The Aurora University football team traveled to Plymouth, Wisconsin to take on the Lakeland College Muskies in a low scoring, defensive battle Saturday afternoon. Lakeland would defeat the Spartans 14-0.
After the Spartan defense forced a three and out by Lakeland on the opening drive, the AU offense went on the attack. The Spartans drove 42 yards in seven plays to the Lakeland 34 yard line. But an interception stalled the drive with the Muskie defender returning the pick 34 yards to the AU 33 yard line.
Six plays later the Muskies got on the scoreboard with a five yard touchdown pass and a 7-0 lead.
The remainder of the first half saw the two defenses force seven punts, four turnovers on downs and Lakeland intercepted a second pass. The AU defense forced three of the turnovers on downs, all inside AU territory, two inside the red zone to thwart any Muskie scoring chance.
The third quarter saw much of the same with the offenses struggling to move the ball against the defenses with the Spartan defense coming up with two big turnovers, an interception by
Tanner Wilcox at midfield and
Leo Okeke pouncing on a fumble in the end-zone to stop another Lakeland scoring chance.
AU had possession to start the fourth quarter but was forced to punt the ball back to Lakeland. This time the home team was able to move the ball. Lakeland drove 62 yards in five plays with a touchdown ending the drive and a 14-0 Lakeland lead.
The Spartan offense responded with a very nice drive of their own. A 36 yard pass from
Drew Cole to
Danny Logiurato found AU with a first and 10 at the Lakeland 11 yard line. AU was unable to capitalize on the opportunity as a fourth down pass from the 14 yard line into the end-zone was incomplete.
AU and Lakeland traded punts on the final four drives of the game for the 14-0 final score.
With the loss, AU is now 1-6 overall and 1-3 in the NACC. Next action for the Spartan football team comes on
Saturday, November 1 when they host Concordia University Chicago. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m. with senior day recognition happening prior to kickoff on Vago Field.
