AURORA, Ill.- The Rockford University football team dropped their Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference opener 16-8 against Aurora University at Aurora. The Regents got off to a slow start as they were forced to punt on their first six possessions. Rockford eventually found the end zone late in the fourth quarter but were unable to pull off the comeback losing by a final of 16-8. 

Rockford started the game slow, and had their lone scoring drive come with two minutes left in the fourth quarter. Adam O'Malley (Elk Grove, Ill.) marched the Regents down the field to cap off a seven-play 80 yard drive with a 15 yard completion to Demonte Wigfall (Alton, Ill.). However, it was ultimately too late as the Regents lost by a final of 16-8. Rockford had two other opportunities to score but ultimately missed both field goals.  

Rockford's defense played well all game and were led once again by Michael Watson (Schaumburg, Ill.) tallying 7 tackles to lead the Regents. Matt Nelson (Rockford, Ill.) led the Regents in tackles for loss with three for 24 yards lost, two of which were sacks, and recorded six total tackles. The lone turnover forced by the Regents came from Josh Nelson (Ladd, Ill.) with a forced fumble and five total tackles. Benjamin LeRoy III (Pacoima, Calif.) added another sack and four total tackles. Brandon Imel (Polo, Ill.) also played well recording five tackles for the Regents. 

Offensively O'Malley led the Regents completing 16-of-30 passing for 147 yards and 1 touchdown. Mar Sean Vercher (Chicago, Ill.) led Rockford in receiving yards with 5 receptions for 76 yards. Tre Hatchett (Springfield, Ill.) led the Regents in rushing with 12 attempts for 47 yards. 

The Rockford University football team returns to action Saturday, October 10 to take on Hope College in Homecoming at Sam Greeley Field with a scheduled start time of 1 p.m.