Oct. 8, 2016 - The Concordia-Chicago Cougars traveled to Aurora, IL to take on the Aurora University Spartans in their first NACC game of the year. In a tough, physical game throughout, the Cougars came up short in losing to the Spartans 28-26.

The Cougars' defense came out flying on the first series of the game, forcing Aurora to turn the ball over on downs. The offense continued that momentum driving down the field, converting a fourth down, and eventually reaching the end zone on a 12-yard run by Lance Moise to give CUC an early 6-0 lead. The Cougars' defense came up huge again on Aurora's second drive of the game.  Aurora drove down to the CUC 11 until Zak Ripp made a huge play in forcing a fumble that the Cougars were able to recover. 

After Aurora held the Cougars' offense to a turnover on downs in AU territory, the defense struck again to regain the momentum.  With Aurora going hurry-up and driving down the field, Peyton Seidler went up high to grab another turnover for the CUC defense.  Midway through the second quarter, the Spartans were able to figure out the Cougar defense as they got the lead on a one-yard touchdown run by running back Tyree Chaplin. 

Late in the half, Aurora ran the hurry-up offense again. The Spartans were able to drive down the field for another touchdown from Rogers to Logiurato as the home team took a 14-6 lead heading into halftime.

Early in the second half, the Cougars came up with their third takeaway of the day, and second inside the red zone when Caleb Casey outjumped the Aurora wide receiver for the interception.  With good defense comes good offense as the Cougars drove down the field. They finalized the drive with a 12-yard pass from Rob Granquist to Rashad Lofton. The two-point conversion was no good, so the Cougars still trailed the Spartans 14-12 in the middle of the 3rd quarter. 

Keeping the momentum, the Cougars elected for an onside kick, which they recovered.  CUC kept the pressure on AU's defense as the drive kept rolling with first downs and Aurora penalties. The drive was finished with Granquist connecting with Lofton on a 12-yard touchdown pass to give the Cougars an 18-14 lead in the middle of the third quarter. 

Early in the fourth quarter, the Spartans defense came away with a pick-six by junior defensive back Kam Dawtyne after there was confusion between the CUC quarterback and wide receiver to give Aurora a 21-18 lead. 

With the Cougars' offense trying to get back in the game, Granquist connected with Ryan Allison on a fourth and one to continue the drive. However, the drive was later stalled and CUC was forced to punt.  With six minutes left, Aurora found the end zone again on a 20-yard pass from Rogers to Logiurato for the second time on the day to make it a 28-18 game. 

Late in the fourth quarter, Concordia-Chicago came roaring down the field highlighted by passes from freshman quarterback Emilio Ariaza to Lofton. CUC scored on a six-yard pass from Araiza to Lofton, and the two-point conversion to Randell Newton was also good. The Cougars trailed 28-26 with 2:55 left in the game.  Once again, CUC attempted an onside, but the Spartans recovered and were able to run out the clock and win the game. 

The postgame stats showed the Cougars with a slight advantage in total offense, 393 yards to AU's 375. Moise rushed for 154 yards on 24 carries. The quarterbacks combined for 231 yards as Granquist was 22 of 39 for 192 yards while Araiza was two for three for 39 yards. Defensively, A.J. Seidler marked his return to the lineup with nine tackles (six solos) and a forced fumble.  

The Cougars (2-3, 0-1 NACC) will return home next Saturday, Oct. 15 to take on Rockford University. Kickoff time is at 1 p.m.