WAUKESHA, Wis. - The Carroll University football team lost to No.-10 ranked North Central College 60-21 in a cold, blustery College Conference of Illinois-Wisconsin game at Schneider Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
It was the sixth consecutive loss for Carroll, which dropped to 1-5 in the conference standings and 1-7 overall.
North Central, which won its second straight to improve to 5-1 in league and 7-1 overall, outscored the Pioneers 34-7 in the opening half by scoring on 5 of its 6 drives - including what became a decisive 20-7 margin in the second quarter.
Sophomore quarterback Broc Rutter completed 12 of 14 passes for 233 yards and four touchdowns for the high-octane Cardinals, who amassed 24 first downs and 562 yards of total offense.
Senior running back Austin Breunig rushed 21 times for 168 yards and two touchdowns for North Central, which converted on all seven of its red zone opportunities and 8 of 9 times on third down. Sophomore running back Zane Lodico following with 11 carries for 108 yards and two touchdowns.
Junior quarterback Colton Bahling  (Belvidere, Ill.) completed 22 of 35 passes for 212 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions in leading the Carroll offense, which generated 13 first downs and 216 total yards (highlighted by scoring drives of 30, 74 and 75 yards).
Bahling, who was under fire and sacked seven times, utilized seven receivers while connecting on TD passes of 5, 8 and 33 yards.
"It all comes down to learning from each play and trying to improve every time we step on the field," said Bahling, who has completed 207 passes for 1,456 yards and 13 touchdowns with seven interceptions in seven starts this season. "Facing a team that was ranked No. 10 in the country and potentially challenging for a national championship, it was a tough test and an experience that will only help in our progression. We were able to put together some tough, long scoring drives that should act as a good confidence builder. Every team in the CCIW is tough but the combination of their front four and linebackers took it to a whole different level. We were going against the best of the best and that will only help to make us better. Offensively, we grew a lot as a team today and will take a lot away from the experience."
Senior wide receiver  Brandon Ehrke (Deerfield, Wis.) contributed an individual season-high nine catches for 115 yards and two touchdowns for the Pioneers, who were successful on both of their red-zone chances but struggled by converting only 4 of 14 times on third down. 
Ehrke, who earned CCIW all-conference honors last year, has hauled in 38 catches for 690 yards and six touchdowns.
Junior tight end David Meza (Berlin, Wis.) had a season-best five catches for 45 yards and his first TD of the season.
Junior linebacker Luke Wood (Potterville, Mich.) recorded a team-high 11 tackles and junior defensive tackle Sam Nelson (Eagle, Wis.) had 10 tackles for the Pioneer defense. Senior defensive tackle Ethan Molisee (Brookfield, Wis.) followed with nine tackles, a sack and fumble recovery. 
Junior defensive back Linzy Hudson (Milwaukee, Wis.) blocked two extra points.
"We came out and played with a lot of heart against a very good football team," said Carroll head coach Mark Krzykowski, whose team has scored 20 or more points five times this season. "Even though we trailed at halftime, the guys came out in the second half, continued to make plays and fought hard each step of the way. Unfortunately, we didn't make enough of them throughout the day.
"We make no excuses and give all the credit to our opponents for being able to get the job done. That said, we have a very good, talented team and continue to make steady strides in the right direction. From a coaching standpoint, nobody likes to take baby steps but we realize its all about progression and have a lot of positives to build on. Losing is never fun so its all about keeping things in perspective, remaining focused on improving every day and patiently working through it. I am very proud of the ongoing effort and commitment to the program."