The Aurora University Spartan football team traveled north to Olivet College Saturday afternoon and hung close for three quarters but eventually saw their record drop to 0-2 as they fell to the Comets 44-14 in the MIAA-NACC Challenge.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE:  Olivet College 44, Aurora University 14
LOCATION: Cutler Athletic Complex - Olivet, Michigan
RECORDS: Aurora University 0-2 ; Olivet College 3-0
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
After an initial Olivet touchdown and missed extra point, the Spartans grabbed the lead courtesy of the defensive unit. Trayvon Royal scooped up a fumble and returned it 18 yards for the touchdown and a 7-6 lead.
Olivet scored the games next two touchdowns to take an 18-7 lead to halftime.
After an Olivet score midway through the third quarter, AU cut the lead to 24-14 on a three yard touchdown run from Kendall Lawson.
Olivet would then score three more times for the 44-14 final.
The Spartans had 246 yards of total offense compared to Olivet's 551 yards
Aurora had possession of the ball for 28:57 while Olivet controlled the ball for 31:03
The Spartans threw for 139 yards and rushed for 107 while the Comets threw for 358 yards and rushed for 193 yards.
 
FOR THE SPARTANS                                                      
Lawson led the Spartans with 139 passing yards on the day.
Brandon Evans carried the ball 13 times and gained 76 yards on the ground.
Peter Rizzi led Aurora with three receptions for 62 yards.
Cody Patchett led the Spartans with 11 tackles.
Royal had six tackles and his fumble recovery return for a touchdown.
 
FOR THE FOES
Chris Jones led the Comets with 17 carries and 78 yards. He had three touchdowns on the day.
Braden Black threw for 350 yards and had three touchdowns.
Jason Barbosa led Olivet with six receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown.
Garrett Reid led the Comets with eight tackles.
 
UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan football team comes on Saturday, September 26 when they host Millikin University. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. on Vago Field in Aurora, Illinois.