The Aurora University Spartans defeated the MacMurray College Highlanders 32-28 in a thrilling contest Saturday afternoon at Vago Field.

The Highlanders started off strong and seemed to confuse the Spartans early in the contest. After forcing a safety, MacMurray scored a touchdown on the ensuing drive thanks to a one yard run. They converted the two-point conversion to give them visitors an early 10-0 lead.

The Spartans were able to rebound at the end of the first quarter as junior kicker Ryan Subick was able to connect on a 28 yard field goal.

At the start of the second quarter, the Spartans found themselves behind 10-3. However, the determined Spartans tied the game a mere two minutes into the quarter as junior quarterback Mike Anderson found sophomore wide receiver Jordan Peterson for a 31 yard touchdown strike. 

However, MacMurray would go on to dominate the rest of the quarter, as they scored twice, once on 39 yard interception return and again on a three yard pass. At halftime, the Spartans trailed 26-10.

The third quarter would be a different story. The Spartans took the kickoff and put together a crisp eight play, 55 yard drive capped off by a touchdown run by senior running back Ryne Reder to cut the Highlander lead to 26-17. The Spartan defense would shut out MacMurray for the rest of the third quarter.

The Spartans finally took control of the game in the fourth quarter. AU put together a long drive, this time sustaining the drive for 9 plays and 74 yards. Sophomore running back Mike Woodward scored on 26 yard run to make the score 26-24.

The Spartans would get the ball back in good field position and wasted no time in taking the lead, as Reder was able to score on a two yard run, giving him his second touchdown of the game. The Spartans would convert the two-point conversion, as Anderson found senior wide receiver Zach Sitter to make the score 32-26 Spartans. From there, the Spartans would hold on and win the game 32-28.

On the day, the Spartans were lead by Reder, who rushed for 65 yards on 22 carries and two touchdowns. Anderson completed 15 passes for 226 yards and one touchdown. Senior wide receiver Mike Abel caught six passes for 62 yards.

Defensively, the Spartans defense deserves credit for their play in the second half and containing the Highlander offense. Senior defensive end Pat Funk led the Spartan defense with 14 tackles, including two for a loss. Also, senior linebacker Mike Budzinski compiled 12 tackles and sophomore cornerback Jimmy Fierro contributed 11 tackles. The Spartan defense was able to tally 5 sacks on the day.

Amazingly, MacMurray scored on five two point plays, as they scored on two safeties and three two point conversions.

With the win, the Spartans improve to 2-0 on the season while the Highlanders fall to 0-2.

Next action for the Spartans comes on Saturday, September 19, when they travel to Bloomington to take on the Illinois Wesleyan Titans. Game time is set for 6:00 PM.