Spartans Pick Up Big Win Against Longtime Rival

AURORA, Ill. October 14, 2006 - The Aurora University Spartans and Benedictine University Eagles football teams locked pads in a tough defensive battle Saturday afternoon on AU Field. The Spartans managed to prevail and beat out their Illini Badger Football Conference rival 15-7.

AU managed to capitalize on numerous Benedictine turnovers deep in Spartan territory and score late in the second half to ensure the victory.

The Spartans jumped out to a 2-0 lead on the first play of the second quarter, as AU defensive end Brandon McIntoch teamed up with Harvey VanCleeve to sack Eagle quarterback Brody Budmayr in the end zone.

After trading possessions, AU struck once again following an Austin Deer interception of Budmayr. Deer returned the pick to the house, but a holding penalty resulted in AU starting the drive from the BU 28. Three plays later, Spartan quarterback Matt McGary connected with Cory Cowan on a 24 yard strike and AU led 9-0 after the Andrew Price pat conversion.

AU took the 9-0 lead into the half, but Benedictine came out quickly in the second half and put up a touchdown on a six yard bootleg by Budmayr. The scamper capped off a 13 play 85 yard drive that took just over five minutes.

After once again trading possessions through the end of the third quarter, BU mounted another drive and appeared to have the Spartans up against the ropes before being bit by the turnover bug yet again. Eagle running back Joe Borsellino coughed up the ball on a hit by AU's Mike Budzinski, Spartan defensive lineman Dominik Chandler pounced on the loose ball to end the Eagle drive.

AU went on the offensive and with seven minutes remaining in the game, McGary found running back Brent Harner in the back of the end zone to give the Spartans an eight point advantage and some breathing room. That score would turn out to be the last of the day for either side, though BU would threaten one more time. The drive was once again stalled by an Eagle turnover as Rico Grino fumbled and the Spartan duo of Budzinski and Chandler combined again to force and recovery the pigskin.

Benedictine would end up with five turnovers on the day including losing two fumbles in the second half deep in Aurora territory.

In the end, BU out gained AU 251 to 239 with both teams running 58 plays and the Eagles holding a 30:28 to 29:32 time of possession edge.

At the half, AU held a 121 to 34 yardage edge with AU running 36 plays to just 20 for the Eagles.

Offensively the Spartans were led by McGary's passing (14-of-23 for 163 yards and two touchdowns), Brent Harner had 15 carries for 34 yards and three catches for 37 yards and one touchdown. Cory Cowan had four catches for 67 yards and one touchdown.

On the defensive side, Mike Budzinski had 12 tackles and two forced fumbles, Brandon McIntosh had seven tackles, one and one-half sacks and the safety and Dominik Chandler had four tackles and two fumble recoveries.

Offensively for the Eagles, Budmayr was 2 of 11 passing for 35 yards and two interceptions, rushing he had 17 carries for 75 yards and one score. Grino had 13 carries for 50 yards while Borsellino had 12 rushes for 45 yards.

The Eagle defense was led by Kyle Bruett (10 tackles, three for loss) and Devin Montgomery (10 tackles, one and one-half for loss). Mike Alebich had seven tackles, a quarterback sack and one pass breakup.

With the win Aurora improves to 2-4 overall, 2-2 IBFC while Benedictine drops to 2-5 overall and 1-3 in the IBFC.