College Football rivalries are some of the most exciting times in sports. You could argue that Michigan vs. Ohio State or Alabama vs. Auburn are the best rivalries at the Division one level. But to most folks around the country, the Battle for the Little Brass Bell might not be well known, but to the people of North Central College and Wheaton College, this rivalry means everything. From Conference stakes to playoff chances, both teams put up a championship fight in order to attain or retain the Bell.
The rivalry started off in 1946 with the prize being the Little Brass Bell. The Bell represents a symbol of history and respect between the two institutions. The last two years Wheaton had possession of the Bell, and for North Central College Football players, that doesn't sit too well for us. We know where the Bell truly belongs, we understood that Wheaton wasn't just going to hand it over. All it takes in a game like this is who makes less mistakes and overcomes adversity more. For the last seven years or so, the winner of this rivalry has won conference and advanced to the playoffs, sending the other one home empty-handed. One team could be undefeated, the other winless, and vice versa, but no matter what this rivalry is one of the best games for the D3 Football world every year.
This year the rivalry was one of the most intense games I have ever been apart of. Coming into the game both North Central and Wheaton were ranked nationally in the top 10, with the hopes of knocking each other off to climb the rankings. Tensions were high, it was an insanely beautiful night for Football, and there wasn't much more you could ask for. Early on we were dominating the game, consistently driving down the field and getting stops on defense when we needed them. It wasn't until the 2nd quarter when things really started going our way. After a 14-3 lead, yours truly kicked a field goal while everyone did their job, and a magnificent punt return right before the half really got us going. Once the second half started, Wheaton was playing very good football and at one point was within six points, but with toughness and never giving up, we made it a two-score game. However, Wheaton struck quickly and made it a one-score game. Clock management and moving the ball down the field efficiently gave me the chance to do something I've never done before.
I couldn't exactly remember what I was thinking or what was going through my head at that moment. I don't think I worried so much about the consequence of a missed kick, it was simply do my 1/11. We, as a field goal unit, prepared for that particular situation I don't know how many times, too many to count probably. Snap, hold, kick, boom! We made it a two-score game with two minutes left in the game. I know I was going insane, so were my teammates and coaches. I was well aware of what Wheaton would do, create a hostile environment and try to mess us up in that moment.
Never have I been involved in a game as big as this one. What this team went through, to keep chopping and not exactly rise to the occasion, but fall back on our training. We still have our goals in mind, and we plan to continue the mission we set out. Winning the Little Brass Bell was all for those who played before us, coached, and just general alumni of North Central College. The great thing about this rivalry is that it's a relatively healthy one. Once the game is over, both teams show each other respect and wish the best down the road. I can't wait for next year's game, I promise it'll be an exciting one.
