The Aurora University Spartan football team celebrated their seniors in the last home game of the 2019 season prior to another round in the long time rivalry with Benedictine University. The Spartans hung on in dramatic fashion 27-25 to remain as the lone unbeaten team in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE:  Aurora University 27, Benedictine University 25
LOCATION: Spartan Athletic Park - Montgomery, Illinois
RECORDS: Aurora University 7-1 overall and 5-0 NACC; Benedictine University 5-3 overall and 4-1 NACC
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Spartans took the opening kickoff and marched 69 yards in 10 plays with an eight yard touchdown pass from Gavin Zimbelman to Matt Evert giving AU a 7-0 lead.
- On the following kickoff, Spartan Robbie Peterson forced a fumble but the loose ball was recovered by BU.
- Benedictine would cap off their possession with a touchdown but the PAT was missed and AU led 7-6.
- The first quarter came to an end with AU leading 7-6.
- BU had an extended drive early in the second quarter that ended in a field goal attempt from 24 yards. Spartan Keion Adams was able to block the kick which was returned 31 yards by Casey Dycus.
- AU took just five plays and 69 yards to score with a 26-yard touchdown run by Tyran Bailey capping the drive. The PAT was blocked at AU led 13-6.
- The score would remain 13-6 as the teams went to halftime.
- AU's defense forced a three and out to start the second half and the offense responded with a 12 play drive.
- 12 plays and 86 yards later, Bailey scored his second touchdown of the day from three yards out and AU now led 20-6.
- As they had earlier, BU responded with a touchdown drive but yet another pat was missed. With 8:44 left in the third, AU led 20-12.
- The score remained 20-12 as the game entered the fourth quarter.
- On the first play of the fourth, Bailey scored his third touchdown of the day on a 15 yard run and the Spartans led 27-12.
- Turnovers became a big factor as the ball was intercepted three times in five plays but neither team was able to capitalize.
- The game looked to be in complete control of the Spartans as the clock hit 2:30 left and Sean Kerr came on for a 38 yard field goal attempt. The kick was blocked and returned 47 yards to midfield.
- BU drove and scored a touchdown to pull within one score at 27-19 with 1:10 left in the game.
- The onside kick was recovered by AU and the Spartans had to run a few plays with the visitors having two timeouts left.
- On the second rush, a fumble occurred with BU recovering at midfield with 57 seconds left in the game.
- With 5 seconds left, BU scored and needed a two-point conversion to tie the game as AU led 27-25.
- Spartan Hudson Stedman denied the two point try, intercepting the pass and he then recovered the following on side attempt to seal the AU win.
- AU celebrated with a kneel down, winning 27-25.
 
FOR THE SPARTANS                                                     
- Tyran Bailey had 25 carries for 149 yards and three touchdowns with five catches for 45 yards.
- Gavin Zimbelman was 23-of-36 passing for 236 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed for 27 yards.
- Hudson Stedman had four tackles an interception and stepped in front of the PAT pass attempt to seal the victory for AU.

SPARTAN STAT LEADERS
Rushing:
 - Carries: Tyran Bailey (25)
 - Yards: Tyran Bailey (149)
- Touchdowns: Tyran Bailey (3)
Passing:
- Gavin Zimbelman (23-of-36 for 236 yards and one touchdown)
Receiving:
 - Catches: Jacolby Maxwell (6)
 - Yards:  Jacolby Maxwell (75)
 - Touchdowns: Matt Evert (1)
Defense:
- Tackles: Sean Reyna (9)
- Interceptions: Hudson Stedman (1)
- Forced Fumbles: Robbie Peterson (1)
- Sacks: Casey Dycus and Robert Stark (1)
- Blocked Kick: Keion Adams (1)
 
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