanna Can Break Things Open

In their 66-21 win against Juniata College on Oct. 19, the Susquehanna River Hawks had three touchdowns of more than 90 yards. That’s INSANE!

One Game ➡️ Three 90+ Yard Scores

Unreal performance from the No. 8 River Hawks in their 66-21 win over Juniata.

🔸 Rahshan La Mons 96-yard run
🔸 Matt Surtz 95-yard run
🔸 Kyle Howes 90-yard kickoff return#LandmarkFB | @LandmarkConf | @SURiverHawksFB | @GOSusqU pic.twitter.com/GUOld9ST0X

— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) October 21, 2024

North Central College Shines In CCIW

North Central dominated in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin this year, ran unbeaten through conference play for the fourth consecutive time, swept the CCIW’s major awards and landed a record-tying 19 players on the All-CCIW teams.

After closing out a fourth straight @CCIW_Athletics title, @football_ncc has claimed a record-tying 19 All-CCIW selections including each of the conference's major individual awards.

The full list: https://t.co/EOkLKist80#WeAreNC #d3fb 🏈 pic.twitter.com/msGl0UWh1J

— NCC Cardinals (@NCC_Athletics) November 19, 2024

About Susquehanna Football

This is the 125th season of Susquehanna football, which began in 1892, but it’s only the sixth playoff appearance for the River Hawks, who finished the regular season ranked No. 6 in the AFCA Division III Coaches Poll.

The team’s recent surge of success has resulted in four 10-win performances in the last five seasons (51 wins overall), back-to-back championships in the new Landmark Conference and now three consecutive trips to the Division III Playoffs. 

This year’s goal, however, is to continue taking advantage of the new postseason format and a first-round bye. 

In 2022 and 2023, Susquehanna entered the postseason undefeated (10-0 both times), only to be bounced from the first round of the playoffs.

Perseverance paid off this year, and the River Hawks got to skip the dreaded first round. Now, they’re making their first semifinal appearance since 1991 and are playing for their first trip to the championship game.

In previous postseason action, Susquehanna is 6-5. The River Hawks reached the playoffs in 1986 (1-1), 1991 (2-1), 2009 (0-1), 2022 (0-1), 2023 (0-1) and now 2024 (3-0).

This year, the River Hawks have averaged 45.54 points (10th in Division III) and 511.4 total yards (third in Division III) per game.

Susquehanna is led by quarterback Josh Ehrlich, who became the program’s first QB with at least 3,000 passing yards in a season and at least 30 touchdown passes in a season. 

Running back Rahshan La Mons tops the Landmark Conference rushing list with an average of 121.4 yards per game and nearly 1,600 yards for the season. 

How To Watch Susquehanna Football Games

Landmark Conference and Susquehanna football regular-season home games stream live on FloFootball and the FloSports app.

Game replays, highlights and breaking news are posted on both platforms.

See What They’re Saying In Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, About The River Hawks 

The Susquehanna River Hawks are off to the national semifinals for the first time since 1991. See what they’re saying in Selinsgrove after their quarterfinal win and heading into the semis.

FB | 𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿.

🆚 North Central
🏟️ Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium
📍 Naperville, Illinois
🖥 https://t.co/bu4T9UUtkp
📈 https://t.co/HcAckZhUm3@LandmarkConf x @SURiverHawksFB x @NCAADIII #ALLIN x #GOSUSQU x https://t.co/3RRcBT0VrN x #d3fb pic.twitter.com/WdaIGVgEMt

— Susquehanna Athletics (@GOSusqU) December 15, 2024

About North Central College Football

North Central has been the No. 1 team in the last 32 AFCA regular-season polls and played for the national championship in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023, winning in 2019 and 2022.

Oh, and the Cardinals own a 36-game home winning streak that began in 2018.

In the Division III Playoffs, North Central is 34-13 overall and 22-4 at home. 

Last week, also at home, the Cardinals held the top rushing offense in Division III football this year, Springfield College, to 227 rushing yards and just a single field goal in a 27-3 victory. 

The Pride entered the game averaging 443 rushing yards per game, more than 100 ahead of Salisbury (318+) and North Central (307).

This season, graduate quarterback Luke Lehnen was named the D3football.com Region 5 Offensive Player of the Year, CCIW Offensive Student-Athlete of the Year and the Associated Press Division III National Offensive Player of the Year.

On Dec. 19, he was announced as one of five finalists for the 2024 Gagliardi Trophy, the top individual award in Division III football. He won the award in 2023 after starting all 15 games for the Cardinals. The 2024 winner will be announced on D3football.com on Jan. 3.

He also became the all-division leader in career touchdowns responsible for (203) and consecutive games with a touchdown pass (57), plus Division III career records for offensive yards (15,327) and a school record for touchdown passes (154) – all with at least a game to go. 

North Central lost last year’s Stagg Bowl to Cortland, 38-37. The Cardinals led 7-3 at halftime, and the teams combined for 41 points in the final quarter.

The Cardinals scored with 1:20 left to play in the game, but Lehnen was stopped short of the goal line on the two-point attempt. Cortland ran out the clock for the victory.

In 2022, North Central topped Mount Union for the title, 28-21. In 2021, Mary Hardin-Baylor bested the Cardinals, 57-24. In 2019, North Central defeated Wisconsin-Whitewater, 41-14.

It Was A Big Year For North Central Quarterback Luke Lehnen

Among the awards and accolades North Central quarterback Luke Lehnen collected this season was the inaugural Associated Press NCAA Division III National Offensive Player of the Year. 

Luke Lehnen is the inaugural Associated Press @NCAADIII National Offensive Player of the Year. Luke is joined on the AP All-America Teams by Sam Pryor & Jeske Maples.

📄https://t.co/ekwlkZ3DRn#WeAreNC | @football_ncc | #d3fb pic.twitter.com/9XztcXznJw

— NCC Cardinals (@NCC_Athletics) December 19, 2024

Susquehanna Football Schedule 2024

• Sept. 6: Susquehanna 41, Bridgewater College 7 (W)
• Sept. 14: Susquehanna 27, SUNY Brockport 21 (W)
• Sept. 21: SUNY Cortland 40, Susquehanna 38 (L)
• Sept. 28: Susquehanna 34, Western New England 21 (W)
• Oct. 5: Susquehanna 48, Catholic University 14 (W)
• Oct. 12: Susquehanna 79, Keystone College 6 (W)
• Oct. 19: Susquehanna 66, Juniata College 21 (W)
• Oct. 26: Susquehanna 48, Wilkes University 21 (W)
• Nov. 2: Susquehanna 49, Moravian University 34 (W)
• Nov. 16: Susquehanna 55, Lycoming College 7 (W)
• Nov. 30: Susquehanna 42, Hobart College 35 (W)
• Dec. 7: Susquehanna 41, Saint John’s University (Minn.) 38 (W)
• Dev. 14: Susquehanna 24, Bethel University 21 (W)
• Dec.21: at North Central, 3:30 p.m. EST (ESPN+)

North Central College Schedule 2024

• Sept 14: North Central 48, Aurora University 21 (W)
• Sept. 21: North Central 63, Carthage College 0 (W)
• Sept. 28: North Central 49, Washington University in St. Louis 9 (W)
• Oct. 5: North Central 55, Wheaton College 27 (W)
• Oct. 12: North Central 70, Millikin University 14 (W)
• Oct. 19: North Central 69, North Park University 0 (W)
• Oct. 26: North Central 49, Augustana College 10 (W)
• Nov. 2: North Central 56, Carroll University 3 (W)
• Nov. 9: North Central 70, Elmhurst University 7 (W)
• Nov. 16: North Central 42, Illinois Wesleyan University 20 (W)
• Nov. 30: North Central 42, Whitworth University 17 (W)
• Dec. 7: North Central 41, Hope College 21 (W)
• Dec. 14: North Central 27, Springfield College 3 (W)
• Dec.7: vs. Susquehanna, 3:30 p.m. EST (ESPN+)

Susquehanna Football Roster For 2024

Here is where fans can find the Susquehanna football roster.

North Central Football Roster For 2024

Here is where fans can find the North Central football roster.

When Are The NCAA Division III Football Playoffs?

• First round: Saturday, Nov. 23
• Second round: Saturday, Nov. 30 
• Third Round: Saturday, Dec. 7 
• Quarterfinals: Saturday, Dec. 14
• Semifinals: Saturday, Dec. 21
• National championship: Sunday, Jan. 5

When Is The NCAA Division III Championship Game?

The NCAA Division III championship game (Stagg Bowl) is set for Sunday, Jan. 5 at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston.

NCAA Division III Football Playoff Schedule

First Round: Saturday, Nov. 23

• Endicott 44, Alfred State 0
• Maryville (Tenn.) 20, Berry 16
• King’s (Pa.) 32, Ursinus 29
• John Carroll 52, Mount St. Joseph 7
• Wisconsin-La Crosse 59, Northwestern-St. Paul 14
• Bethel (Minn.) 31, Coe 26
• Mary Hardin-Baylor 29, Trinity (Texas) 22
• Whitworth 21, Pomona-Pitzer 13

Second Round: Saturday, Nov. 30

• Mount Union 42, John Carroll 7 
• Salisbury 33, King’s (Pa.) 13 
• Hope 49, Aurora 21 
• Susquehanna 42, Hobart 35 
• DePauw 45, Maryville (Tenn.) 20
• Randolph-Macon 38, Washington & Jefferson 22 
• Johns Hopkins 17, Grove City 14 
• Springfield 54, UMass Dartmouth 27 
• Carnegie Mellon 24, Centre 15
• Bethel (Minn.) 48, Lake Forest 21 
• Saint John’s (Minn) 24, Wisconsin-La Crosse 13 
• North Central (Ill.) 42, Whitworth 17  
• Mary Hardin-Baylor 17, Hardin-Simmons 13 
• Cortland 17, Endicott 9 
• Wartburg 19, Wisconsin-Platteville 14 
• Linfield 65, Texas Lutheran 3 

Third Round: Saturday, Dec. 7

• Springfield 48, Cortland 28
• Johns Hopkins 14, DePauw 9
• Salisbury 35, Randolph-Macon 14
• Mount Union 24, Carnegie Mellon 19 
• Bethel (Minn.) 24, Wartburg 14
• North Central (Ill.) 41, Hope 21
• Susquehanna 41, Saint John's (Minn.) 38
• Mary Hardin-Baylor 28, Linfield 18

Quarterfinals: Saturday, Dec. 14

• Susquehanna 24, Bethel (Minn.) 21
• Johns Hopkins 17, Mary Hardin-Baylor 10
• Mount Union 38, Salisbury 17
• North Central (Ill.) 27, Springfield 3

Semifinals: Saturday, Dec. 21

• Johns Hopkins at Mount Union, noon Eastern
• Susquehanna at North Central (Ill.), 3:30 p.m. Eastern

AFCA NCAA Division III Football Rankings After Week 11

1. North Central (Ill.) (38) 10-0
2. Cortland (N.Y.) (11) 10-0
3. Mount Union (Ohio) (1) 10-0
4. St. John’s (Minn.) 10-0
5. Hardin-Simmons (Tex.) 10-0
6. Susquehanna (Pa.) 9-1
7. Salisbury (Md.) 10-0
8. DePauw (Ind.) 10-0
9. Wisconsin-Platteville 9-1
10. Wartburg (Iowa) 9-1
11. Endicott (Mass.) 9-1
12. Linfield (Ore.) 9-1
13. Aurora (Ill.) 9-1
14. Hope (Mich.) 10-0
15. Carnegie Mellon (Pa.) 9-1
16. Grove City (Pa.) 9-1
17. Johns Hopkins (Md.) 9-1
18. Washington & Jefferson (Pa.) 9-1
19. Springfield (Mass.) 10-0
20. Wisconsin-La Crosse 7-3
21. Randolph-Macon (Va.) 9-1
22. Wisconsin-Oshkosh 6-3
23. Lake Forest (Ill.) 10-0
24. Coe (Iowa) 9-1
25. Wisconsin-River Falls 7-3

Dropped Out: Wisconsin-Oshkosh (23), Marietta (Ohio) (24)

Others Receiving Votes: Wheaton (Ill.), 75; Bethel (Minn.), 71; Wisconsin-Oshkosh, 40; John Carroll (Ohio), 35; Wisconsin-Whitewater, 35; Hobart (N.Y.), 28; Ursinus (Pa.), 21; Wisconsin-Stout, 18; Wabash (Ind.), 12; Berry (Ga.), 12; Mary Hardin-Baylor (Tex.), 10; Alma (Mich.), 4; Marietta (Ohio), 3; Massachusetts-Dartmouth, 3; Maryville (Tenn.), 1; Texas Lutheran, 1.

To see the D3football.com Top 25 through games on Nov. 16, click here.

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