Spartans Wallop Warriors 51-6

AURORA, Ill. November 1, 2008 - The Aurora University Spartans defeated the visiting Warriors of Wisconsin Lutheran College 51-6 in Northern Athletics Conference action Saturday afternoon at Vago Field.

The story of the game early in the first quarter was turnovers, as the Spartans and Warriors traded interceptions and turnovers on a series of sloppy possessions. In fact, Warrior quarterback John Bodnar was intercepted on three of his first six pass attempts.

AU was finally able to capitalize one of the Warrior interceptions, as sophomore quarterback Nate Peterson turned a broken play into a 15 yard touchdown run, putting the Spartans in the lead 7-0 late in the first quarter.

The second quarter featured much of the same, as the Spartan defense harassed the Warrior offense and forced more turnovers. The Spartans were able to add to their lead early in the second quarter, as junior tailback Ryne Reder scored on a one- yard run, making the score 14-0 Spartans.

On AU’s next possession, they drove 56 yards on eight plays and sophomore kicker Ryan Subick connected on a 36-yard field goal, making the score 17-0 AU heading into halftime.

The Spartans came out of halftime determined to make a statement to the rest of the NAC, as they scored four times in less than eight minutes (one their first four possessions) to end any hope a Warrior comeback.

The first score consisted of Peterson finding junior receiver Tim Young for a 34-yard score, increasing the lead to 24-0. Minutes later, Peterson connected with junior running back Jeff Fellers for a 32-yard strike. The Spartans were not done yet, as Reder broke off an impressive 49-yard touchdown run to make the score 38-0.

The final Spartan score of the third quarter came courtesy of a Spencer Adams 46 yard pass to junior tight end Ryan Milus, making the score 45-0. The Spartans would go on to add one more score in the fourth quarter, as Adams would find freshman wide receiver Jordan Peterson on a 20 yard pass.

On the day, Peterson was 8 of 15 for 166 yards and two touchdowns. On the ground, Reder ran for 93 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries. Fellers and Young each caught three passes.

The Spartan defense was dominant, as they limited the Warriors to a mere 219 total yards. Top Spartan defenders included junior cornerback Tony Musaraca (four interceptions), sophomore defensive back Jimmy Fierro (two interceptions), sophomore safety Kevin Glock (five tackles), and junior linebacker Mike Budzinski (five tackles).

Musaraca’s four interceptions tied an AU single game record originally set by Brian Fetterolf, the record had stood for 19-years (September 9, 1989 against Knox College).

This was the first time in Head Coach Rich Duncan’s career that his Spartans scored over 50 points. The last time the Spartans scored 50 points came on October 16, 2004 against Concordia University Chicago.

With the win, AU improves to 7-1 (5-0 NAC) while Wisconsin Lutheran falls to 3-5 (2-3 NAC). The Spartans will be in action next on November 8, when the travel to River Forest to take on the Concordia University Chicago Cougars. Game time is set for Noon.