NAPERVILLE, Ill. -- The Augustana Vikings football team fell in their final game of the 2022 season on Saturday, defeated by the No. 1 ranked North Central Cardinals by a final of 63-3.

Augustana struck first in the game, capping off an eight-play, 66-yard opening drive with a 26-yard field goal from Sidney Maroon. The Viking defense held a strong on their first possession, forcing a turnover on downs after stopping the Cardinals on a fourth down try that gave the ball back to Augustana inside the North Central red zone The Cardinals grabbed the ball right back with an interception in their own end zone, but another stop from the Vikings defense flipped possession in their favor once again after forcing a punt. This time, an Augie turnover resulted in points for the home team as North Central secured the first of three straight first-quarter touchdowns. The Cardinals led 21-3 after one quarter of action.

North Central mirrored their production in the second, posting three more touchdowns for a 42-3 lead halftime advantage. The Cardinals added 14 in the third and seven in the fourth to complete the 63-3 victory.

Jacob Brooks had 43 yards on the ground to lead the Vikings' running game, while Craig Shelton was the top pass catcher with four receptions for 49 yards. Michael Hudson led the Vikings with six tackles on defense, followed by five apiece from Hugh Keany and Conner Waite.

With the loss, the Vikings finish their 2022 campaign with a 5-5 record and 4-5 mark in the CCIW.