The Aurora University Spartans traveled to St. Norbert College in the 2018 season opener on Saturday afternoon. AU lost to the Green Knights 16-7.
 
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE:  St. Norbert College 16, Aurora University 7
LOCATION: De Pere, Wisconsin
RECORDS: Aurora University 0-1; St. Norbert College 1-0
ATTENDANCE: 1,640
WEATHER: 78 degrees and sunny with a 5 mph southeast wind
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Defense was the name of the game in the first quarter with the AU defense forcing a pair of turnovers, including a fumble forced by Cole Sinn and recovered by Sean Reyna late in the quarter.
- The offense went to work at the SNC 27 yard line and ran two plays before the quarter ended.
- On the first play of the second, Gavin Zimbelman connected with Connor Olson on an 18-yard touchdown.
- Following the extra point make by Zac Mirabelli, AU led 7-0.
- After SNC made a field goal and midway through the second, SNC returned an interception for a touchdown and AU trailed 10-7.
- Later in the quarter, SNC was driving but Kam Ryan intercepted a pass keeping the game tied.
- On the next defensive series, Casey Dycus picked off a pass and that would send the teams to halftime.
- The Spartan defense stood strong on the first series of the second-half, keeping SNC to a field goal.
- In the third, AU trailed 13-7.
- SNC added another field goal in the third, making the score 16-7.
- Midway through the fourth, Sean Reyna returned a punt 33 yards setting up the offense in SNC territory.
- The Spartans traveled to the 12 yard line but a fumble stalled the drive and the score remained 16-7.
- SNC was able to run out the final 7:48 of the game clock and AU fell 16-7.
 
FOR THE SPARTANS                                                     
Cole Sinn had 12 tackles, one for a loss, a forced fumble and fumble recovery.
Casey Dycus had 11 tackles and one interception.
Jon Wall had four tackles with one quarterback sack and a forced fumble.
Gavin Zimbelman was 13-of-34 passing  for 130 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

SPARTAN STAT LEADERS
Rushing:
 - Carries: Connor Olson (15)
 - Yards: Connor Olson (57)
Passing:
- Gavin Zimbelman (13-of-34 for 130 yards, one touchdown and one interception)
Receiving:
 - Catches: Danny Logiurato and Emilio Starks (3)
 - Yards:  Danny Logiurato (47)
 - Touchdown: Connor Olson (1)
Defense:
- Tackles: Cole Sinn (12) and Casey Dycus (11)
- Forced Fumbles: Cole Sinn and Jon Wall (1)
- Fumble Recovery: Cole Sinn and Sean Reyna (1)
- Sacks: Reggie Ferguson and Jon Wall (1.0)
- Interception: Kam Ryan and Casey Dycus (1)
 
UP NEXT:
Next action for the Spartan football team comes on Saturday, September 8 when they host Elmhurst College. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. at Spartan Athletic Park.