Spartans Defeat Lakeland on AU Senior Day

AURORA, Ill. November 4, 2006 - The Aurora University Spartan football program under the direction of Head Coach Rich Duncan ensured themselves of at least a .500 record with the 25-20 victory over Lakeland College on AU Field Saturday afternoon.

Lakeland jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead over the host Spartans with 9:26 left in the opening quarter. After AU was forced to punt on its opening possession, Spartan punter Mike Lund pinned the Muskies deep in their own territory at the four yard line. On a third and twelve from their own two, Lakeland quarterback Brad Wilk connected with receiver Isaih Calhoun on a 98-yard scoring strike. The pass set an AU Field record and was the longest an AU opponent has ever had.

Both teams traded possessions for the remainder of the first quarter and into the second, when the Spartans would respond and score their first touchdown of the day. A Matt McGary nine yard scoring strike to Jimmy Hunt capped off a seven play, 55 yard drive with 1:21 left to play in the first half.

The second half would not turn out to be a scoring frenzy, fueled by numerous turnovers by both teams. On its opening possession of the second half, Lakeland was forced to punt by the Spartan defense, when Muskie punter Nic Horstmeier had the snap sail over his head deep in Lakeland territory. Horstmeier would recover at the Lakeland two yard line. .

That provided Aurora with the scoring opportunity they were looking for and it took just one play, as running back Ryne Reder plunged two yards for the go ahead score. The Andrew Price point after attempt was blocked.

Immediately following the kickoff, Lakeland’s Wilk fumbled on a lateral attempt and Spartan linebacker Chris McAndrew pounced on the loose football giving Aurora possession deep in Muskie territory once again.

McGary and the Spartans took advantage once again, as he would hook up with fullback Nick Paxson on a 17 yard touchdown pass. Following a missed two-point attempt, AU had a 19-7 lead.

Lakeland would not go quietly though, as Wilk and the Muskies answered on their ensuing drive. Muskie kick returner Jac Heinemeyer had a 46 yard return to the AU 38 yard line. That led to Wilk and Calhoun connecting for the second time on the day, this time from three yards out. The scoring strike capped off an 11 play, 38 yard drive.

Both teams traded possessions and Aurora led 19-14 entering the fourth quarter.

Lakeland took their second lead of the day with 13:19 left on the clock. Wilk connected with Eric Royal from seven yards out. The score was set up following a turnover by Aurora’s Paxson at the AU 32 yard line.

The young Spartans responded immediately on their next drive. McGary threw his third scoring pass of the day, this time from 68 yards out to freshman receiver Zach Sitter. McGary eluded three Muskie defenders before finding Sitter streaking down the middle of the field behind the Lakeland defense. The Spartan two-point attempt failed and AU once again led 25-20.

Aurora forced Lakeland to punt on the ensuing possession and the Spartans were then able to run 4:31 off the clock before Lund pinned the Muskies deep in their own territory once again. Lakeland made one last attempt to win the game and extend their win streak over the Spartans to four games, but the AU defense would have nothing of it. Lakeland could manage to gain just 28 yards before turning the ball over on downs with 0:46 left to play and no timeouts. McGary took a knee and cinched the Spartan victory.

Aurora was led by McGary’s passing on the afternoon. He finished 11-of-23 for 181 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw on interception. Reder had 21 carries for 54 yards and one score. Defensively, linebacker Chris Jackowiak led the way with 11 tackles and one fumble recovery. Fellow linebacker Mike Budzinski had nine tackles and one forced fumble and safety Nick Gniedziejko had eight tackles and one pass break up.

Lakeland was led by Wilk’s passing; he finished 18-of-31 for 230 yards and three touchdowns. Calhoun had three catches for 131 yards and two scores. Defensively, John Wagner had nine tackles and one forced fumble, while Phil Sims had seven tackles, one forced fumble and a pass break-up.

With the win, AU improved to 5-4 overall and 5-2 in the IBFC, while Lakeland falls to 5-5 and 5-2 in the IBFC.

Aurora will take on Division IAA Valparaiso University on Saturday, November 11, 2006 at 12:30 p.m. in Valparaiso, IN.