The 2018 Aurora University football home opener was a back and forth nail-biter with the Spartans falling just short, losing 21-20 to Elmhurst College. AU got a tremendous game from junior running back Connor Olson who ran for 149 yards on 29 carries and three touchdowns.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Elmhurst College 21, Aurora University 20
LOCATION: Montgomery, Illinois – Spartan Stadium
RECORDS: Aurora University 1-1; Elmhurst College 1-1
ATTENDANCE: 1,496
WEATHER: 68 degrees and cloudy with an 18 mph northeast wind
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Spartans looked to take control early on their first drive, marching down the field 57 yards. The drive stalled and the score remained 0-0 after a missed 40 yard field goal attempt with 10:10 remaining in the first quarter. 
- Their next drive the Spartans made sure to put some points on the board when the defense forced an Elmhurst three-and-out. On the fifth play of the drive, a 30 yard touchdown run from Connor Olson got the home crowd rocking. AU led 6-0 after a missed extra point attempt.
- Following another three-and-out by the AU defense, the Spartan offense drove 60 yards and punched in another touchdown on a one yard touchdown run by Olson. AU led Elmhurst 13-0
- The ensuing kickoff found the Spartans recover the kick at the Elmhurst 39 yard line and the Spartans held all the momentum in the game.
- AU took their 13-0 lead into the end of the first quarter.
- The Spartans opened the second quarter with a 26-yard toss and catch by Gavin Zimbelman to Danny Logiurato. That gave the Spartans a first and goal from the Bluejay three.
- The next play saw an AU fumble at the Elmhurst five yard line with the Bluejays recovering.
- Elmhurst answered on the fifth play of the drive with a touchdown of their own on a 71 yard touchdown pass.
- AU led 13-6 with 12:02 remaining in the second quarter.
- After each team swapped defensive stops Elmhurst managed an 83 yard drive that resulted in a 20 yard field goal. AU led 13-9 going into halftime.
- Early into the second half after an AU defensive stop, the Spartan offense made quick work in putting points on the board again. Olson dashed 56 yards for a touchdown, his third of the day. The run saw Olson tip toe and stay in bounds, avoiding several Elmhurst defenders.
- AU led 20-9 with 12:49 remaining in the third quarter.
- After the teams each traded a pair of possessions and 4:42 remaining in the third quarter, Elmhurst cut into to AU lead with a 67 yard touchdown pass. After a botched p.a.t. AU led the Blue Jays 20-15.
- Just before the end of the third quarter, Elmhurst connected on a 32-yard field goal and AU led 20-18 heading to the fourth.
- Early in the fourth, the Spartan defense appeared to force a turnover on downs but roughing the passer penalty continued the Elmhurst drive, which ended in a field goal. The 36-yard field goal hit the up-right and went in though it was the second attempt as the 41-yarder just before was blocked but the AU defender was ruled offsides giving the Bluejays a second chance.
- AU trailed 21-20 with 10:52 remaining in the game.
- Late in the fourth, the Spartans looked as if they were about to regain the lead when they drove down field into field goal position. The 35 yard attempt went wide left and the score remained 21-20 in favor of Elmhurst.
- When the final horn sounded, AU fell to Elmhurst by a score of 21-20.

FOR THE SPARTANS                                                     
- Connor Olson had 29 carries for 156 yards and three touchdowns
- Cole Sinn had nine tackles with two coming for loss.
- Kurtis Chione had five tackles with one quarterback sack
- Reggie Ferguson had four tackles with one quarterback sack
- Gavin Zimbelman was 19-35 passing for 235 yards
- Sean Mullen had four catches for 69 yards

SPARTAN STAT LEADERS
OFFENSIVE LEADERS
Passing:
- Completions and Attempts:  Gavin Zimbelman (19-of-35)
- Yards: Gavin Zimbelman (235)
Rushing:
- Carries: Connor Olson (29)
- Yards: Connor Olson (156)
- Touchdowns: Connor Olson (3)
Receiving:
- Catches: Danny Logiurato and Emily Starks (5)
- Yards: Sean Mullen (69) and Danny Logiurato (62)
DEFENSIVE LEADERS
Tackles: Cole Sinn (9) and Jon Wall (7)
Tackles for loss: Cole Sinn (9)
Sacks: Kurtis Chione and Reggie Ferguson (1)
 
UP NEXT:
Next action for the Spartan football team comes on Saturday, September 15 when they host Adrian College. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m. in Montgomery, Illinois at Spartan Stadium.