RFC Summer Semester--College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW)--(NCAA Division III)

Looking back: North Central had its best season in school history; on the football field, as the Cardinals won a program record 12 games in 2010.  Their season ended in the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Division III playoffs, losing to eventual national champion Wisconsin-Whitewater, 20-10.  The only other CCIW postseason representative was suburban Chicago archrival Wheaton.  The Thunder advanced to round two of the D-III playoffs before being defeated and eliminated by Bethel (Minn.), 15-10.

Looking ahead: Barring the unexpected, don't be surprised if both North Central and Wheaton are battling for more than just bragging rights again in 2011.

Website: http://www.cciw.org/

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. North Central (12-1):  Fresh off the best season in school history, the Cardinals begin the 2011 season ranked at No. 7 by the Sporting News.  They were also ranked 17th by Lindy's Sports magazine.  As for this year's schedule, their pre-conference games include a season opening trip to southern California to face Redlands on September 3, followed by their home opener against NAIA Bethel (Tenn.) a week later.

2.  Wheaton (10-2):  The Thunder hope to win their first CCIW championship since 2006, when it won a three-way share of the crown.  Head Coach Mike Swider enters his 16th season at Wheaton trying to lead that program to its seventh playoff appearance under his direction.  The Thunder travel to Naperville to face North Central in the next-to-last game of the 2011 season, on November 5.


3. Illinois Wesleyan (7-3):  The Titans hope to return to the NCAA playoffs after slipping to a 4-3 mark in CCIW action last season.  


4. Augustana (Ill.)--(6-4):  The Vikings hope to be serious CCIW title contenders under new head coach Rob Cushman. 


5. Elmhurst (6-4):  The Blue Jays got off to a fast 4-0 start in 2010, but faltered down the stretch, losing four of their final six games.  Their last conference title came in 1980. 


6. Carthage (6-4):  The Red Men finished the 2010 season with a 3-4 league mark.


7. Millikin (4-6):  The Big Blue will play three straight road games to open the 2011 season.  Their home opener won't be until October 1, against Augustana (Ill.).


8. North Park (2-8):  The Vikings face an uphill battle after ending the 2010 season with seven straight losses.