Coe makes D-III football playoff field

The Coe Kohawks were selected Sunday as an at-large entrant to the NCAA Division III football playoffs and will play at Wheaton College in suburban Chicago in a first-round game Saturday at noon.

Coe (9-1) is in the playoffs for a second-consecutive season. Iowa Conference champion Wartburg (10-0) also is in the field, hosting Bethel, Minn. (9-1) in a first-round game. The winners of these two games play each other in the second round Nov.27.

Coe's lone loss this season is to Wartburg. The Kohawks advanced to the second round of the D-III playoffs last season, beating St. John's (Minn.) and losing to St. Thomas (Minn.).

Wheaton (9-1) lost to North Central (Ill.) two weeks ago, 28-6. The Thunder won three games this season by seven points or less and also has other victories of 10 and 11 points. Quarterback Jordan Roberts threw for 1,256 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Quarterback Brad Boyle has thrown for 2,704 yards and 23 touchdowns for Coe. He also has 17 rushing TDs. Running back Brendan Leiran rushed for 1,179 yards and nine scores.

Wartburg has a strong defense that has allowed just 11.4 points per game. Quarterback Dan Steifel has thrown for 1,886 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Bethel's loss was 10-6 to unbeaten St. Thomas. The Royals beat Simpson of the Iowa Conference to open their season, 34-12. Wartburg beat Simpson on Saturday, 27-14.

Here is the entire D-III playoff bracket. Wisconsin-Whitewater and Mount Union have met in the championship game the last five years.

Football Bracket 2010