On Oct. 31, the Cardinals hosted the Carthage Firebirds at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium, that resulted in a 55-3 win for NCC.
The Cardinals delivered a dominant performance on both sides of the football. NCC broke a defensive school record, as they only allowed Carthage’s offense to accumulate 61 total yards. The Cardinals gained early control and were able to maintain their drive throughout the entire game.
Before the game, the Cardinals honored all 25 of their seniors. Senior linebacker, Philip Carlton explains that he is “eternally grateful for having the opportunity to play here, [he]can’t imagine playing anywhere else.” The player-to-player bonds and connections encourage them to play for each other, which is the cause of so much success coming from this team.
Head coach for the Cardinals, Brad Spencer says, since it was a special day honoring the senior players, the entire team had “a little bit extra in the tank” which assisted the Cardinals in defeating the Firebirds.
Within the first 5 minutes of the game, kicker Sean Ryniec opened the scoring with a 20-yard field goal, giving the Cardinals an early 3-point lead. That lead was extended to 17, courtesy of touchdowns from Garret Wilson and Zebulon Rashid. Following this, NCC fans were treated as junior running back Duke Guenther found the endzone back-to-back, and a 35-yard field goal from Ryniec, giving the Cardinals a huge lead over the Firebirds.
Key to success
Going into the half time, NCC was up 34-0. When asked how the team keeps that early drive going with a lead that large, Spencer says “it goes back to not playing the score board. Playing each play the best you can to your standards and you know, trying to play for each other.” Spencer and the Cardinals focused on each play one by one, figuring out how to maintain their success and drive throughout the entirety of the game.
Early in the third quarter, Wilson threw a deep ball 44 yards to David Ballard III. Shortly following, Senior running back, Jordan Williams found his way to the endzone for the fifth touchdown of the day. Senior kicker Dom Scalera successfully got the point after touchdown, extending the lead 41-0. As a result of the Cardinal defense, the Firebirds were held back on their touchdown attempts and were only able to complete a field goal. Senior Galashky Blaise had a 29-yard rush, with another good kick from Scalera, gaining seven extra points for the Cards. Late in the third, quarterback Kellen Davis rushed to the end zone for the final touchdown of the game, extending the lead to 52. In the fourth quarter, the NCC defense was able to hold the Firebirds back from scoring.
Cardinal defense
Honorable defensive men from this game include Matt Janiak, Philip Carlton and Bobby Medina. Janiak was named CCIW defensive player of the week with eight tackles, and one tackle for loss of yards. Carlton was right behind him with five tackles, and one for a loss of yards. Medina closes off the game leaders with four tackles and a QB sack.
Bobby Medina and Philip Carlton dominating on defense. [Photo by Camryn Knuth/NCC Chronicle.]
David Ballard III during his 171 receiving yard game. [Photo by Camryn Knuth/NCC Chronicle.]
