Despite a 393-yard, five-touchdown passing performance by quarterback Drew Barth, the Eureka College football team dropped a 62-35 decision at Aurora in a showdown between the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) preseason co-favorites.
Barth, a Fieldcrest High School product, completed 30-of-48 passes, including a 61-yard touchdown strike to James Douglas III early in the fourth quarter. Douglas had 10 receptions in the game to lead nine Eureka receivers.
Aurora University quarterback Gavin Zimbelman countered by throwing for 342 yards and seven touchdowns. Aurora also benefited from Tyran Bailey's 150 yards in 15 rushing attempts.
After a 1-yard TD pass from Barth to Grant Jochums early in the second quarter tied the game at 14-14, Aurora scored three unanswered touchdowns to grab a 35-14 halftime lead.