AURORA, ILL.- The Concordia University Chicago (CUC) Cougars hit the road to Aurora against Aurora University (AUR) Spartans.The Cougars fought hard throughout the game but ultimately fell to the Spartans, 52-0.
INSIDE THE BOX
- Colton Bosch (Coopersville, Mich.) led the Cougars passing game with a total of 68 yards.
- Phoenyx Clark (South Bend, Ind.) paced on the ground with 51 rushing yards.
- Korey Randle (East Moline, Ill.) led the receiving room with 55 receiving yards on three receptions.
- Defensively, Kadin Stroer (Warrenton, Mo.) led with 12 total tackles.
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED:
FIRST QUARTER
The Spartans won the coin toss and chose to receive the ball to start the game. Unable to convert on their opening drive, the Spartans missed a field goal attempt, giving possession to the Cougars. The Cougars offense attempted to move the ball downfield but was forced to punt. Following a short punt, the Spartans began their next drive in Cougars territory. After a failed rush resulted in a loss of ten yards, the Spartans connected on a 38 yard pass to reach the red zone. On the following play, they capitalized on the opportunity and scored a touchdown, taking a 7-0 lead. The Cougars took possession and attempted to get their offense going with the run game but were unable to earn a first down. On their next drive, the Spartans advanced to the CUC11 yard line, but the Cougars defense held strong and prevented them from scoring. The Spartans went for it on fourth down but were stopped by the Cougars. After a sack, Bosch sparked the Cougars offense by completing a 14 yard pass to Randle. Following short gains by Brown and Kevon Lawson (Pompano Beach, Fla.) , Bosch connected with Randle on a 38 pass for a first down. However, the Cougars were unable to maintain their momentum, as Bosch was sacked on fourth down, ending the drive. The first quarter ended after ten plays and a 51 yard drive by the Cougars, with possession returning to the Spartans and the score remaining 7-0.
SECOND QUARTER
The Spartans came out strong to begin the second quarter, rushing left for 62 yards and a touchdown to extend their lead to 14-0. After two incomplete passes, the Spartans sacked Bosch, forcing a fumble and ending the Cougars drive. Already being in Cougars territory, the Spartans completed a pass up the middle for another touchdown, increasing their lead to 21-0. The Cougars began their next drive with Brown rushing left for seven yards, but the gain was not enough for a first down, forcing another punt. The Spartans returned the punt for five yards before fumbling the ball. However, another Spartan recovered it and scored a touchdown, extending the lead to 28-0. The Cougars defense responded by stopping the Spartans in three plays. However, the Cougars were unable to convert on their next drive, as Bosch gained only six yards on a fourth down rushing attempt. The Spartans capitalized on the change of possession and added another touchdown to the scoreboard, making it 35-0. Starting at their own 21 yard line, the Cougars gained six yards on a rush by Clark. Clark continued to move the ball downfield, adding another 30 yards through rushing attempts. However, the Cougars were unable to reach the end zone and were forced to punt again. The first half ended with the Spartans in possession and leading 35-0.
THIRD QUARTER
The Cougars opened the second half with possession but struggled to get their offense moving, ending their drive after seven plays. The Spartans used that to their advantage on their next possession, scoring another touchdown to extend their lead to 42-0. The Cougars began their next drive with back to back rushes by Clark for a total of nine yards. Brown followed with a nine yard rush, but Clark fumbled on the next play, allowing the Spartans to regain possession. The Spartans utilized the turnover and scored another touchdown, increasing their lead to 49-0. The third quarter ended with the Cougars on a drive highlighted by a 20 yard rush from Clark, while the Spartans maintained a 49-0 lead.
FOURTH QUARTER
Continuing their drive into the fourth quarter, the Cougars were unable to earn a first down after losing two yards. Both teams exchanged possessions over the next two drives before the Spartans advanced into field goal range and converted a field goal, extending their lead to 52-0. Both teams were unable to score on their remaining possessions, and the game ended with the Spartans securing a 52-0 victory over the Cougars.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Cougars will welcome Lakeland University Muskies on Saturday, October 17th at 1 PM. Coverage can be found at cucougars.com.
