The Aurora University Spartan football team hosted Concordia University Wisconsin for Homecoming 2018 and celebrated Aurora University's 125^th birthday. AU led for a good portion of the contest but a late score from the visitors proved to much as the Spartans fell 23-20.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Concordia University Wisconsin 23, Aurora University 20
LOCATION: Spartan Stadium, Montgomery, Illinois
RECORDS: Aurora University 1-4, 1-1 NACC; Concordia University Chicago 1-4, 0-2 NACC
ATTENDANCE: 2468
WEATHER: 51 degrees and partially cloudy with a 12 mph south southwest wind
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
- After a Spartans defensive stop the offense took control and marched 72 yards down field and scored on a 35 yard touchdown pass from Gavin Zimbelman to Emilio Starks. AU led Concordia University Wisconsin 7-0 with 9:25 remaining in the first quarter.
- A 32 yard field goal from Zac Mirabelli extended the Spartan lead to 10-0 with 4:42 remaining in the first quarter.
- The following drive CUW responded with their own touchdown and AU led 10-7 with 12:57 remaining in the second quarter.
- The scoring continued the following drive when the Spartans drove down field 70 yards for another seven points. Gavin Zimbelman rushed for 20 yards to increase the Spartan lead to 17-7 with 7:56 remaining in the second quarter.
- The back and forth battle continued when CUW scored a touchdown on an 11 yard touchdown pass. AU led CUW 17-14 with 3:12 remaining in the first half.
- AU led CUW 17-14 at the half.
- With 2:01 remaining in the third quarter the Spartans extended the lead to 20-14 after a 47-yard field goal from Zac Mirabelli.
- A mishandled snap led to a safety found AU's lead shrink to 20-16 with 8:05 remaining in the game.
- With 2:01 remaining in the game CUW scored a touchdown on a quarterback sneak. AU trailed 23-20
- AU had possession with a chance to tie or take the lead late but the drive ended in a turnover on downs.
- AU fell to CUW by a score of 23-20
 
FOR THE SPARTANS                                                      
- Gavin Zimbelman was 24-41 for 221 yards and one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown
-Tyran Bailey had 22 carries for 128 yards
-Kurtis Chione had eight tackles and half a sack
 
SPARTAN STAT LEADERS
Offense:
Passing:
- Completions and Attempts: Gavin Zimbelman (24-41) 
- Yards: Gavin Zimbelman (221)
- Touchdowns: Gavin Zimbelman (1)
Rushing: 
- Carries: Tyran Bailey (22)
- Yards: Tyran Bailey (128)
- Touchdowns: Gavin Zimbelman (1)
Receiving: 
- Catches: Danny Logiurato (7) Emilio Starks and Sean Mullen (5) 
- Yards: Emilio Starks (64) and Sean Mullen 52
- Touchdowns: Emilio Starks (1)
Defense:
Tackles: Kurtis Chione (8) Nicholas Piaskowy (7.5)
 
UP NEXT: 
Next action for the Spartan football team comes on Saturday, October 20 when they travel to Rockford University. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. in Rockford, Illinois.