The Aurora University Spartan football team opened the 2014 season Saturday night in Jacksonville, Illinois at Illinois College. The Spartans lost the contest 49-6.

AU fell behind early in the game and was not able to overcome the momentum from the first ever night contest for the BlueBoys. The Spartans trailed 14-0 after one quarter and 35-0 at halftime.

Coming out of halftime, the hosts scored twice more before the Spartan offense was able to mount a drive of their own. The Spartans spent 10 plays to go 42 yards and took advantage of two key Illinois College penalties to put points on the scoreboard. The score coming on a one-yard run from junior running back Brandon Evans.

The teams would run out the remaining portion of the third and fourth quarters for the eventual 49-6 final score.

With the loss, AU is 0-1 on the 2014 season. Next action for the Spartan football team comes on Saturday, September 20, 2014 when they host Olivet College. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m. on Vago Field.