Aurora is the longest-running opponent in Lakeland football history, with the series between the two schools dating back to the Muskies' first season in 1934. The Spartans have won the last three meetings, including a 38-20 victory a year ago this weekend at Lakeland. The Muskies built a 13-0 lead early on, Aurora scored 26 unanswered points but the Muskies closed within 26-20 until the Spartans scored twice in the final 10 minutes to close the game out. Lakeland had won the previous five meetings, with its last win a 47-38 victory at Aurora Oct. 28, 2017. Until COVID-19 affected the 2020-21 season, the teams had met for 22 consecutive years after a 47-year break in the series, a result of Aurora dropping football in 1952 and not reinstating the sport until 1986.

Lakeland last time out: Defeated Eureka 26-17 last week
The Muskies broke out to a 20-0 lead in the second quarter but then had to hold on the rest of the way as the offense did not score again and the Red Devils drew within 20-17 and had chances to tie or take the lead in the final quarter. Jayson Wilder intercepted two passes, and his 54-yard pick and return for a touchdown with 17 seconds left in the game was the insurance score needed to give Lakeland its second win overall and in Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference play. Wilder's touchdown capped a defensive performance that did not allow a point in the second half. Shamond Oliver also intercepted a pass and the Muskies added 11 pass breakups while holding Eureka QB Lucas Tinkham to 10-for-36 passing. Robby Michael rushed for 144 yards and two touchdowns before leaving the game in the second quarter and Devon Harris added a team-high 146 yards rushing for his third straight 100-yard game.

Aurora last time out: Won at Benedictine 20-13 last week
The Spartans had their closest shave in NACC play and needed a go-ahead touchdown with less than six minutes left in the game to get past the Eagles on the road. Josh Swanson hit Trey Madsen for a six-yard TD with 5:37 left to cap a 12-play, 70-yard drive and provide the winning points. Jhe'Quay Chretin rushed for 209 yards for Aurora, which was limited to 131 yards passing but also received a strong defensive performance, holding Benedictine to 289 yards and to just six points the rest of the way after allowing a touchdown on the Eagles' first drive of the game.

About the Spartans: Aurora is undefeated in the NACC and 7-1 overall, with its only loss coming to Hope (Mich.) in its season opener. The Spartans rolled through their first four conference games, averaging 65 points per game in blowing out Concordia Chicago, Rockford, Wisconsin Lutheran and Eureka, but have been involved in lower-scoring games the last two weeks. Aurora ranks among the NCAA Division III leaders in several categories on both sides of the ball, including third nationally in passes intercepted, fourth in turnovers gained, sixth in turnover margin and 11th in team passing efficiency. The Spartans again are coached by Don Beebe, who played in the NFL for nine seasons, including in 1996-97 for the Packers, and was a member of Green Bay's Super Bowl XXXI champions team. Beebe has quickly built Aurora into a power in the NACC, including Division III playoff berths in 2019 and 2021.

Ground gains: Through a number of injuries as well as inconsistencies and close calls with a young and often inexperienced team, one thing Lakeland has done well this year consistently is run the ball. The Muskies rank fifth nationally in Division III averaging 295.5 yards per game rushing, and they've featured a 100-yard rusher in seven of eight games. Three different players-Robby Michael, Devon Harris and Jatron Bevly-have rushed for over 100 yards per game, and all three have done so multiple times (Michael 5, Harris 3, Bevly 2). The trio all have gained at least 500 yards on the season too (Michael 895 yards, Harris 609, Bevly 556). The rushing attack has keyed the Muskies fielding a unit that ranks 16th in Division III in total offense (478.8 yards/game), but Lakeland's ability to run will be tested by Aurora, which leads the NACC and ranks 20th nationally in Division III surrendering just 68.2 yards per game on the ground.