CHICAGO — The Carthage College football team dropped a close College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) matchup to North Park 14-10 on Saturday afternoon at Holmgren Athletic Complex.

• Final Score: North Park 14 – Carthage 10
• Location: Chicago, Illinois – Holmgren Athletic Complex
• Records: North Park 4-5 (3-5 CCIW), Carthage 3-5 (2-5 CCIW)

• Carthage struck first early in the second quarter when Mugdim Kreho converted a 29-yard field goal to give the Firebirds a 3-0 advantage.
• North Park responded on the following drive, returning an interception 59 yards for a touchdown to move ahead 7-3.
• Late in the half, the Firebirds regained the lead when Easton Heafner connected with Gavin Betts on an 11-yard touchdown pass, sending Carthage into the break with a 10-7 edge.
• After a scoreless third quarter, North Park put together the game-winning drive midway through the fourth, capping a 92-yard possession with a three-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-10 with under two minutes remaining.
• Carthage's last drive of the game ended with a fourth down sack sealing the victory for the Vikings. 

• Easton Heafner went 22-for-39 through the air for 193 yards and a touchdown.
• Gavin Betts caught eight passes for 60 yards and the Firebirds' lone touchdown.
• Mark Hunter led the rushing attack with 61 yards on eight carries, including a 39-yard burst.
• Collin Durian added four catches for 35 yards, while Omar Surveyor recorded a 30-yard reception.
• Ramon Campos posted five tackles and an interception for Carthage's defense.
• Idarius Walton and Jeremy Rowlett each totaled five tackles, while Briton Stanton led the team with six.
• The Firebirds outgained North Park 307-194 in total offense and controlled the ball for more than 34 minutes.

"Disappointing loss. We will continue to work and get better."

• Carthage returns home to play Augustana (Ill.) next Saturday, starting at noon.