The Aurora University Spartan football team followed the game plan to a T as they defeated Loras College 14-9 in the 2016 home opener on Saturday afternoon on Vago Field.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE:  Aurora University 14, Loras College 9
LOCATION: Vago Field, Aurora Illinois
RECORDS: Aurora University 1-1; Loras College 0-2
ATTENDANCE: 1,061
WEATHER: 72 degrees; winds west 10-15.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Spartans started the game off well, scoring on their opening drive, going 75 yards in 15 plays capped off with a touchdown run of four-yards from Connor Olson.
Both defenses kept the game low scoring in the first-half as AU forced a fumble in the red zone.
Loras scored on a safety just before halftime. The safety occurred after the Spartans fair caught a punt just outside their own goal line.
As time expired in the second quarter, Loras missed a field goal attempt from 36 yards out.
At halftime, AU led 7-2.
The third quarter was uneventful until late as Loras had touchdown called back due to a lineman down field. On the ensuing play, Spartan Brendan Fulton intercepted a pass to nullify the Loras drive.
Forced to punt early in the fourth quarter, AU punter Travon Royal pulled off a fake and scampered 31 yards deep into Loras territory.
Two plays later following a pass interference on Loras, Justin Gibbons scored as he caught an 18-yard pass from Geron Rogers for a touchdown. AU led 14-2.
After trading punts, the AU defense once again ended a Loras drive deep in their own territory when Casey Kurinec intercepted a pass at the AU five yard line.
Loras answered on the next drive with a touchdown, going 68 yards in nine plays in only 1:28 to cut the AU lead to 14-9.
After the touchdown Loras recovered the onside kick and were driving late in the game until a key interception by Fulton, his second on the day, all but ended the game.
AU successfully kneeled to run out the final 1:22 and celebrated their first win of the season.
 
FOR THE SPARTANS                                                     
Connor Olson led the Spartans with 20 carries for 118 yards and a touchdown.
Geron Rogers went 18-30 passing for 136 yards and one touchdown.
Justin Gibbons had one catch for 18 yards, a touchdown and 10 tackles.
Lorenzo Williams caught six passes for 51 yards.
Kam Dawtyne had 14 tackles on the day and three pass break-ups.
Brendan Fulton had two interceptions and two tackles.
 
SPARTAN STAT LEADERS
Rushing:
            Carries: Connor Olson (20) and Brian Bohr (7)
            Yards: Connor Olson (118) and Travon Royal (31)
Passing: Geron Rogers (18-30 for 136 yards)
Receiving:
            Catches: Sean Mullen (7) and Lorenzo Williams (6)
            Yards: Lorenzo Williams (51) and Sean Mullen (39)
Touchdowns: Connor Olson and Justin Gibbons (1)
Tackles: Kam Dawtyne (14) and Justin Gibbons (10)
Sacks: Alex Munson (1)
Interceptions: Brendan Fulton (2) and Casey Kurinec
 
UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan football team comes on Saturday, September 17 when they host Trine University. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m. on Vago Field.