The Aurora University Spartan football team took to the road and defeated the Regents of Rockford University 25-7. AU jumped out to a 25-0 first-half lead and held on for the win.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Aurora University 25, Rockford University 7
LOCATION: Rockford, Illinois
RECORDS: Aurora University 2-5, 2-2 NACC; Rockford University 2-5, 1-3 NACC
ATTENDANCE: 777
WEATHER: 48 degrees, snow and partially cloudy with a 28 mph winds

HOW IT HAPPENED
- AU took the opening kickoff and on the second play, Tyran Bailey scampered 62 yards and AU led 7-0 just 44 seconds into the game.
- The Spartans defense forced a Rockford punt and the AU offense went back to work.
- An 11-play 87-yard drive was capped off with a two-yard touchdown plunge from Gavin Zimbelman. The Spartans converted a two-point attempt with Geron Rogers hitting Colton Jewell and AU led 15-0.
- Rockford answered with a long drive of their own but the Spartan defense held strong and forced a turnover on downs inside their own 10-yard line to keep the score 15-0.
- The Spartan offense methodically marched down the field and when the 13-play, 91-yard drive that lasted 7:21 was done, AU led 22-0.
- Zimbelman's one-yard run for a touchdown capped off the drive.
- The ensuing Rockford drive ended when Spartan Keion Adams intercepted a Regent pass at the AU 19.
- The Spartans led 22-0 going to half.
- Rockford took the second-half kickoff and used 10:22 off the game clock with a 20-play, 74-yard drive.
- The Spartan defense came up big once again with a goal line stand, stopping Rockford four times inside the five yard-line.
- Sean Kerr knocked in a 32-yard field goal to cap the Spartans 85-yard drive after the defensive stand and AU led 25-0 going to the fourth quarter.
- Rockford scored on the opening drive of the fourth and AU still led 25-7.
- The AU defense had their third defensive stand at the goal line later in the fourth, keeping the Spartan lead 25-7.
- AU would go on to win 25-7.
 
FOR THE SPARTANS                                                      
- AU ran for 331 yards on 43 carries with three touchdowns as a team on the day.
- Tyran Bailey had 27 carries for 231 yards and one touchdown.
- Freshman kicker Sean Kerr converted a 32-yard field goal.
 
SPARTAN STAT LEADERS
Offense:
Passing:
- Completions and Attempts: Gavin Zimbelman (8-12) 
- Yards: Gavin Zimbelman (69)
Rushing: 
- Carries: Tyran Bailey (27)
- Yards: Tyran Bailey (231)
- Touchdowns: Gavin Zimbelman (2) and Tyran Bailey (1)
Receiving: 
- Catches: Tyran Bailey (3) 
- Yards: Tyran Bailey (17) 
Special Teams:
- Field Goal: Sean Kerr (1-of-1 - 32-yards)
Defense:
Tackles: Kurtis Chione and Nicholas Piaskowy (9)
Tackles for loss: Jon Wall (2.5)
Sacks: Jon Wall and Kurtis Chione (1.0)
Forced Fumble: Kurtis Chione and Chase Foreman (1)
Fumble Recovery: Kam Ryan (1)
Interception: Keion Adams (1)
 
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.