Spartan Football Picks-Up Homecoming Victory

AURORA, Ill. October 22, 2007 - The Aurora University football team defeated Concordia University-Chicago 49-19 on Saturday afternoon in front of a rowdy homecoming, and senior day, crowd at AU Field. The win improves Aurora’s overall record to 3-4, and 3-2 in the Illini-Badger Football Conference; while Concordia falls to 3-5 overall and 2-3 in the IBFC.

The Spartans were led by sophomore running back Ryne Reder, who ran for 153 yards on 27 carries. Reder also picked up two rushing touchdowns. Freshman quarterback Spenser Adams played well in his second collegiate start, going 9-of-21 through the air, with three touchdown passes. Adams highlighted his efficient day with a sixty-one yard touchdown strike to sophomore receiver Zach Sitter.

The scoring started out when Spartan sophomore defensive back Reed Sullivan picked off a Concordia pass attempt and took it all the way to the end-zone in order to put Aurora up 6-0; it was the first of two picks for Sullivan on the day. The extra-point added by Andrew Price made it 7-0 Aurora. Price, a sophomore, would prove to be perfect on the day, connecting on seven straight extra points.

With four minutes left in the first quarter, Adams connected with Brent Harner on a thirteen yard touchdown reception. Soon thereafter, Adams would find Sitter for the long touchdown reception in order to put AU up 21-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Concordia fired back early in the second quarter, as quarterback Mike Marotta connected with Dan Meier in order to put Concordia on the board. Aurora then added another quick touchdown only to be matched by Concordia as back-up QB Jason Weeks found Mike Burch for a three-yard touchdown pass. Weeks had an impressive game, as he finished the day for Concordia going ten of fourteen with two touchdown passes and no interceptions.

The second half was all Aurora as Reder pushed in the only points of the third quarter on a four-yard touchdown run. Reder would add another four-yard TD run later on in the game. Between Reder TD runs, Adams managed to connect with Jake Witcpalek for a twelve-yard touchdown pass. The scoring concluded as Concordia found the end-zone as time expired in order to make the final score 49-19 in favor of Aurora.