Homecoming is always a special time of the year and the Aurora University football team sent the Spartan Alumni and Friends home happy with a 16-8 victory over Rockford University.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE:  Aurora University 16; Rockford University 8
LOCATION: Aurora, Illinois – Vago Field
RECORDS: Aurora University 2-2 overall and 1-0 NACC; Rockford University 2-2 overall and 0-1 NACC
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Geron Rogers connected on a 38-yard touchdown to Peter Rizzi with 11:05 left in the first quarter.
The game was scoreless for the next 42:40 before AU running back Brandon Evans found pay dirt from 5 yards out and a 13-0 AU lead.
A 32-yard Zac Mirabelli field goal pushed the Spartan lead to 16-0 with 4:10 left in the game.
Rockford's Adam O'Malley found Demonte Wigfall in the end zone for a 15 yard touchdown with 2:08 left in the 4th.
                                                                                                                 
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
Aurora had 17 first downs on the day compared to Rockford's 13.
AU out gained Rockford on the ground 150 to 70.
The Spartan defense sacked O'Malley six times.
AU now has won the last eight meetings and allowed eight points or less six times.
The Spartans are now 8-2 against Rockford in the series with eight straight victories.
 
FOR THE SPARTANS                                                      
Evans led the Spartans with 173 rushing yards on 30 carries and a touchdown.
Rogers passed for 150 yards (12-of-25) and a touchdown.
Danny Logiurato caught four passes for 48 yards.
Niko Delacruz had 13 tackles on the day with one sack.
Justin Gibbons recorded an interception for the Spartans.

FOR THE FOES
Tre Hatchett rushed for 43 yards on 12 carries for the Regents.
O'Malley threw for 147 yards (16-of-30) with one interception and one touchdown.
Mar Sean Vercher caught five passes for 76 yards.
Michael Watson recorded seven tackles for Rockford.
 
UP NEXT
The Spartans will head on the road for the next two weeks. First up is a trip to Mequon, Wisconsin on Saturday, October 10 when they take on the Concordia University Wisconsin Falcons. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.