Box Score The Aurora University Spartan football team rolled to a 56-17 victory over the Lakeland College Muskies Saturday afternoon at Vago Field.

The Spartans got off to a rocky start as they were able to put together a solid drive together but junior kicker Fernando Albarran's kick sailed wide right, giving Lakeland possession.

The AU defense, on the other hand, got off to a flying start. Just four plays into the Lakeland drive running back Kendrick Burks had the ball punched out from behind by senior defensive end Jerome Christmas for a fumble. The ball was then recovered by junior safety Shawn Corwin to give AU the ball on the 50 yard line.

This time the Spartans were able to move the ball to the Lakeland one yard line. Running back Brandon Trujillo got the call but had the ball knocked out of his hands as he dove for the goal line. The fumble was recovered by the Muskies on their own 1 yard line.

Lakeland was able to muster a mythotical 11 play 89 yard drive that led to a 27 yard field goal by kicker William Yelverton to give the Muskies a 3-0 lead.

The Spartans offense got it together on the next drive. A 41 yard completion from senior quarterback Jimmy Bevell to senior wide receiver Derek Powell gave the Spartans first and goal on the Lakeland nine yard line. Two plays later Bevell was again able to find Powell for a seven yard touchdown pass. The extra point was converted by Albarran giving AU a 7-3 lead.

After forcing a three and out by the Muskies AU regained possession on their own 32. The drive stalled quickly as Bevell's pass was intercepted by Logan Christiansen on just the third play of the drive.

The Spartan defense was able to force a second three and out from Lakeland. This time Bevell was able to capitalize on the strong defense. He found Powell once again for a 25 yard gain, setting-up a 8 yard swing pass to freshman running back Brandon Evans. Albarran split the uprights with the extra point to put the Spartans up 14-3

After several AU penalties the Muskies found themselves on the Spartan's 13 yard line. This time the hand off from quarterback Dylan Van Straten to Burks was botched creating a fumble. AU defensive end Tyler Simmons was able to pounce on the loose ball and regain possession for AU.

The Spartans were unable to capitalize on the turnover though. Albarran was brought in to attempt a 44 yard field goal but came up just short and the Muskies took over.

Lakeland was able to reach the red zone once again. However, this drive had the same outcome. Van Straten took a shot at the end zone but Corwin was able to read the play and intercept the pass inside the 10 yard line.

Trujillo was able to redeem himself for his earlier fumble by breaking off a 33 yard run. Bevell was then able to convert a fourth and four to junior tight end Ryan Mizgate. Bevell completed another another pass for 21 yards to freshman wide receiver Lorenzo Williams to set up first and goal for the Spartans. This time AU called on junior quarter back Jace Koerner for the quarterback draw play. Koerner was able to run the ball in seven yards for the touchdown. Albarran converted the extra point once again giving the Spartans a 21-3 lead as they entered halftime.

At the half the Spartans had run 38 plays for 393 yards to Lakeland's 34 plays for just 192 yards. AU was also able to force 3 turnovers in the first half.

With the start of the second half the Muskies looked to have gained new life as they put together a 11 play 67 yard drive for a touchdown. Van Straten was able to run the ball in from two yards out for the score. Yelverton converted the extra point cutting the Spartan's lead to just 21-10.

After a possession for each team, Bevell was able to find Powell once again for a big 46 yard touchdown down the left side of the field. Albarran made good on his fourth of the extra point of the day making the score 28-10 Spartans.

AU was able to get the ball back with a short field. After several carries by Trujillo for a total of 15 yards Bevell completed a 16 yard pass to freshman receiver Michael Beasley-Hart. The drive eventually led to a 13 yard touchdown run by Trujillo. Albarran remained perfect on extra point attempts as he increased the lead to 35-10.

On the very first play of the Lakeland drive, AU defensive end Michael Bajc forced and recovered a fumble to bring the AU defense back on the field.

Trujillo started the drive off right with a 21 yard gain down the right side. AU continued to give the Muskies a steady diet of Trujillo as he carried the ball 6 more times on the drive. The drive ended with a spectacular over the top grab by Williams for a 14 yard touchdown catch from Bevell. With Albarran's extra point the Spartans went up 42-10.

Following a Lakeland turnover on downs, the Spartans took over on the Lakeland 40. Koerner was able to find the end zone for his second touchdown of the day as he went 34 yards up the middle untouched for the score. Freshman kicker Krystian Chudoba put away the extra point to put the Spartans up 49-10

The Muskies answered right away as freshman kick returner Norman Grinstead was able to run back the ensuing kick off for a touchdown. Yelverton was able to bury the extra point to make it 49-17.

On the first play of the Spartan drive freshman running back Jake Apple to break a 90 yard touchdown run down the left side of the field for the final Spartan touchdown on the day. Chudoba converted his second extra point giving AU a 56-17 lead.

On the day, Bevell completed 20 of 32 passes for 375 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. Trujillo led all rushers with 138 yards on 19 carries and 1 touchdown. He was followed by Apple's three carries for 96 and one touchdown, Evans' six carries for 51 yards, and Koerner's two carries for 51 yards and two touchdowns. Powell led all receivers with four catches for 119 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Spartans had a mssaive day on offense as they gained 709 yards on 64 plays with 334 rushing yards and 375 passing yards.

With the win the AU improves to 4-4 overall and 3-2 in the Northern Athletics Conference, while the loss drops Lakeland to 2-6 overall and 2-3 in the NAC. The Spartans will be in action once again at home next Saturday against Concordia University-Wisconsin with senior day taking place during pre-game. Kick-off is scheduled for 1 pm on Vago Field..