North Central executed its rushing attack to perfection in a 49-14 win over Mary Hardin-Baylor in the NCAA Division III semifinals. As a result, the Cardinals advance to the Stagg Bowl, where they meet Mount Union at 6 p.m. Friday.

Lost the physical battle: The key to beating UMHB is to win the physical battle. Not just win but dominate the line of scrimmage and all over the field. Unfortunately, the Cru could not stop the combination of NCC quarterback Luke Lehnen and running back Ethan Greenfield.

Lehnen completed 13-of-20 passes for 174 yards and four touchdowns but did most of his damage on the ground. The sophomore routinely kept drives alive and gained large chunks of yardage en route to gaining 139 yards on the ground on 13 attempts.

The physical running attack of Greenfield complimented him. The senior powered his way to 130 yards and two touchdowns on 23 attempts.

Someone to cover Brandon Jordan: The most significant challenge opposing defenses face when meeting the Crusaders is how to cover 6-foot-6 wide receiver Brandon Jordan.

NCC used a combination of its taller defensive backs in the first half. Junior Antwain Walker, Sam Taviani, and Jahron Williams are each listed at 6-foot-1, and each had a turn against Jordan in the first half. 

Walker had the assignment for most of the second half and proceeded to shut Jordan down by being physical with the wideout and daring the officials to throw a flag. The strategy worked as Walker drew an offensive pass interference call on Jordan in the third quarter. However, Jordan became frustrated and was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty when he lost his cool in the fourth quarter.

End of an era: It’s tough to know precisely how many players will not return to UMHB next season. That’s a product of the extra year of eligibility during the CoVID-19 pandemic. But it’s safe to say the Cru will lose many key players from this team. Those players will leave as legends in the program.

Wide receiver K.J. Miller, quarterback Kyle King, safety Tommy Bowden, offensive lineman Jeffery Sims Jr., wide receiver Brandon Jordan, and kicker Anthony Avila are likely not to return. Every one of those players, among others, has written their names in the UMHB record book with their incredible collegiate careers.

Whether these men have played the last football game of their careers, it has been a pleasure to watch them play, and they deserve our appreciation for the wonderful moments they provided.