Setting the Scene: The Cardinals open the season on the road for the third straight year and the fifth time in the last six seasons, seeking a 37th consecutive regular-season victory before starting conference play next week. Series History: This is the 10th football meeting between the two institutions and just the second in the last 88 years.
North Central has won eight of the previous nine encounters. The teams renewed their long-dormant rivalry Sept. North Central scored 51 unanswered points en route to a victory, owning a advantage in total yards.
Ethan Greenfield ran for three touchdowns and yards on 16 carries, while Luke Lehnen, in his first collegiate game, completed 13 of 24 passes for yards and three scores.
National Rankings: North Central was ranked No. Aurora was ranked No. The Cardinals have been ranked No. Scouting the Spartans: Aurora opened its season Friday, Sept. Trailing, , midway through the second period, the Spartans turned to backup quarterback Tyler Adkins, who threw for touchdowns and ran for another as Aurora took a lead late in the third period.
Dubuque narrowed the gap to and had the ball late in the game when Aurora cornerback Qiuntarius Davis returned an interception 20 yards to the end zone. The Spartans gained yards, of which came from the passing game as Aurora completed 25 of 56 attempts. Adkins finished the game 22 of 40 for yards with two interceptions, while Zackery Russell gained a team-high 91 yards on 18 carries and wideout Avron Carter made five catches for yards. This Week for the Cardinals: North Central returns 13 starters from a team that advanced to the national championship for the fourth straight season.
