In the first football game played on the newly opened Spartan Athletic Park, the Aurora University Spartans were victorious over Rockford University 28-21. AU used numerous big plays throughout the game to defeat the Regents.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE:  Aurora University 28, Rockford University 21
LOCATION: Montgomery, Illinois Spartan Athletic Park
RECORDS: Aurora University; 4-3, 3-0 NACC; Rockford University; 1-5, 1-3 NACC
ATTENDANCE: 1,068
WEATHER: 74 degrees and partially cloudy with a 17 mph south wind
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The first quarter saw both teams moving the ball on offense but falling short of the end zone. This included an interception in the Rockford end zone by Spartan defensive back Keion Adams to end Rockford's threatening drive.
- With 4:32 remaining in the second quarter AU ended the scoreless drought with a 13 yard rush touchdown from Cody Lane.
- Following the AU touchdown the Spartan defense forced a Rockford fumble and six plays and 71 yards later AU punched another touchdown into the end zone with a three yard rush from Lane.
- 28 seconds into the third quarter the AU offense made quick work to add to their lead and in two plays scored their third rushing touchdown of the day on a 62 yard rush from Connor Olson.
- Following the Spartan touchdown, Rockford responded with six points of their own but on the PAT Keion Adams blocked the kick and completed the scoop and score by returning the ball to the Rockford end zone. AU led Rockford 21-6.
- The Spartan defense then forced a Rockford punt on the next possession. Spartan AJ Hunter found a lane and returned the punt 88 yards for an AU touchdown. Hunter avoided numerous tackles and turned his return into a highlight reel.
- AU led Rockford 28-6 with 9:00 remaining in the 3^rd quarter.
- AU took their 28-6 lead into the fourth quarter but with 13:47 remaining in the game Rockford cut the lead to 28-14.
- After an AU punt, Rockford cut into the AU lead with an 80 yard drive that led to a touchdown. AU led Rockford 28-21 with 7:17 remaining in the game.
- On the ensuing possession, a Spartan fumble forced the AU defense into a much needed stop to secure the lead.
- After a long pass for a first down for Rockford, Spartan defensive back Casey Kurinec delivered the stop AU needed with a forced and recovered fumble deep in AU territory.
- AU defeated Rockford University 28-21
 
FOR THE SPARTANS                                                     
- Kam Dawtyne had 21 tackles and a quarterback sack. His 21 tackles puts him tied for third in tackles in a single game in school history.
- AJ Hunter had an 88 yard punt return for touchdown.
- Connor Olson rushed the rock 22 times for 139 yards and a touchdown.
- Keion Adams had a blocked P.A.T. attempt returned for 2 points and an interception.
- Cody Lane carried the ball 10 times for 77 yards and a touchdown.
 
SPARTAN STAT LEADERS
Rushing:
            Carries: Connor Olson (22)
            Yards: Connor Olson (139)
Passing: Gavin Zimbelman - 9-of-17 for 110 yards  
Receiving:
            Catches: Alex Cowan (3)
            Yards:  Alex Cowan (68)
Touchdowns: Cody Lane (2) Connor Olson and AJ Hunter (1)
Tackles: Kam Dawtyne (21)
Sacks: Kam Dawtyne, Max Basler, Eric Wagner and Kurtis Chione (1)
Interceptions: Keion Adams (1)
 
UP NEXT:
Next action for the Spartans comes on Saturday, October 28 when they host Lakeland University. Kickoff for senior day is set for 1:00 p.m. at Spartan Athletic Park in Montgomery, Illinois. Senior Day recognition will take place during pregame.