The Aurora University Spartans traveled to Carthage College on Saturday, September 3 for the 2016 opener. The Spartans had a strong first-half, trailing 14-11 entering halftime before falling 51-11 to the hosts.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE:  Carthage College 51, Aurora University 11
LOCATION: Kenosha, Wisconsin – Art Keller Field
RECORDS: Aurora University 0-1; Carthage College 1-0
ATTENDANCE: 1,305
WEATHER: 72 degrees and sunny
GAME TIME: 2:45
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
After an opening score from Carthage, AU drove right down the field but an untimely penalty stalled the drive at the three-yard line.
On the second play of the drive, AU senior Justin Gibbons tackled a Carthage ball carrier in the end zone for a safety and AU trailed 7-2.
On the following drive, AU drove the field once again but saw a field goal attempt (39-yards) miss wide right.
The AU defense forced a quick three and out and early in the second quarter following a long completion from Geron Rogers to Van Norris set up a 21-yard field goal from Zac Mirabelli. AU trailed 7-5.
Late in the second quarter, a fumbled hand off was scooped up by Carthage and scored on. AU trailed 14-5.
The Spartans responded immediately with a 9-play, 73-yard drive that culminated in a 28-yard touchdown catch by Lorenzo Williams from Geron Rogers.
AU trailed 14-11 at halftime.
Carthage went on to out-score AU in the second-half and defeated AU 51-11.

FOR THE SPARTANS
Lorenzo Williams had four catches for 56 yards and one touchdown.
Shaq Perez had 16 rushes for 63 yards.
Geron Rogers was 13 of 27 passing for 185 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.
Justin Gibbons had six tackles, one for a safety and one pass break-up.
 
UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan football team comes on Saturday, September 10 when they host Loras College. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m. on Vago Field.