NCC FOOTBALL FALLS TO VALLEY LUTHERAN: The Nouvel Catholic Central varsity football team lost its first game of the 2025 season, falling to crosstown TVC rival Valley Lutheran 27-20. This marks the first time that Valley Lutheran has defeated Nouvel over the eight year span of the rivalry. The lead changed hands four times during the back-and-forth battle that saw Nouvel ahead 14-7 at the half. The Panthers added another six in the third quarter while holding the Chargers scoreless. But Valley Lutheran punched back hard in the final quarter, outscoring the Panthers 20-0 for the win. With the loss, Nouvel moves to 2-1 on the season while Valley Lutheran remains undefeated at 3-0. Owen Vance led Nouvel rushers with 18 carries for 90 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Ian Ziegelmann was 18-31 through the air for 214 yards and a touchdown. Parker Kingsbury and Sean Foley were Ziegelamann’s primary targets with eight and six receptions, respectively. Seniors John Carlson (11 tackles) and Christian Lopex (10 tackles) continued to lead the defense. To see a gallery of pictures from the first half of the game. Click the collage. https://nouvelsports.com Next week, Nouvel hosts Michigan Lutheran Seminary for Homecoming 2025. The Cardinals (2-1) were edged by a strong Ithaca team 42-40 in overtime on Friday. Homecoming kickoff is at 7:00. Let’s Go Panthers!