The Aurora University Spartan football team jumped out to a quick lead against Trine in the MIAA-NACC crossover but would be defeated 55-27.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE:  Trine University 55, Aurora University 27
LOCATION: Vago Field, Aurora Illinois
RECORDS: Aurora University 1-2; Trine University 2-1
ATTENDANCE: 913
WEATHER: 79 degrees and sunny
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Spartans started the game off well, scoring on their opening drive which started after a fumble recovery on the opening kickoff. Tyree Chaplin caught a 16-yard pass from Geron Rogers.
Trine responded with a 41 yard touchdown run from Lamar Carswell.
Spartan kicker Zac Mirabelli hit a pair of field goals in the first half one from 43 yards which gave AU a 10-7 lead.
After a Trine score in the first quarter put AU down 14-10, Mirabelli connected from 32-yards and the score was 14-13 Trine.
Trine then added two scores on an 80 yard pass and a 20 yard pass to lead 26-13.
Just before halftime, AU put together an 11 play 75 yard drive capped off by a 13 yard touchdown pass from Rogers to Brandon Lucas and AU trailed 26-20.
The big momentum swing of the game came on the opening drive of the third quarter for AU. With first and goal from the one, AU was forced into a field goal attempt that was missed and on the ensuing drive, Trine scored and with a two-=point conversion led 34-20.
Trine scored three times in the fourth quarter, including on a blocked punt return and led 48-20 midway through the final session.
The Spartans tallied one more touchdown late in the fourth to make the score 48-27 on a Kendall Lawson touchdown catch from quarterback Ryan Koorndyk.
Trine added a final score on a touchdown run with the final score 55-27.
 
FOR THE SPARTANS                                                     
Connor Olson led the Spartans with 17 carries for 89 yards.
Geron Rogers went 13-26 passing for 143 yards and two touchdowns.
Lorenzo Williams caught seven passes for 83 yards.
Brandon Lucas and Tyree Chaplin caught touchdowns for the Spartans.
Kam Dawtyne had 7 tackles on the day and one was for a loss.
Zac Mirabelli connected on field goals of 43 and 32 yards.
 
SPARTAN STAT LEADERS
Rushing:
            Carries: Connor Olson (17) and Joe Short (9)
            Yards: Connor Olson (89) and Joe Short (47)
Passing: Geron Rogers (13-26 for 143 yards)
Receiving:
            Catches: Lorenzo Williams (7) and Sean Mullen (4)
            Yards: Lorenzo Williams (83) and Sean Mullen (35)
Touchdowns: Tyree Chaplin, Brandon Lucas, and Kendall Lawson (1)
Tackles: Kam Dawtyne (7) and Casey Kurenic (4)
 
UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan football team comes on Saturday, October 1 when they travel to Wisconsin Lutheran College. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m. in Brookfield, Wisconsin