The Spartans of Aurora University celebrated senior day as they hosted Lakeland University with first place in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference on the line. The teams traded blows throughout with the final score coming as time ran out.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE:  Lakeland University 47, Aurora University 38
LOCATION: Spartan Athletic Park, Montgomery, Illinois
RECORDS: Aurora University; 4-4, 3-1 NACC; Lakeland University; 6-2, 4-0 NACC
ATTENDANCE: 1104
WEATHER: 38 degrees and cloudy with a 13 mph northwest wind
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
- In the first drive of the game the Spartan defense came up with a huge goal line stand to preserve the 0-0 score.
- After an AU three and out Lakeland scored and AU trailed 7-0 with 7:24 remaining in the 1^st quarter.
- An AU fumble ledto a Lakeland score and AU trailed 14-0.
- The Spartan defense stood strong with another red zone stop and two plays into the Spartan offensive drive Connor Olson erupted with a 90 yard rush for an AU touchdown. Au trailed Lakeland 14-7 with 11:33 remaining in the half.
- On the following drive Lakeland responded with a touchdown of their own. AU trailed 21-7.
- Following the Lakeland touchdown AU pulled all of the rabbits out of the hat with multiple trick plays including a 37 yard reverse and a seven yard half back pass for a touchdown from AU running back Connor Olson to Chris Villafuerte. AU trailed Lakeland 21-14 with 3:52 remaining in the first half.
- At the end of the half the Spartan defense came up with their third red zone stop of the day, which consisted of a tipped pass from Keion Adams and a tackle for loss on fourth down from line backer Frankie Gordey. AU trailed Lakeland 21-14 at the end of the half.
- AU had the ball first in the second half and came up short after a long kick return. Their following drive they made sure to put the ball in the end zone after a 34 yard rush from Tyran Bailey. AU and Lakeland were tied 21-21 with 10:04 remaining in the 3^rd quarter.
- Lakeland responded with seven points of their own after a 47 yard touchdown pass. AU trailed Lakeland 28-21 with 7:51 remaining in the 3^rd quarter.
- AU responded right back with a touchdown after a 37 yard pass into double coverage to AJ Hunter and then a 26 yard pass to Sean Mullen where he caught the pass in stride to the end zone. AU and Lakeland were tied 28-28 with 2:56 remaining in the 3^rd quarter.
- AU and Lakeland were tied 28-28 at the end of the 3^rd quarter.
- After a Lakeland turnover on downs the Spartan offense went back to work where they capped their drive off with a 24 yard field goal. AU had their first lead of the game leading 31-28.
- Following the Spartan field goal, Lakeland responded with a rushing touchdown. AU trailed Lakeland 35-31 with 4:48 remaining in the game.
- AU responded right back with a touchdown to retake the lead after a 27 yard touchdown pass from Gavin Zimbelman to AJ Hunter. AU led 38-35 with 54 remaining in the game.
- Following the Spartan touchdown Lakeland scored with two seconds remaining and after a failed 2-point conversion AU trailed 41-38.
- On the kick off AU attempted some trickery in a last effort to regain the lead and the play resulted in a Lakeland touchdown.
- AU fell to Lakeland 47-38.
 
SPARTAN STAT LEADERS
Rushing:
            Carries: Connor Olson and Tyran Bailey (16)
            Yards: Connor Olson (159) and Tyran Bailey (114)
Passing: Gavin Zimbelman; 10-18, 140 yards  
Receiving:
            Catches: AJ Hunter (3), Sean Mullen and Connor Olson (2)
            Yards: AJ Hunter (73)
Touchdowns: Gavin Zimbelman and Connor Olson (2), Tyran Bailey, Chris Villafuerte, AJ Hunter and Sean Mullen (1)
Tackles: Kam Dawtyne (6.5), Casey Kurinec, Brendan Fulton and Cody Patchett (5.5)
Sacks: Kurtis Chione (1)
Interceptions: Brendan Fulton (1)
 
UP NEXT:
Next action for the Spartan football team comes on Saturday, November 4 when they travel to Concordia University Wisconsin. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m. in Mequon, Wisconsin.