Spartans Victorious Over Falcons on Homecoming

AURORA, Ill. October 18, 2008 - The Aurora University Spartans defeated the Concordia (Wis.) University Falcons on Homecoming Saturday at Vago Field 21-19 on a beautiful afternoon.

Before kickoff, Aurora University Board of Trustees President Calvin Meyers led the field dedication ceremony along with AU President Rebecca Sherrick and Head Coach Rich Duncan. They honored alum Lou Vago for his contributions to AU’s new football stadium as well as his support for Aurora University. He was presented with an autographed football courtesy of the AU football team as well as an AU Letterman’s jacket after the unveiling of the scoreboard bearing his name “Vago Field”.

The Falcons struck first, when kicker Dan Winsey converted a 26 yard field goal with 11:06 in the first quarter. The Falcons took the lead into the second quarter but were not able to hold the determined Spartans.

Sophomore quarterback Nate Peterson found junior wide receiver Tim Young in the end zone for a 4 yard touchdown pass, putting the Spartans in the lead 7-3. The Falcons, however, cut into lead at the end of the half, as Winsey kicked his second field goal of the day, a 45 yard boot with the clock ticking down.

The Spartans came out of halftime firing on all cylinders, as junior running back Ryne Reder scored on a 37 yard run 30 seconds into the third quarter, putting the Spartans in the lead 14-6. However, the Falcons answered back, as quarterback Nathan Chart connected with receiver Taylor Siolka on a 3 yard pass, pulling the Falcons with 2 points.

The Spartans again answered, this time on a Reder 12 yard run with 6 minutes remaining in the third quarter, putting the Spartans up 21-12. The Spartan defense held the Falcons in check until the final seconds in the fourth quarter, as the Falcons went 80 yards in 2 minutes to pull within 2 points.

However, the Spartans recovered the onside kick, as senior tight end Aaron Harmon fell on the ball, ending any hope of a Concordia comeback.

On the day, Peterson was 19-36 for 73 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception, while Reder ran for 153 yards on 25 carries. The Spartans totaled 271 yards of offense. On the defensive side, senior cornerback Matt Meyer and junior safety Reed Sullivan each had 11 tackles.

With the win, the Spartans end a 3 game losing streak to the Falcons and improve to 5-1 (3-0 NAC) while the Falcons fall to 3-4 (2-1 NAC).

AU will be in action next on October 25 when they travel to Rockford College to take on the Regents. Game time is set for 1:00.