HIGH FIVE: Chaps roll to fifth straight NJCAA Championship

GLEN ELLYN, ILL. - The College of DuPage's run of dominance since the NJCAA created a Division III in football in 2021 continues after the Chaparrals defeated North Dakota College of Science by a 36-13 final in the national title game to secure the program's fifth straight championship. Playing on their home turf, the Chaps used a 22-point second quarter to take control of the game. Sophomore linebacker Cole Hamilton was named the game's Most Valuable Player, while Matthew Rahn earned Coach of the Championship honors. (Recaps: NJCAA | DuPage)

Trailing 7-0 in the second quarter, the nation's top-ranked team went to work with an eight-play, 81-yard drive that ended with a ten-yard Justin Bland touchdown pass to Ty Carlson and a two-point conversion for an 8-7 lead. Midway through the quarter, running back Askia Bullie ran six yards to pay dirt for a 15-7 advantage. The game's biggest play may have come right before the half when COD completed a trick play for a five-yard score as Bullie completed a pass to Bland to make it 22-7 at the half.

In the third quarter, NDSCS narrowed the game with a touchdown, but failed on their two-point conversion to remain down 22-13. Back on defense in the fourth quarter, the Chaparrals came through with a crucial turnover on an interception to led to a one-yard AJ Moore run to the end zone. Bullie capped the scoring with another touchdown throw in the final minutes, this time going 25 yards to Dontay Fort to make it 36-13.

Bland completed 14 of 23 passes for 182 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, while also catching one touchdown pass. Moore led the rushing attack with 77 yards and a touchdown. Bullie ran for 25 yards and one score, completed all four of his pass attempts for 45 yards and two touchdowns, and also caught two passes for 17 yards. Daion Gaston had three catches for 77 yards, with Carlson reeling in four catches for 27 yards and a score.

In all, the COD offense produced 363 yards, including 227 through the air and 136 on the ground. The defense limited NDSCS to 280 yards of total offense, with 146 via the pass and 134 in the run game. Hamilton racked up a dozen tackles, one sack, and 1.5 tackles for loss. Jayden Lambert and Jimmy Lacy each had an interception.

The College of DuPage's five consecutive national titles ties North Dakota State University for the longest run of championship in all levels of collegiate football, as the Bison won five in a row in FCS from 2011-2015. The national championship is also the 50th NJCAA title won by the College of DuPage.

Most Valuable Player
Cole Hamilton, LB, So - College of DuPage

Coach of the Championship
Matthew Rahn - College of DuPage

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