WAVERLY, Iowa – The 2023 American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) champion, No. 3/3-ranked Wartburg College Knights (13-1 overall, 8-0 A-R-C), fell just short of making an appearance in this year’s NCAA Division III Football Championship. The No. 1/1-ranked North Central College (14-0 overall, 9-0 CCIW) defeated the Knights 34-27 in a hard-fought battle at Walston-Hoover Stadium in Waverly, Iowa this afternoon. The Wartburg Knights incredible season comes to an end with an overall record of 13-1 record in the national semifinals. 
 
The Knights pushed the Cardinals further than any team has this season, but just came up short in advancing to the final weekend of the Division III football season. Although going down 20-0 early, Wartburg fought their way back into the game, finally taking a 27-26 lead with 12:17 remaining in the game. North Central jumped back up 34-27 with just over five minutes to play, and that ultimately was enough to seal the win. 
 
Nile McLaughlin went 27-for-49 on the afternoon for 234 yards, tossing two touchdowns. Hunter Clasen, on 25 rushing attempts, rushed for 131 yards and two touchdowns. Drake George came up big for the Knights when they needed him gaining 50 yards on seven receptions. Thor Maakestad found the endzone once, adding three receptions for 31 yards. Owen Grover led the defensive front with ten solo tackles. 
 
North Central will now face No. 11 SUNY Cortland in the national championship game on Friday, December 15 in Salem, Virginia on ESPNU. 
 
The Wartburg Knights made the playoffs for the 16th time in program history (1982-93-94-99-2002-03-04-08-10-13-14-17-18-19-22-23). Wartburg has had back-to-back magical postseason runs end in the national semifinals. Wartburg has an all-time record of 20-16 in their playoff appearances.