Spartans Named Football All-Conference

AURORA, Ill. November 17, 2006 - The Illini-Badger Football Conference announced the 2006 All-Conference teams and the Spartans football program placed members throughout the teams. AU finished the 2006 season with a 5-5 overall record and were 5-2 in the IBFC.

AU senior offensive lineman Nick Koch (Chebanse, IL/Clifton Central HS) and senior defensive back Austin Deer (Fisher, IL/Fisher HS) were named Illini-Badger First-Team All-Conference. Koch anchored the Spartan offensive line that rushed for 137 yards per game and passed for over 1,000 in IBFC action, while Deer was the Spartan defensive leader, recording 38-1/2 tackles, four interceptions, seven pass break-ups, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and a blocked kick.

Being honored with Illini-Badger Second-Team All-Conference recognitions are senior fullback Nick Paxson (Plainfield, IL/Plainfield HS), sophomore defensive lineman Marcus Goedken (Sugar Grove, IL/Kaneland HS), sophomore defensive back Matt Meyer (Yorkville, IL/Yorkville HS) and freshman linebacker Mike Budzinski (Minooka, IL/Minooka HS).

Illini-Badger Honorable Mention All-Conference selections include nine Spartans: senior wide receiver Jimmy Hunt (Melbourne, FL/Eau Gallie HS), junior defensive lineman Brandon McIntosh (Lauderhill, FL/American Heritage HS), sophomore offensive lineman Casey Schmit (Jesup, IA/Jesup HS), junior return specialist Brent Harner (Sugar Grove, IL/Kaneland HS), freshman running back Ryne Reder (Aurora, IL/Marmion Academy), freshman quarterback Matt McGary (Aurora, IL/West Aurora HS), sophomore linebacker Chris Jackowiak (Woodstock, IL/Woodstock HS), freshman defensive back Tony Musaraca (Sugar Grove, IL/Kaneland HS) and sophomore punter Mike Lund (Lansing, IL/T.F. South HS).

The Spartans averaged 282.9 yards per game of total offense, 137.0 on the ground, 145.9 through the air and scored 22.6 points per game in IBFC play, while the defensive unit allowed 16.7 points per game, 282.1 yards of total offense, 135.6 on the ground and 146.6 through the air.

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