It’s another tall task today for the Central College football team, as the 23rd-ranked Dutch are in suburban Chicago to take on #3 Wheaton in the second round of the NCAA Division III Playoffs.

Central advanced with a 38-37 overtime win over Wisconsin-Oshkosh one week ago.  Meanwhile, the Thunder rolled past Martin Luther (MN) 51-7 to earn another home game today.

Wheaton is the number one defense in the country, both in terms of yards allowed (180.6) and points (6.3).  Central Coach Jeff McMartin says his record-setting offense will have their hands full today.

“It’s going to be important that we execute well.  We’re going to need to protect well, and our receivers are going to need to get open against tough cover guys.  We also have to keep a balance. Don’t make it every down passes, and when we do run, we have to make it effective.”

Wheaton will also challenge the Central defense, as the Thunder rank eighth in the country in points per game (48.1).  They’re 11-0 overall, while Central is 10-1. It’s the 18th time the Dutch have reached double digit victories in a season.

Kickoff today is at 12:00 from McCully Stadium in Wheaton, Illinois.  Trevor Castle and Don DeWaard will have the call on 92.1 KRLS, beginning with pregame coverage at 11:30, immediately following the Knoxville HyVee Radio Coaches Corner.