The Aurora University Spartans defeated Wisconsin Lutheran College in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) opener on Vago Field 20-14. The always physical NACC contest was closely player throughout.
 
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE:  Aurora University 20, Wisconsin Lutheran College 14
LOCATION: Aurora, Illinois - Vago Feild
RECORDS: Aurora University 2-2 (1-0 NACC) ; Wisconsin Lutheran College 0-4 (0-1 NACC)
ATTENDANCE: 584
WEATHER: 76 degrees and sunny
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
- With 10:38 remaining in the first quarter, Aurora defensive back, Keion Adams intercepted a Wisconsin Lutheran pass at the Wisconsin Lutheran 40 yard line.
- At the 7:46 mark in the first quarter the Spartan defense forced Wisconsin Lutheran to punt where AU took field position at their own 47 yard line. On offense Colton Jewell and AJ Hunter connected twice for 17 and 27 yards and with 4:39 remaining in the first quarter Colton Jewell rushed for five yards for a Spartan touchdown.
- AU lead Wisconsin Lutheran 7-0 with 4:34 remaining in the first quarter following the Jewell five yard score.
- Early in the second quarter the Aurora defense forced a punt that went out of bounds at the Wisconsin Lutheran 36 yard line. AU nearly capitalized on the short field position but came up one yard short and turned the ball over on downs at the Wisconsin Lutheran one-yard line.
- AU was granted short field position the next drive where they took over at the opposing team's 22 yard line on a short punt. The offense made quick work that was capped off by a Connor Olson 13 yard rush for a Spartan touchdown. AU led Wisconsin Lutheran College 13-0
- The Spartan defense forced Wisconsin Lutheran to punt but a fumble on the Spartan return gave the ball back to Wisconsin Lutheran where they scored a touchdown on a five-yard rush making the score 13-7 in favor of Aurora with 2:37 remaining in the second quarter.
- AU responded right away in two plays, which included a 68 yard touchdown rush by Connor Olson.
- The Spartans led Wisconsin Lutheran 20-7 at the half
- The third quarter consisted of both teams moving the ball but not being able to put any points on the score board. This includes an interception for AU by Casey Kurinec at the Spartan 23 yard line to conclude the third quarter.
- To start the fourth quarter the Spartans moved the ball 55 yards down field until they turned the ball over on downs giving Wisconsin Lutheran the ball at their own 21 yard line. Wisconsin Lutheran gained momentum from their defense and put together a 79 yard drive capped off by a one-yard quarterback sneak.
- AU still led 20-14 with 6:45 remaining in the game.
- The Spartans were able to run out the final time, giving them the 20-14 victory over Wisconsin Lutheran College.
 
FOR THE SPARTANS                                                     
- AU rushed for 221 yards on 46 carries in the game.
- Connor Olson had 24 rushes for 161 yards and two touchdowns.
- Gavin Zimbelman was 12-of-20 passing for 162 yards, with one interception.
- AJ Hunter had five catches for 93 yards.
- Kam Dawtyne had nine tackles including one for loss.
- Keion Adams had two interceptions on the day.

SPARTAN STAT LEADERS
Passing:
            - Completions and Attempts: Gavin Zimbelman (12 of 20)
            - Yards: Gavin Zimbelman (162)
Rushing:
            - Carries: Connor Olson 24)
            - Yards: Connor Olson (161)
            - Touchdowns: Connor Olson (2)
Receiving:
            - Catches: AJ Hunter (5)
            - Yards:  AJ Hunter (93)
Tackles: Kam Dawtyne (9), Cody Patchett and Ray DiMatteo (6)
 
UP NEXT:
Next action for the Spartan football team comes on Saturday, October 7  when they travel to Concordia University Chicago. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m. in River Forest, Illinois.