The Aurora University Spartan football team hosted the Eagles of Benedictine University on a chilly Saturday afternoon.  The Spartans started off strong on both sides of the ball, but the Spartans lost by a final score of 26-0.
 

AU came out with a lot of enthusiasm, trading blows with the Eagles in the first quarter. On their second possession of the game, AU put together a nice drive but were eventually stalled by multiple penalties that forced a punt.

After the two teams traded punts BU got on the scoreboard with a four play 57 yard drive that was capped off with an eight yard run and a 6-0 game after the extra point failed.

Following a three and out by the Spartans, AU punted to the Eagles with the BU return man going 62 yards to the endzone for a 12-0 lead following another missed extra point.

The AU defense held strong for the remainder of the first half with the AU offense moving the ball but turning it over twice on interceptions.

At the half, AU trailed BU 12-0. The Spartans out-gained Benedictine 113 to 105 with a 36 to 20 play advantage.
 

The Eagles made an adjustment coming out of halftime, scoring on their opening drive of the third quarter making the score 19-0. BU was able to get behind the Spartan defense for a 51 yard touchdown pass.

The remainder of the third quarter saw the teams trade possessions with AU punting twice and the AU defense forcing a turnover on downs by the Eagles.

Benedictine would score on the opening drive of the fourth quarter which was a carry over from the third quarter. With 11:30 on the clock, BU led 26-0 after finishing a 14 play 77 yard drive that lasted 7:40.

The Spartans showed some signs on the next drive but a fourth and 14 from the BU 15 was stopped at the four yard line with freshman quarterback Kendall Lawson gaining 11 yards but coming up short.

On the ensuing drive the Spartan defense got in on the act, forcing a turnover when Jordan Linson stripped the ball carrier at the BU 30 yard line and Zach Laud picking up the recovery. But as had happened all afternoon, a penalty aided in stalling the Spartan offensive drive.

As the final horn sounded, AU lost 26-0. Leaders for AU on the day included Jake Apple (24 rushes for 93 yards), Lawson (15-of-26 passing for 72 yards and two interceptions and 7 rushes for 17 yards).

For Benedictine, the Eagles finished the day with 190 yards rushing on 41 carries and passing for 128 yards and two touchdowns.