Box Score The Aurora University Spartan football team traveled to Concordia University Chicago and behind an efficient offensive plan, the Spartans spoiled the Cougars Homecoming. AU wa victorious 35-30.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Aurora University 35, Concordia University Chicago 30
LOCATION: River Forest, Illinois
RECORDS: Aurora University 1-4, 1-1 NACC; Concordia University Chicago 1-4, 0-2 NACC
ATTENDANCE: 700
WEATHER: 61 degrees
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
- After the teams traded punts on the opening series, AU took advantage of a muffed punt inside Concordia territory.
- Five plays later, Halen Miller scored from five yards out and AU led 7-0.
- After the defense forced another punt, the offense went right to work. Four plays and 47 yards later, Gavin Zimbelman scored from seven yards and AU led 14-0.
- CUC added a touchdown but AU led 14-7 after one quarter.
- Early in the second quarter, CUC added a field goal for a 14-10 AU lead.
- The quick strike AU offense answered right back. Six plays covered 69 yards with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Zimbelman to Emilio Starks put AU up 21-10.
- 21-10 would be the score as the teams went to halftime.
- Early in the third, AU and punter Ryan Basden pinned CUC deep in their own territory. A short punt was forced by the Spartan defense to set up the offense at the Cougar 30.
- Back to back completions from Zimbelman to Danny Logiurato gave AU 30 yards and a 28-10 lead.
- CUC scored on the next drive to put AU up 28-17.
- Zimbelman and Logiurato connected again on the next AU drive, this time from 45-yards and AU now led 35-17.
- The next AU drive saw 34-yard field goal miss just wide and late in the third, AU led 35-17.
- Just before the end of the third, CUC scored but the extra point was missed giving the Spartans a 35-23 lead.
- AU and CUC both had two possessions in the fourth quarter with CUC scoring on one of theirs.
- The Spartans ran out the clock on the final drive of the game and secured a 35-30 victory.
 
FOR THE SPARTANS                                                     
- Gavin Zimbelman was 17-of-22 passing for 250 yards and three touchdowns. He also had a rushing touchdown.
- The offense ran for 154 yards, 4.3 yards per rush.
- Danny Logiurato had four catches for 86 yards and two touchdowns.

SPARTAN STAT LEADERS
Offense:
Passing:
 - Completions and Attempts: Gavin Zimbelman (17-22)
- Yards: Gavin Zimbelman (250)
- Touchdowns: Gavin Zimbelman (3)
Rushing:
- Carries: Connor Olson (11) and Tyran Bailey (10)
- Yards: Tyran Bailey (70) and Connor Olson (53)
- Touchdowns: Gavin Zimbelman and Halen Miller (1)
Receiving:
- Catches: Danny Logiurato (4)
- Yards: Danny Logiurato (86)
- Touchdowns: Danny Logiurato (2) and Emilio Starks (1)
Defense:
Tackles: Nicholas Piaskowy and Kurtis Chione (7)
Interception: Chase Foreman (1)
 
UP NEXT:
Next action for the Spartan football team comes on Saturday, October 13 when they host Concordia University Wisconsin on Homecoming 2018. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. Spartan Athletic Park in Montgomery, Illinois.