An over flowing crowd at Spartan Athletic Park saw the No. 14 Aurora University Spartans host the No. 1 North Central College Cardinals on Saturday night. A crowd of over 3,700 would see the Spartans battle but fall to the Cardinals 48-21.


FINAL SCORE: #1 North Central College 48, #14 Aurora University 21
LOCATION: Spartan Athletic Park - Montgomery, Illinois
RECORDS: Aurora University 1-1
GAME TIME: 2:48
ATTENDANCE: 3,743


- Both teams would punt on their opening possession of the contest as the defenses forced three and outs.
- A long punt return set up North Central for a field goal as they took a 3-0 lead.
- AU would find themselves down 17-0 after one quarter of play as two more short fields due to returns led to NCC scores.
- The Spartans offense started to gain momentum early in the second but would turn the ball over on downs deep in NCC territory.
- Midway through the second, AU found themselves down 31-0 with NCC scoring twice in under 20 seconds due in part to a turnover and long return.
- AU got on the scoreboard late in the second with a 10-play 75-yard drive that was capped off by a one-yard Zachery Russell touchdown run.
- Going to halftime, AU trailed 31-7.
- Trailing 41-7 in the third, the Spartans started to mount a come back. 
- The first AU scoring drive came on a six-play 70-yard drive with Tyler Adkins hitting Ty Pruett for a 30-yard touchdown score.
- After the AU defense forced a NCC punt, the Spartan offense drove 91 yards in seven plays for another score.
- Russell scored from a yard out after a 34-yard Adkins run got the Spartans to the one yard line.
- Heading to the fourth, AU trailed 41-21.
- The only scoring in the fourth quarter came from the visitors but as is the norm, the Spartans did not go quietly.
- The final AU drive ended with a turnover on downs deep in Cardinal territory.
- The Spartans would fall to NCC, 48-21.


Rushing:
 - Carries: Zachery Russell (11)
 - Yards: Tyler Adkins (55)
- Touchdowns: Zachery Russell (2)
Passing:
- Tyler Adkins (22-40-1 for 289 yards and one touchdown)
Receiving:
 - Catches: Trey Urwiler (8), Ty Pruett and Avron Carter (4)
 - Yards: Ty Pruett (122)
 - Touchdowns: Ty Pruett (1)
Defense:
- Tackles: Andrew Nordland (10)
- Sacks: Deuce Moore (1.5)
 

Next action for the Spartan football team comes on Saturday, September 21 when they host St. Norbert College. Kick-off is slated for 1:00 p.m. at Spartan Athletic Park in Montgomery, Illinois.