CANTON, Ohio — Taking over as North Central College’s starting running back this season, Donovan McNeal caught some people by surprise.
Nationally, fans didn’t know McNeal, who got the majority of his work late in blowout wins as a freshman last year.
The Warren graduate is no longer a mystery.
“I run the ball like everyone knows who I am,” McNeal said. “I really tune that out and just play my game, keep on focusing on the next play.”
McNeal set the tone early Sunday night at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium as the Cardinals tried to win their fourth NCAA Division III national title in their sixth straight appearance in the Stagg Bowl. His 48-yard touchdown run two minutes into the game provided a fast start against Wisconsin-River Falls, and he added a 1-yard touchdown run, as well.
That was the extent of NCC’s scoring, however. Three turnovers limited the Cardinals, and Wisconsin-River Falls took advantage to win 24-14 and secure its first title.
McNeal finished with 133 yards on 23 carries for NCC (14-1), which was the defending national champion. Sophomore quarterback Garret Wilson completed 18 of 28 passes for 194 yards but threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. Senior wide receivers Jack Rummell, who is from Hampshire, and Thomas Skokna, a Hinsdale Central graduate, each had five catches against the Falcons (14-1).
McNeal was ready for a strong start.
“We’ve just been practicing that all week,” he said. “They had the same look we were practicing against. Coach was telling me all week, as soon as I see a hole, take it. Don’t hesitate
“I kind of blacked out. It was kind of a surreal feeling.”
McNeal has impressed NCC coach Brad Spencer, who has a 58-2 record in his four seasons since succeeding Jeff Thorne, who died Dec. 9.
“We had some great momentum going,” Spencer said. “Donovan has had a great sophomore year. There are a lot of young pieces on that offense, and I thought they did a great job holding their own.
“Donny is a great player, terrific young man. Very proud of him.”
The Cardinals led 14-3 after McNeal’s two touchdowns and could have had more. NCC forced a three-and-out following McNeal’s first score and drove inside the Falcons’ 10-yard line. But Wilson lost a fumble.
After Gagliardi Trophy winner Kaleb Blaha connected with Blake Rohrer on a 13-yard scoring play to pull the Falcons within 14-10, NCC knocked on the door again in the final seconds of the first half. But Wilson threw an interception in the end zone as time expired.
“We have to keep fighting no matter what kind of adversity we went through,” McNeal said. “We talked about it all week. They’re going to have explosives. We’re going to have explosives. Just keep fighting through it.
“Unfortunately, our mistakes came back and bit us. Hopefully we can correct that in the future and get back here next year.”
The Falcons took the lead for good on Blaha’s 7-yard touchdown run with 2:51 left in the third quarter. Wilson threw his second interception in the fourth quarter, and Blaha scored on a 12-yard run on the next play to put the game away.
“You can’t turn the ball over that much and expect to win a football game,” Skokna said. “I’ve got to do a better job as the offensive captain getting our guys better prepared, leading them better throughout the game.”
The Cardinals fell short of another national title but know their future at running back is secure.
“I just needed the opportunity,” McNeal said. “I don’t think any moment is too big for me. Just the coaches trusting me gives me a lot of confidence.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter.
