Spring break for colleges across America is still a few months away but the John Carroll football team is a getting a break nonetheless.
So is the Blue Streaks’ opponent Berry on Dec. 13 in an NCAA Division III quarterfinal showdown for a spot in the national semifinal round.
When JCU upset No. 1 seed Mount Union on Dec. 6, there wasn’t joy for Berry coach Tony Kunczewski because the 13-time national champ Purple Raiders were eliminated. It was because his team did not have to make the trek to Northeast Ohio to play in what will be frigid conditions this weekend.
“It would be a big disadvantage for us,” Kunczewski told The News-Herald in a phone interview. “(Playing at Berry) will be great for both teams.”
Indeed, it will. It might feel like an early spring break for the Blue Streaks with temperatures in Mount Berry, Ga., expected to be in the high 50s – and maybe into the 60s – and partly sunny.
.@JCUFootball QB @nick_semp and WR @TyMontgomery_4 on playing this weekend for a spot in the NCAA D3 semifinal round at Berry, where the temperature in Georgia is expected to partly sunny and in the high 50s. @jcusports @NHPreps @d3football pic.twitter.com/aRlVEF76un
— Mark Podolski (@mpodo) December 11, 2025
For JCU quarterback Nick Semptimphelter that means he won’t need to pack the scuba suit he wore under his uniform in Alliance last week to stay insulated.
That could also mean the Blue Streaks’ offense – especially the passing attack led by Semptimphelter, All-America wide receiver Ty Montgomery, tight Kenny Rawls and the other wideout Shane Lindstrom – could get a boost thanks to a break in the conditions.
To say Semptimphelter and Co. are excited about that would be an understatement, considering the brutal conditions in Alliance last week.
“I think it’s going to be excellent,” said Montgomery, who on Dec. 10 was named an All-America selection and has 100 catches for 1,266 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. “In my eyes, I see it as a blessing that we get to go down there to 60-degree weather at this late in the season.”
Semtimphelter admitted that playing in brutal conditions during a 42-7 loss to Mount Union in the 2024 playoffs affected him. For this season’s playoffs, the idea to wear a scuba suit came from offensive coordinator Travis James. Needless to say, Semtimphelter’s scuba suit will be staying behind for the trip south.
“It’s big,” the JCU QB said about the weather break. “It’s not easy playing in the conditions we played in the last couple of weeks. We’re excited. (It’s) not playoff weather for Cleveland but we’re just excited to keep playing and keep on trying to win games.”
Berry was the Southern Athletic Association champion this season and, like JCU, is 11-1 heading into Dec. 13. The Vikings’ football program has been in existence for just 13 seasons but under Kunczewski — a Western Pennsylvania native who has ties to Northeast Ohio while working in real estate before entering the coaching ranks — Berry has made the NCAA D-III playoffs five times.
The program has never advanced to the Round of 8, so this is new territory. JCU’s football program has more than 100 years of history. This is third time it has played in an NCAA quarterfinal.
The Blue Streaks are 2-1 in their history in Round of 8 games. In 2002, JCU defeated Brockport on the road in overtime, 16-10, to advance to the semifinal round. In 2014, the Blue Streaks lost at Mount Union, 36-28, In 2016, JCU again won on the road, this time at Wisconsin-Whitewater, 31-14, to make the final four.
If the Blue Streaks are to make it 3 for 4, they will need to be wary of Berry’s rushing attack and the athleticism Kunczewski has brought to the program while recruiting in the heart of SEC country. Berry is a little more than an hour north of Atlanta, and is located between Auburn and the University of Georgia.
Kunczewski calls himself a “defensive coach” and his offense employs a pro-style attack and a two-QB system in which the signal-callers are under center for the majority of snaps.
Christian Lewis is Berry’s passing threat at QB. Against Trinity in the team’s third-round 31-23 win over Trinity (Texas), Lewis was 11 of 23 for 141 yards with a TD and interception. Andrew Hunter is the other QB but more of a running threat. He carried the ball 10 times for 35 yards and a TD against Trinity.
For the season, Hunter has 17 rushing touchdowns, which leads Berry. At running back, Josh Rodgers and Colby Sikes are a 1-2 attack with a combined 1,253 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Kunczewski said his team’s winning formula will be been two-fold against JCU.
“On defense, we have to limit the big plays,” he said. “John Carroll has explosive players … On offense, we have to have a balanced attack.”
Blue Streaks coach Jeff Behrman said his team’s charter flight will leave Hopkins International Airport on Dec. 12 and land in Chattanooga, Tenn., where the team will bus to Berry in under an hour.
No word on the attire for the coaching staff, but shorts won’t be in the offing at Berry, where if temperatures reach 60 degrees it might feel like 70 or 80 for the Blue Streaks.
“I know, it will be unbelievable,” said Behrman.
The physicality Berry will bring to the playoff match is something Behrman knows his team must match.
“They want to run the football, and have some good play-action schemes … They want to be physical,” said the JCU coach. “They will move in pre-snap, and do a good job with a lot of that stuff. And when you’re so focused on the run, the play-action becomes something you’ve got to defend.”
John Carroll at Berry College
What: NCAA Division III quarterfinal playoff game
When: Noon, Dec. 13
Where: Valhalla Stadium, Mount Barry, Ga.
TV: ESPN+; Radio: WJCU-FM 88.7
Records: JCU 11-1, Berry 11-1
What’s next: Winner plays either North Central or Bethel in a national semifinal at a site to be determined.
